Hi, I’m Nanci Hutson. My husband and I are Bigs with the 1:1 mentoring program at Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters. Because we’ve seen the power of mentoring and friendship firsthand, we want to share our Match story with you to showcase how much our Little Brother Jackson has enhanced our lives and how you can be a Game Changer for a local young person!
“FROM THE MOMENT WE MET JACKSON, WE FELL IN LOVE”
The shy little boy of 6 with big brown eyes and dimpled cheeks gave his nod to Kevin and me as mentors with a bit of trepidation. But from our very first picnic in Prescott, where we all played some make-shift baseball, we were a Match.
Now, as a high school sophomore, Jackson and his family have become an integral part of our lives. When we decided to join YBBBS, we were newcomers to the area; our two daughters were in college and we thought we might be able to give to a child some of what our children enjoyed in their growing up years.
What we never anticipated was how Jackson would change our lives – FOR THE BETTER!
I can’t name all the things we’ve done together: Explored the Grand Canyon and the Granite Dells, cheered the Diamondbacks at Chase Field, and laughed at the antics of the Harlem Globetrotters.
Jackson has become a proficient quilter, sharing my hobby. He and Kevin explore outdoor hiking trails and play chess. Jackson is our Super Bowl chef – he makes a mean meatball sub and is our go-to salad maker. We’ve tried out many a baking recipe – in COVID-19 lockdown we made Christmas candy via Zoom – and he perfected some skills because he surprised me for my October birthday this year with a chocolate mousse cake with Ghirardelli base and fresh raspberries and homemade whipped cream on top – a dessert worthy of any of the finest restaurants anywhere!
Jackson shares in our family holidays and birthdays, and now that we have two grandkids, he’s an uncle to them – my grandson Leo calls him “Myjackson – all one word!!
It has been wonderful watching Jackson grow from a first-grader to now a high school student. He has a kind and caring heart, and has given us as much as we’ve given him.
Jackson’s Mom Megan shared this with our Match Advisor, “Nanci and Kevin have been blessings in Jackson’s life and our family’s lives. They helped me navigate single motherhood and the trials and tribulations that came with that. They watched our family grow with the addition of my husband Brian, as we have watched their family grow with new additions and tiny toes. Nanci and Kevin aren’t just a match, they are family and will forever be our family. Big Brothers Big Sisters has been a blessing and we look forward to what the future brings.”
Kevin and I want you to know that YBBBS is a mentoring organization for children who need supportive adults in their lives and we’re delighted we could join those ranks. What they forget to say is these children mentor our souls!! Their influence in our lives is a precious, priceless gift! Your donation ensures more quality matches like ours!
Making your gift by December 31st ensures Littles like Jackson will have access to all the support and resources they need in 2025 and beyond!
As you consider your charitable giving for 2024 and into 2025, we hope you make a gift to Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters. Keep in mind that donations made to YBBBS qualifies for the Arizona State Tax Credit program. You can make your investment online HERE or call us at 928.778.5135.
Thank you for being a part of our community! Together, we are Game Changers for the future of the youth of Yavapai County!