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Schmatz earns state’s Big Brother of Year award |
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota held its annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner on April 28. At this event, all volunteer “Bigs” were recognized for their involvement and thanked for their continued support of the area’s youth. Awards for Big Sister and Big Brother of the Year were also given out.
This year’s Big Brother of the Year, Todd Schmatz, works in Milaca and resides in Princeton. Not only did Todd receive the award from the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota branch, he went on to receive the State of Minnesota Big Brother of the Year award.
Todd and his Little Brother, Matt, were matched in December of 2000, when Matt was 10 years old. Todd and Matt have become close throughout the years. Todd considers Matt to be part of his family and their relationship has grown into a lifelong friendship. Todd has been there for Matt through the good times as well as the bad and encourages Matt to reach for his dreams.
Todd has helped Matt develop lifetime skills such as hunting, fishing, maintaining and fixing machinery, and horse training. He has taught Matt patience and has helped boost Matt’s self-confidence. When Todd got engaged, he asked Matt to be a groomsman in his wedding. At first, Matt hesitated, but with some encouragement and Todd telling him how much it would mean to him, Matt finally accepted. He felt honored that Todd wanted him to be part of his special day.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota greatly appreciates Todd for continuing to promote the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters through his dedication and commitment to his Little Brother, Matt, and to the agency as a whole. Congratulations, Todd, for being this year’s Central Minnesota and State of Minnesota Big Brother of the Year!
To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota or to apply to become a Big Brother, Big Sister, Big Couple, Big Family or a Big Grandparent, please visit www.bbbscentralmn.org or call BBBS-CM at (320) 253-1616.
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