Santa Rosa County, Fla — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida is proud to announce Wendy Hughes as the recipient of the 2022 Big of the Year award in Santa Rosa County.
On June 14, 2022, our staff worked with Wendy’s friends and family to surprise her with the award at our monthly board meeting. Wendy thought she was taking a casual motorcycle ride with her son and friends and was completely caught off guard when they arrived at the meeting, where her Little Sister Wendy was waiting. During the award ceremony, Wendy embraced her Little Sister, stating: “I love this kid with all my heart. This one’s a lifer, she has got me for life.”
Wendy was matched with Little in the summer of 2016, when she was just 11 years old.
Sharing the same first name, the two instantly shared a unique bond and have built a strong friendship over the years. Despite all sorts of challenges, including the pandemic, Wendy finds new ways to connect with her Little, by accommodating her changing passions and interests.
They share all sorts of adventures together such as going to the movies, nail salon, visiting the Zoo and even attending a Samurai show! Although the types of outings they enjoy have changed over the years, this match always finds ways to have fun.
Little Sister Wendy says that whenever she feels stressed or needs someone to talk to, she reaches out to her Big Sister for some “Wendy Time” and she knows that she will always be there for her, no matter the circumstance.
Wendy has been an outstanding mentor and member of our volunteer community for almost six years, and we are so grateful to have her as part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters family and proud to present her with the 2022 Santa Rosa County Big of the Year award.
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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida has been the area’s leader in one-to-one youth service for 32 years by providing caring, adult mentors to children ages 5 through 18 and beyond. Our mission is to help children reach their potential through professionally supported, positive relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Last year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida served 511 children in Northwest Florida.