AUBURN – Child Health Center’s Big Brothers Big Sisters recently held the annual volunteer appreciation dinner at the Martindale Country Club to honor the volunteer mentors and mentees who participate in the program throughout Oxford, Androscoggin, northern Cumberland and southern Franklin counties.

More than 130 adults and teen volunteers, along with many of their mentees, gathered for dinner, entertainment and recognition.

The evening started off with photos of the matches taken, followed by a meal and entertainment by pianist, Jerry Nardi-MoY. Following the dinner, the Great Stephan, a magician, appeared. The finale was the recognition of many of the volunteers and school personnel who have supported the site- and community-based programs over the last year.

As part of the Franklin County program Coordinator Nancy Carpenter recognized Jill Lake as Mentor of the Year. Lake is a human resource person at Wausau Paper Group in Jay.

She was matched with a 9-year-old, and from October until February they were part of a site-based program in which they met at the school. In February they transitioned into a community match that allowed them a wider range of activities and more time together. They still meet at the local school for an hour once a week and out in the community throughout each month.

Lake and her match are one of more than 700 matches under the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program. Each coordinator stated that there are many people who deserve recognition for their help each year. Those recognized represent a small number of those who support the mentoring programs.

Anyone interested in learning more about mentoring or the Child Health Center should call 743-7035.