an annual Big Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Cruz County award

Celebrating a match that has experienced significant growth and
exceptionally shows the impact a mentoring friendship can have.
Recognizing this match at the annual Holiday Party in December.
Honoring the match with a uniquely designed gift provided by businesses
and individuals in the community that would like to recognize the Match of the Year.

To find out more about how you or your business can help us celebrate the Match of the Year,
contact Marie Cubillas at marie@santacruzmentor.org.

2001	2009

Times Publishing article / Santa Cruz Sentinel article

On October 9, 2001, Fifty-nine year old Joan Donato was matched to an 8 year old girl, Annangel, in Big
Brothers Big Sistersʼ One-to-One mentoring program. Their weekly time was spent going to museums,
roller-skating and rollerblading, and other activities. As Ann Angel matured and developed, she struggled
to make relational connections with peers and adults. Joan stood by. From helping Annangel find a
gymnastics class to becoming what Annangelʼs mother Debbie called “a friend of the family”, Joanʼs
consistency in support to Annangelʼs life and development was more than significant. Eight years later,
sixteen year-old Annangel has grown into a confident young woman-- becoming a woman of relational
stretngth and kindness. Despite any challenges this match may have faced, their relationship has grown
and developed to the extent that they consider each other as family. The match celebrates their 8th
anniversary this year.

Marie Cubillas, Big Brothers Big Sisters Executive Director, remarks: “It is our honor and privilege to
recognize the significance of Joan and Annangel as the First Annual Big Brothers Big Sistersʼ Match of
the Year. All of our volunteers and families invest so much that it was difficult to select one match in
particular. However, Joan and Annangelʼs relationship over 8 years has been marked by consistency and
significant growth. We celebrate them and the other mentors in our program.”