AUBURN – Eighty adults and children gathered at the Martindale Country Club to honor volunteers that work in the Child Health Center’s Big Brothers Big Sisters Programs. There was a buffet meal and entertainment by magician Bob Nixon and pianist Alan Hutchinson.

Awards presented to Bigs in the community-based mentoring program and mentors who volunteer in the site based programs in Auburn and Lewiston schools.

This year Diane Blanchard, case manager in the Community Based Mentoring Program, honored Dot Moreau, Peggy Bishop and Vesta Rand as Big Sisters of the Year.

Moreau, a former paralegal and Auburn resident, was matched with her Little, Beth Jackson, four years ago. Blanchard stated that “Dot’s willingness to listen objectively and her sense of humor has been a wonderful asset for her little sister.”

Moreau was recognized for her devotion to Jackson who stated: “Dot is the best thing that ever happened to me”. Rand, a teacher in the Auburn schools, was honored for her dedication to Andrea Breton. Rand and Breton were matched four years ago and Rand has been a supportive and comforting friend ever since. During their time together they have enjoyed new experiences such as going to a Japanese tea ceremony, touring Boston’s Aquarium and visiting museums and historic sites.

Bishop, a bookkeeper and business manager for Bishop Adjustment Services, was recognized for her six years as a mentor. Bishop was matched with Jolene Stevens when Jolene was just 8 years old. Stevens stated “Peggy is a real friend and makes boring things seem interesting.” Because Bishop has recently moved to Carabasset the two are no longer able to see each other on a regular basis and therefore their match has been closed. They are now part of the Life Long Friend Group of Past Bigs and Littles. Blanchard stated “they will continue to see each other, just not as often.”

After recognizing the three Big Sisters of the Year, Blanchard presented Evelyn Duplissis with the Volunteer of the Year award. Duplissis has been matched with her Little, Hanna Wade, for the last two years.

Duplissis, an employee at the Auburn Saving Bank, has helped at the Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl For Kids Sake Events for the last several years and has been a great resource to new volunteers. Blanchard states: “she helps provide ideas for match events and maintains regular contact with me, which I appreciate.”

Daryl Lamore, the site based coordinator for the Lewiston schools, then recognized. Gisele Chabot of Lewiston as Mentor of the Year for the Lewiston Site Based Program. Chabot was matched with Sophia Farnsworth, a third-grader at the Montello School last year. Farnsworth stated that she “enjoys spending time with her mentor and looks forward to their time together.” This past year Chabot and Farnsworth were honored to have their match sponsored by Liberty Mutual Insurance Group of Lewiston.

Auburn site based coordinator Barbara Mitchell, recognized Jeffrey Butler as the Auburn Site Based Mentor of the Year. Butler has been matched with Erik Fye and has been a strong role model for this child.

The final award of the night was a new one. This year the first annual Board Member of the Year Award was presented to Judy Greene of the Oxford Hills Area. She received this award for her support in establishing a new volunteer board for the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program, as well as her dedication to her Little Sister, Dominique Dulrif, and to the program in general.

Greene’s son owns and races a car at the Oxford Plains speedway, and with the support of her family they honored the Big Brothers Big Sisters’ program by painting the Big Brothers Big Sisters’ logo the hood of the race car to bring more attention to the program. Green, her husband and son brought the car to the Bowl For Kids Sake Fund Raiser this year.