September Match of the Month - Gabe and Hunter

​Gabe was enrolled a little over a year ago by his mom.  As a 15 year old boy, he and mom weren’t getting along great, which can by typical and she really felt that he would benefit from a man to spent time with and talk to.  He was a bit hesitant to get matched, as he didn’t want a Big Brother that was going to treat him ‘like a kid’. 
 
Hunter was a perfect match for Gabe.  Hunter’s family has a long standing commitment to the community, volunteering, being on boards and supporting local organizations.  He knew that it was time for him to step into the role, as he had graduated, was working full time and had time to commit to the program.
 
When I say perfect match, I mean one of those feelings that you get at the match introduction meeting that – oh, this is going to be so good.  I say this all the time….Bigs and Littles many times just do everyday things…it’s not some grand gesture…it’s time spent, learning, growing, talking, listening – and that’s what Hunter and Gabe do.  A lot of hanging out in Ann Arbor going to the Art Fair, Top of the Park, Pinball Pete’s…. walking around, eating, talking about sports, cars and shoes.  Hunter is someone that Gabe knows is there to talk when he needs it.
 
I think this is a great match to highlight this month as we are kicking off our 100 MENtors in 100 Days campaign to increase the # of Big Brothers!  We have so many boys on our waiting list, some of them waiting over a year.  And Gabe and Hunter really show you how fun and easy it can be…it’s a couple of hours a couple of times a week.  It makes more of a difference that you can ever know….
 
And Hunter is also our speaker at a Fall Evening with BBBS, our biggest fundraiser of the year.  We’ll be at the home of Patrick and Nancy Paige on Sunday, Sept. 16th enjoying some good food, drink, and friends….raising money to recruit, enroll, training, make and support our Bigs, Littles and their families.