Big Brothers Big Sisters reaches two thousand matches
Match earlier this month marks 2,000th in San Luis Obispo County
Big Brother Robert Mariani and Little Brother Domenick Burrell.
–The local Big Brothers Big Sisters affiliate celebrated its 2,000th mentor match when they introduced 6-year-old Domenick Burrell to his new Big Brother, 40-year-old Robert Mariani, this month. Burrell’s mom requested a mentor who is “successful in his career and life” and who can “help guide Domenick to choose a good path.”
Mariani, a Cal Poly grad, Elks Lodge member and broker with Diamond Realty in San Luis Obispo has very limited experience working with youth but is “excited about helping out and giving back.” Together, they look forward to exploring outdoor activities in the little brother’s home town of Atascadero and building a relationship based on their shared interest in sports.
Burrell waited only nine weeks for a mentor, significantly less that the average local wait time of 18 months for boys and 12 months for girls. The speed with which the agency was able to serve Burrell, and reach the landmark goal of 2,000 matches is due in large part to a generous grant from Must! Charities, which is being used to grow the program in North County communities, which have been under-served over the last two decades.
Currently, seventy-five children are waiting to be matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister county-wide. Call now (805) 781-3226 to be the 2,001st match.
