Big Brother Larry Gillespie Wins Prestigious State of Florida Big of the Year Award

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida proudly announces Larry Gillespie as the recipient of the 2024 Big Brother of the Year for the State of Florida! This prestigious award recognizes Larry's outstanding dedication and commitment to fostering a meaningful relationship with his Little Brother, Zorrian, over the span of 8 years.

Larry has been a transformative force in Zorrian's life, helping him come out of his shell and instilling confidence through a variety of shared experiences. Their bond has strengthened through quality time spent watching superhero movies, exploring new dishes, and cheering on their favorite teams at baseball and hockey games. Larry also supports Zorrian's academic pursuits, encouraging him to excel in his schoolwork. Zorrian expressed his gratitude, stating, "When I look at Larry, I see someone that has motivated me to do better, to be creative, to be an outside thinker, to work hard, and to just be a good person."

Zorrian's mother also expressed her heartfelt appreciation, saying, "If I could tell Larry anything, I would tell him thank you. Thank you for signing up for the program, for sacrificing your time to do this, for spending the time needed with my son, and for helping him grow."

Larry's commitment to Big Brothers Big Sisters extends beyond traditional mentorship, actively engaging in events, volunteering, and introducing unique initiatives such as 'Trade Day', providing valuable insights into possible career paths for our Littles. This exceptional recognition not only underscores the profound impact of Larry's mentorship but also emphasizes the importance of community partnerships. Marathon Electrical Contractors, a key supporter of Big Brothers Big Sisters, played a pivotal role in making this mentorship possible by investing in our programs and enabling Larry to generously share time with his Little Brother. 

Our Board and staff extend their warmest congratulations to Larry Gillespie, recognizing the well-deserved nature of this award. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida encourages others to follow in Larry's footsteps. Consider becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister and be the catalyst for positive change in a young person's life. Visit BeTheBig.org to embark on your own transformative journey.