Big Brothers Big Sisters surprises Elks lodge member with award

Posted: 9:41 am, July 31, 2015 by Editor Skye Pratt

Big Sister Cheryl Mack and Big Brother Tim Ragatz, members of the Paso Robles Elks Lodge. Courtesy photo.

– Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Luis Obispo County surprised Paso Robles Elks Lodge member Cheryl Mack with a “Big in the Spotlight” award, in recognition of, “her generous heart and exemplary service to the community.”

In addition to being a kind and caring mentor, the organization says that Mack has extended her positive impact by helping to connect her mentee’s family with extra resources when they need them.

She has also enlisted her fellow Elks Lodge members to assist in much-needed volunteer recruitment efforts. She is one of only 30 North County residents currently volunteering as mentors with the program. The agency aims to enroll 30 additional adults from Paso Robles, Atascadero, Templeton and surrounding communities this year.

Mack met her mentee, one of many local youth facing adversity, in September of 2014. She has spent six to eight hours each month having fun, sharing one-to-one attention and being a positive role-model. As a result, the mother of the young lady says she’s had “more good days at school” this past year and is looking forward to 3rd grade and more learning adventures with her Big Sister.

For more information on volunteering or contributing to Big Brothers Big Sisters, call (805) 781-3226, or log onto www.slobigs.org.