Al Snyder Named State Big Brother of the Year

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri (BBBSEMO) is proud to announce that Al Snyder is the 2016 Missouri Big Brother of the Year. Snyder is a longtime mentor and supporter of the agency whose mission is to build trusting and enduring relationships that encourage and support young people. Snyder has been matched with his Little Brother, McKee, for 10 years.

The Big of the Year award was established to recognize mentors in the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) program whose contribution of time, service and support go above and beyond in transforming the life of a child. Every year, BBBS agencies from across the country nominate a Big Brother or Big Sister for the honor and each state’s advisory board then chooses a winner. The Missouri advisory board chose Snyder as the state honoree.

“To say that my match with my Little Brother has been rewarding would be a gross understatement,” noted Snyder. The dedicated Big Brother added, “It has been a privilege to become a part of this young man’s life. To help him navigate through adolescence and into manhood has been a true honor.”

Snyder has been a consistent presence in his Little’s life. Absent of a strong familial male role model, McKee has come to rely on his Big Brother to answer “guy” questions and to help guide him in making positive choices at school and at home. In addition, the dedicated Big Brother has been a familiar fixture at BBBSEMO’s signature fundraiser, Bowl for Kids’ Sake. Understanding the significant impact of the BBBSEMO program, Snyder has participated in Bowl for Kids’ Sake through the years to support the agency’s work - carefully matching children with caring adult mentors and providing the ongoing support to the child, volunteer mentor and child’s family.

Snyder was celebrated at a special gathering in January during National Mentoring Month. The celebration will continue on April 10 when the agency honors the successes of its Little Brothers and Little Sisters with additional awards at The Big Event.

For more information about the award or about volunteering, contact Mary Jane Daum by phone at (314) 615-1094 or by email at mdaum@bbbsemo.org.