(Oct. 23, 2002) - Local volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona have won the highly regarded honor of being named "Bigs" of the year.

Phoenix Councilman Greg Stanton is the Big Brother of the Year. He is from Phoenix and has been a Big Brother since 1995. Big Sister of the Year went to Tempe resident Susan Rhodes, a research assistant at Barrow's Neurological Institute. She has been a Big Sister since 1993. Couple Match of the Year went to JoAnn and Joel Schotz from Phoenix, employees of America West Airlines and Myers Tire Supply, respectively. They were matched with their Little in 2000. School-Based Big Brother of the Year was awarded to Intel employee and Gilbert resident Robert Gaede, who has been in the program since 1998. School-Based Big Sister of the Year went to Joanne Harroun from Surprise, a retiree who has been matched in the program since 2000. The High School Bigs of the Year went to Cynthia Cantu and Jesus Teran, both college students from Phoenix.

Dick Todd from Arizona Drug Screening and Investigations received the Barry Starr Award for his 16-year history of providing free background checks for potential Big Brothers and Sisters.

Volunteers were honored at The Big Event, which took place Saturday, October 5th, at Rustler's Rooste in Phoenix. 750 people were in attendance at the 8th annual dinner and awards ceremony, which was emceed by Robin Sewell and KMLE radio personality Dan Tooker.

"The Big Event gives our agency a chance every year to recognize and express gratitude toward everyone who has donated time and money to our cause," said Laura Capello, Vice President of Marketing and Communication with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona. "We don't want their generosity towards children to be overlooked; it's vital to our program and to the well-being of the kids."

Little Moments. Big Magic!

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona, a non-profit agency that matches children ages 6 -17 with caring adult role models, has shaped the lives of thousands of Arizona children through one-to-one friendships. This is the only organization that provides all services to Arizona youth on a volunteer basis. To learn more about their organization, visit their Web site at www.bbbsaz.org.