Big Brothers Big Sisters currently provides mentors to over 1,500 Youth in the North Bay counties of Marin, Napa, Sonoma and Solano.
Edward Kaufman (left), Executive Director of BBBS of the North Bay, presents Jayson Pahlmeyer (right) with the award for Big Brother of the Year in Napa County 2009. Pahlmeyer’s first “Little” brother Raymond (center) joined him on stage to accept the award.
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF THE NORTH BAY
By Jill Rodby
Published: July, 2009
Big Brothers Big Sisters currently provides mentors to over 1,500 Youth in the North Bay counties of Marin, Napa, Sonoma and Solano. Every day, volunteers from the North Bay are helping change the lives of youth that are faced with the hardships of growing up in very difficult circumstances. That’s the good news; the bad news is that there is a waiting list of over 180 youth in need of a stable adult influence in their lives.
If you are looking to give back to your community, becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister can be one of the most rewarding ways imaginable. For Jayson Pahlmeyer, the architect of Pahlmeyer Wines of Napa, becoming a Big Brother has been one of best experiences of his life.
Pahlmeyer, who was Napa County 2009 Big Brother of the Year, has been a dedicated volunteer with BBBS for over 30 years. Not only is he a Big Brother, but he is also one of the organization’s major donors. Pahlmeyer was matched with his first Little Brother, Raymond, 30 years ago when Raymond was nine, and they still maintain their relationship today. He met his second Little Brother, Andrew, who is now 22, when he was 12 years old. Pahlmeyer and his current Little Brother, Dylan, are now entering their fourth year together. Dylan, now 12, has become a star athlete in football and baseball while maintaining a high grade point average in school.
Pahlmeyer, with two sons of his own, spends a lot of time with his Little Brother. “I want Dylan to know that he can count on me to be there for him,” he explained. “I try to offer him a sense of stability.” Since his first match, Pahlmeyer has been more than a mentor to all his Little Brothers. “My Little Brothers are part of my family. I get back from them a love that is pure and unadulterated—a bond that is truly remarkable.” He was the best man at Raymond’s wedding, and all three of his Little Brothers, along with his two sons, make annual trips to Hawaii. “This is the most rewarding thing I have ever done,” Pahlmeyer said. “Anyone can give money, but giving of time is the key.”
“Pahlmeyer epitomizes the dedication our Big Brothers and Big Sisters have in changing how young people in the North Bay grow up. They know the challenges our children face and are making a difference in their lives,” said Edward Kaufman, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the North Bay. “Our Big Brothers and Big Sisters form lasting relationships with children and provide the mentoring that can help these children excel in school and in life. Jayson exemplifies the power and impact of our programs and the bonds that are formed between our Bigs and our Littles.”
If you are interested in becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister or would like more information on other ways you can help, visit www.bbbsnorthbay.org
or call 415 453-3800.
