Flint, MI – It takes a village to make Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flint & Genesee County’s (BBBS) mission of igniting the power & promise of youth through one-to-one mentoring relationships possible. At the 2025 Big Celebration, presented by Big John Steak & Onion, BBBS will honor those who went above & beyond this past year to help create and support these relationships.
The event, taking place on November 7 at Durant-Dort Factory One in Flint, highlights “Mentorship In Motion,” and recognizes the collective work that is essential in creating and sustaining life-changing, one-to-one mentoring relationships that empower local youth. Below is a list of this year’s Honorees:
Community Service Honorees:
CORPORATE SPONSOR OF THE YEAR
Dee Cramer
DEFENDER OF POTENTIAL
Motherly Intercession
FOR KIDS’ SAKE AWARD
Financial Plus Credit Union
CELIA TURNER ABOVE AND BEYOND AWARD
Sergeant Paul Spann
JOE SHOVELS LIFETIME SERVICE AWARD
Eric Ballance
JOE RYDER LEADERSHIP AWARD
Judge Duncan Beagle
Bigs of the Year:
SITE BASED BIG OF THE YEAR
Connie Legue
FLORENCE RIDDELL BIG SISTER OF THE YEAR
Jessica Stanton
JIM MITCHELL BIG BROTHER OF THE YEAR
Winston Ruffin
Milestone Honorees:
50 Years
Craig Coney
20 Years
Lisa Rogers
10 Years
Henry Bazemore
Martin Burnash
Theodore Christopher
Sheri Fabro
5 Years
Erin Francis
Lisa Kosinski
Connie Legue
Eric Lewis
Kenneth Parker
Andrew Whitcomb
Patricia Woodside
If you are interested in celebrating these moments, as an attendee or a sponsor, visit the Big Celebration event page at https://givebutter.com/c/2025BigCelebration or contact BBBS at (810) 235-0617 or info@bbbsflint.org.
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About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flint and Genesee County (BBBS)
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flint and Genesee County has served youth and community since 1944. With a goal to serve 500 youth annually in its one-to-one mentoring program, the organization defends the potential of youth building the biggest possible futures. Its one-to-many initiatives broaden the scope of service and includes School-Based Mentoring programs in Flint Community Schools and the Genesee Intermediate School District; its Bigs in Blue program strengthening relations with law enforcement and community; and its collaborative efforts in building resiliency and mindfulness through trauma-informed care. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flint and Genesee County is a proud member of the United Way. For more information, contact Lisa Humphrey, President/CEO (email – lhumphrey@bbbsflint.org, phone – 810-235-0617 or visit www.bbbsflint.org.
About Big John Steak and Onion
Big John Steak & Onion has been a Flint Tradition since 1972! They have 15 locations in Mid-Michigan. John E. Klobucar opened his first Big John Steak & Onion Restaurant on South Dort Highway in Flint, Michigan. “Big” John had been in the Restaurant business for many years when he came across the idea to open the sub shops. He wanted an open kitchen where his customers could watch the steak sizzling on the grill. He always gave his hard-working customers a generous portion of steak, so they never left hungry. At first, he started with a limited menu consisting of the Original Steak & Onion Sub, a Koegel, Italian and a Ham & Cheese Sub. Today, there are many more varieties to choose from.
