big news

Your source for the latest stories, events, and news from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona. From inspiring match stories to community highlights.

Valley Big Brothers Big Sisters match creates long-lasting relationship

By Kate Green, West Valley View Staff Writer For Andrew Hennessey and JJ Johnson, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona (BBBSAZ) provided them with an opportunity to develop a long-lasting and meaningful relationship. In 2023, Hennessey signed up to be a big brother with the desire of helping someone in the community. “Throughout college,…
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Paul’s Car Wash Celebrates 19 Years of Community Impact with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona

October 22 & 23, 2026 | Desert Ridge Marketplace | 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. PHOENIX, AZ (October 2026) – A beloved Arizona tradition is back! Paul’s Car Wash, hosted by Arizona’s Family Weather Anchor and Community Ambassador Paul Horton, returns Thursday, October 22, and Friday, October 23, at Desert Ridge Marketplace from 8:00 a.m.…
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DESIRAE BENNETT OUTCALT TO LEAD BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF CENTRAL ARIZONA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Phoenix, AZ – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona (BBBSAZ) is pleased to announce the appointment of Desirae Bennett Outcalt as the organization’s new Board Chair. A dedicated community leader and longtime advocate for mentorship, Desirae brings extensive professional experience, a passion for service, and a commitment to creating brighter futures for young people…
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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona calls for more Mentors as Valley youth wait for a Big

(Phoenix, AZ) – As the need for mentors continues across the Valley, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona (BBBSAZ) is calling on more adults to step forward and become a Big, giving young people the opportunity to build a meaningful relationship with a caring, consistent mentor. Behind that need are young people looking for…
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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona recognizes outstanding mentors and partner impact at Annual Big Event

(Phoenix, AZ) – More than 100 volunteers, board members, staff, and alumni gathered on January 22, 2026, to celebrate the power of mentorship at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona’s annual Big Event, held in recognition of National Mentoring Month. The evening honored the dedicated volunteers whose one-to-one mentoring relationships are helping shape brighter futures…
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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona Announces New Chief Executive Officer

[Phoenix, AZ] — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona (BBBSAZ) is proud to announce the appointment of Debbie Castillo-Smith as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective today. Debbie has successfully served as BBBSAZ’s Interim CEO since April 2025, providing steady leadership, strategic direction, and a deep commitment to the agency’s mission during this transition…
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Paul’s Car Wash Returns for its 18th Year, Benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona

October 23 & 24, 2025 | Desert Ridge Marketplace | 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. PHOENIX, AZ (September 2025) – Arizona’s favorite car wash with a cause is back! Paul’s Car Wash, hosted by Arizona’s Family Weather Anchor & Community Ambassador Paul Horton, will take place Thursday, October 23, and Friday, October 24, 2025, at…
Read more: Paul’s Car Wash Returns for its 18th Year, Benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona Responds to Report Revealing Gen Z Career Confidence Crisis

Phoenix, AZ. – September 11, 2025 — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona (BBBS Central Arizona) joins Big Brothers Big Sisters of America in sounding the alarm around a growing crisis among young adults aged 18–25: a striking lack of career confidence and critical access to mentorship. According to the 2025 Youth Mentorship Access…
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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona Reveals Groundbreaking Research on the Long-Term Impacts of Mentorship

PHOENIX, AZ — August 4, 2025 — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona (BBBSAZ) reveals a groundbreaking study on the transformative power of mentorship in shaping young people’s educational, economic, and social trajectories.    Conducted by leading researchers from Harvard University and the U.S. Department of Treasury, this first-of-its-kind study reveals how mentorship programs like…
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Amazon presents: The Miles for Mentorship 5K

Benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona Saturday, September 27th, 2025 6:00 am to 11:00 am State Farm Stadium ( Arizona Cardinals Stadium)1 Cardinal Way, Glendale, AZ OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!All ages, genders and abilities are welcome! This unique, high-energy, FUN event features unique event shirts and 5K event medals, a fun course with…
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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona Announces Matthew Manoogian as Incoming Board Chair

Phoenix, AZ (July 1, 2025) — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona (BBBSAZ) proudly announces that Matthew Manoogian, Co-Founder of Good Company Real Estate, is now serving as Board Chair of the organization’s Board of Directors. A longtime advocate for youth mentorship, Manoogian has been deeply connected to BBBSAZ for over two decades. His…
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IMPACT ON JUVENILE JUSTICE

Big Brothers Big Sisters knows that children who avoid interactions with the juvenile justice system – and violence, drugs, and alcohol – are more likely to succeed. That’s why our professional staff members, supporters, families, and advocates support, encourage and champion the relationships between Bigs and Littles. Bigs help teach their Littles right from wrong…
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IMPACT ON EDUCATION

With the help of our donors, volunteers and partners, Big Brothers Big Sisters makes a Big impact on children’s education. The effect has been confirmed by study after study and can be tracked and monitored using our best-in-class measurement tools. Our landmark study Our impact on education is evident in research conducted by Public/Private Ventures…
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IMPACT ON SELF-CONFIDENCE

Think back to when you were young. Who helped you to believe in yourself and what you could accomplish? Big Brothers Big Sisters mentors, donors, families, advocates, and supporters work hard to encourage and support today’s children. When those children believe in themselves and what they can accomplish, they’ll enjoy better relationships with their friends,…
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RESEARCH ON BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS

Public/Private Ventures, an independent Philadelphia-based national research organization, looked at over 950 boys and girls from eight Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies across the country selected for their large size and geographic diversity. This study, published in 1995, is widely considered to be foundational to the mentoring field in general and to Big Brothers Big Sisters Community-Based…
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What is the Arizona State Charitable Tax Credit?

It takes Little to be Big, which is why the simple act of making your Arizona State Charitable Tax Credit Gift can change the lives of youth in your community! By donating to BBBSAZ, you can receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on your Arizona state taxes, up to $470 per individual and up to $938…
Read more: What is the Arizona State Charitable Tax Credit?