The Santa Ana Zoo hosted the Big Brothers Big Sisters O.C. High School Bigs Summer Celebration

Big Brothers Big Sisters Orange County & Inland Empire’s (BBBS) hosted their High School Bigs Summer Celebration on Friday, July 12, at the Santa Ana Zoo. Over 430 attendees, including Bigs like Adriana Sanchez and Gabriel Mendoza, attended the event.

Adriana has been matched with her little Penelope Martinez for three years. As Penelope is dyslexic, Adriana has provided unwavering academic and emotional support. However, their journey together has been special for both young women as each learned more about themselves and gained confidence.

Gabriel has been paired with her little, Nelson for over 14 months. Nelson was initially hesitant to pursue the program but with Gabriel’s persistent presence, academic support, positive attitude and shared passion for soccer eventually broke down the Little’s barriers. Nelson’s guardian has expressed gratitude for the program and decided to enroll Nelson’s two siblings as well.

Activities included tours of the Santa Ana Zoo, numerous activities inviting collaboration (arts & crafts, jenga, bean bag tossing, photo booths and more), a video game stimulation machine, and lunch catered by Chick-fil-A.

Sponsors of the event include Chick-fil-A, Color Me Face Painting, Gamer Overdrive, Kona Ice and Pixster. 

As 65% of BBBS OC/IE’s littles live below the poverty line, the work of BBBS has proven to be life changing.