Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri Recognizes Graduating Littles, Inducts Seven into Agency’s Hall of Fame

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri (BBBSEMO) recently rolled out its signature “Purple Carpet” at the organization’s first ever Big Event. The special dinner and awards program was launched to honor the agency’s graduates and their Bigs and parents and to celebrate many individuals, businesses and organizations that have helped to advance the organization’s mission. The agency inducted seven new members into its Hall of Fame.

Fifty-eight graduating Little Brothers and Little Sisters from the Eastern Missouri region were recognized at the event. The average length of match for these 58 achieving Littles and their Bigs was six years. Bill DeWitt III, President of the St. Louis Cardinals and Chairman of the BBBSEMO Board of Directors, expressed the agency’s pride for this group. “Eighty percent already have plans for their future – whether it is college, military service, or the opportunity to go to work,” DeWitt noted.

Sharing the spotlight with the graduates were seven individuals/businesses that were inducted into the Hennings’ Circle, the agency’s Hall of Fame. The award’s namesake, Judge Thomas Hennings, a juvenile court judge, founded Big Brothers Big Sisters in St. Louis 99 years ago.

The seven honorees follow: Sherry Deery, parent; Allen Savat, Big Brother; Jonathan Deery, Little Brother; Cape Girardeau Public Schools, school partner; Citi, business partner; St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, community partner; and Melissa Bode, Big Brothers Big Sisters staff member.

Savat and his Little Brother, Jonathan, were acknowledged a second time. The friends were applauded when it was announced that Savat had been named Missouri’s Big Brother of the Year.

Also recognized at the celebration were Big Sister Katie Miller and Little Sister Tia. Miller was named the agency’s Big Sister of the Year. Tia is graduating from high school and is planning to attend nursing school in the fall. 

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri was founded in 1914 as one of the “charter” agencies of the Big Brothers Big Sisters national movement. Through our 4:1+1SM model, young people are surrounded by caring and supportive adults to inspire them and show them anything is possible. The organization currently provides services to children and families in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Jefferson County, Cape Girardeau County and Scott County. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri is a proud member of the United Way. For more information, please contact Mary Jane Daum at 314-615-1094, or visit www.bbbsemo.org.