The Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring organization hosted its annual Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Year event at the Mark Twain House & Memorial in Hartford. There were in excess of 200 attendees at the 2-hour celebration that featured a reception with heavy hors d’ oeuvres and beverages followed by an inspirational program. During the program, 6 exceptional mentors from Nutmeg’s service area were recognized. Three of the non-profit’s supporters – the Bob’s Discount Furniture Charitable Foundation, the Tow Foundation and Gov. Ned Lamont – were the recipients of Children’s Champion Awards. Emcee for the evening was Crystal Hall, a former reporter for Fox 61, a Big Sister in the Nutmeg program and currently the Communications Director at Cavalry Fellowship Church in West Hartford.  

Big Couple of the Year 2019 – Big Brother Tim Tilley and his wife, Big Sister Gabrielle Tilley, from East Norwalk, were the recipients of the event’s Big Couple of the Year award. With them is their 11-year-old “Little Sister” from Meriden, Angie.

Big Sister of the Year- Nutmeg’s Big Sister of the Year, Kim Mauro from Manchester, (left) poses with Ryan Matthews, Director of Community Programs at Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters. Kim’s “Little Sister”, 16-year-old Natasha – also from Manchester – is holding Kim’s trophy.

John Clapp Award Winner – Big Brother Jason Escalera, from Manchester, was the winner of the John M. Clapp Outstanding Big Brother of the Year Award for 2019, With him is Crystal Hall, a former Fox 61 news reporter, current Big Sister in Nutmeg’s program and the evening’s emcee.

Featured Image – Andy Fleischmann (left) presents one of the evening’s Children’s Champion Awards to Gov. Ned Lamont (right).