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1993 after raising their own family, Bill and Betty Tripp became a “BIG COUPLE”
to seven year old Heather. They both like kids and feel that having children
around enriches their lives. Bill says that they have been fortunate to have had
a successful life and that their success has given him a feeling of guilt. Being
involved with Yavapai Big Brothers/Big Sisters has been Bill and Betty’s way of
giving back.
Bill said Heather and her mother had a very loving
relationship, but her home environment was one no child should have to endure.
Through their relationship as Bigs and Little, Heather became part of the Tripp
family. When Heather’s mother died in 2003 Bill and Betty were there for her and
assumed the responsibility of rearing her.
Last year Heather went off to college. The Tripp’s said that
their relationship with Heather has enhanced their lives to a degree that they
could not have imagined.
Bill has served on the Board of Directors of YBBBS. In 2005,
Bill and Betty were named “BIGs” of the Year. They believe in the mission of Big
Brothers/Big Sisters and are donors. They have been leaders in the Planned
Giving program and have made a
multiple year pledge. Their commitment to YBBBS will ensure other kids get the
same chance to succeed.
Thank you Bill & Betty!
Having a little brother with BBBS was one of the best decisions I made for our family. With five children of our own, initially I was concerned about the amount of time we had to give another child. But I have found it is truly a “family match” with our whole family getting involved.
I thought we were going to bless our little brother when in fact I think he has blessed us way more than we could have imagined. Thanks to BBBS, my family has been enriched as a result of sharing our lives with our little brother.
Greg Mengarelli,
United Christian Youth Camp Executive Director
 There's too much going on...that is what Toby Ebarb hears when he talks to people about being a “BIG”. He is walking proof that you can find the time to make a difference in a child’s life. Toby and his wife Nancy are the parents of six children ages 12 to 19. He is a local businessman involved in numerous ventures and Nancy is in Real Estate. Toby volunteers with his church and has been active coaching YMCA basketball and Little League. Too much going on was not an excuse for Toby when he met Anthony.
Toby’s introduction to YBBBS came through a childhood friend, Chris, who had a family match growing up. As a young person he was aware of the impact that relationship had on his friend who never had a Dad in his life. Today Chris is a loving husband and father. Boys can’t grow up to be husbands and fathers if there is no one to show them the way. Anthony needed that role model in his life and Toby knew it was his time to give back.
Toby and 13 year old Anthony have been matched for 3 years. They got together when Toby heard that Anthony had been on the YBBBS waiting list for a year. He was impressed by this great kid with good manners who loves sports. Anthony not only has a Big Brother but a family that shows him what is possible. Toby wants to help him make good choices. They enjoy participating in athletics together. It’s a great match for both of them.
Toby knows he is making a difference. He said it’s like the starfish story…. The man walking on the beach and tossing the stranded starfish back into the ocean, he couldn’t save them all but each toss made a difference to one starfish. ..you help one child at a time. This year Toby and Nancy became Match Makers. They believe in the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters. Their generous donation to YBBBS has matched another child on the waiting list. One more child is given an opportunity…one more starfish is given tomorrow. Too much going on is not an excuse for people who want to make a difference and can make a difference.
 Mike Silva is the Prescott Manager for Coca-Cola. Cheri is a local Realtor in Prescott Valley. Mike and Cheri have a family with two young children, and include Robert in their family activities. Mike coached Robert’s softball team this past year. Mike and Cheri treat Little Brother Robert like one of their family members, gently correcting him at times if he is out-of-line for whatever reason. The Silva family also celebrates Roberts achievements! Mike and Cheri have noticed that Robert is less frustrated at trying new things compared to in the past. Robert’s mother feels like Mike, Cheri and their children are like family to her family.
 Bob and Barbara feel like loving grandparents to Kyle and spend time talking with him to discover what he is thinking. Kyle is a 7th grader at a local middle school. Some of those discussions have included the negative influence of drugs on one’s life and the importance of making good choices. Bob and Barbara attend all of Kyle’s school activities. Kyle sees them and runs to hug them! Bob says, “Being around a 12 year old reminds me of raising my children and how enjoyable it was. Kyle asks many questions and those questions cause me to think. It is a new level of involvement in our community for Barbara and I.. Spending time with Kyle helps me get out and see football games, golf, hike, and an excuse to go to Diamondback games. It is a refreshing experience. I see that we are making a difference in Kyle’s life and that feel really good! It is a satisfying experience that you only need a little time to experience.” “May of us could have used a Mentor growing up. People look at me as a CEO of a large bank and owning my own business. They do not know that I was a teen headed on the wrong path. I got involved with the Salvation Army playing ball and this experience made me look at the choices I was making. Everyone has some passion that they could pass on to a youngster. Maybe golf, hiking, fishing, sports and various hobbies you enjoy. You WILL make a difference in the life of a child.
 Stuart Sussman is a 54 year-old Big Brother who works at Yavapai Regional Medical Center as a Rehabilitation Therapist. Stuart loves to play tennis and spends a lot of time teaching his Little Brother Caleb how to play the game. Stuart says that Caleb is a quiet child and Stuart honors that in him. Stuart is there to listen. Stuart would like potential male volunteers out there to know, “You have an added special friendship with your Little Brother in life and it changes your outlook in a positive way. It gives you another purpose besides your family and work. You celebrate your Little Brother’s successes and are there to support him in his challenges.” Big Brother Stuart had a grown child and now has another excuse to do “kid things” and relive the fun times with Caleb. He attends Caleb’s football games and is very proud of his Little Brother as Caleb is the smallest boy of the team. Caleb is a Defensive Linebacker for his school team. Stuart sees the “fight” in Caleb and supports and encourages healthy activities for Caleb’s energy. As for the changes Stuart has seen in Caleb over their 3 year Match, “Caleb has matured – he is growing up. His grades are definitely improving. I give him credit for sticking in there!”
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