Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida is proud to announce Robert Hoyt and Ann Yoshihashi as the recipients of the 2022 Big of the Year award in Escambia County. The pair was selected to receive this honor due to their dedication in mentoring their Little Brother, T'Anthony, and helping him grow and reach his full potential.
Bob started mentoring T'Anthony at school, when he was in first grade. A few years later, Bob and Ann decided to start volunteering as a Big Duo with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida, to share the commitment and responsibility. Volunteering as a Big Duo, allows Bob and Ann to have flexibility with their schedules and work together. When Bob or Ann is unavailable or out of town, the other steps in and continues to spend time with T'Anthony.
Over the past seven years, Bob and Ann have been committed to fostering, developing, and helping T'Anthony succeed. They are invested in his academic success and often help him with his homework and find fun ways to challenge him. They have also helped him explore options for college or trade schools, while helping him discover his passions. They have also introduced T'Anthony to a variety of activities such as playing sports, video games, flying drones, cooking and going to local events.
On September 22, 2022, staff at Big Brothers Big Sisters worked with T'Anthony and his grandmother, to surprise Bob and Ann with this Big of the Year award, during a Governing Board meeting. Bob and Ann were asked to give a presentation to board members on their experience volunteering as a Big Duo. Afterwards, Vice President of Programs, Krissy Smith, announced they were actually invited to the meeting to receive the award. Bob and Ann were both surprised and excited and shared this about their relationship with T'Anthony, stating: "Little experiences can make a Big Difference in the lives of Littles and Bigs!"
Bob and Ann have been outstanding mentors and members of our volunteer community, and we are so grateful to have them as part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters family and proud to present them with the 2022 Escambia County Big of the Year award.
