Greg Olsen Big Brother Of The Year

Max Gatto has been a Big with BBBS-Mercer for a year and a half, building a meaningful connection with his Little Brother, Jason. Inspired by his father’s example and a passion for youth mentorship, Max values the opportunity to be a positive role model and share his experiences with someone younger.

One of their favorite memories started as a fishing trip that quickly turned into skipping stones and making big splashes when the fish weren’t biting! Max is proud to call Jason his Little Brother and grateful for the friendship, growth, and connection they continue to build together.

Greg Olsen Big Sister Of The Year

Kathleen Finn’s journey with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mercer County began in the early 1990s, when she was matched with Erin Cook, an adorable six-year-old from Princeton. What began as a mentoring relationship grew into a lifelong friendship. Kathleen and Erin shared countless memories over the years, including Erin serving as the flower girl in Kathleen’s wedding. Kathleen remained a devoted presence in Erin’s life, attending both her college graduation and wedding, and the two remain dear friends today.

After retiring, Kathleen returned to BBBS Mercer, eager to give back and create meaningful experiences for another child. She was matched with Jordan Ramlal, then an eight-year-old, and their relationship has grown into another deeply cherished bond. From crafts at home to trips to New York City and concerts at Carnegie Hall, Kathleen has treasured watching Jordan grow in confidence and become a member of her extended family.

Kathleen’s decades of dedication to BBBS Mercer reflect the lasting impact that mentorship can have—not only on a Little’s life, but on the life of a Big as well. She considers it an honor to be a trusted and lasting presence in a child’s life and is deeply grateful for the relationships, memories, and fulfillment that being a Big has brought her.

Deb’s connection to BBBS Mercer spans more than 30 years, beginning when she became a Big. She later joined the Board of Trustees, where she has served for more than 25 years, including as Board President. Her lifelong commitment to mentorship continues to inspire her advocacy for BBBS and the young people we serve.

Gregory has been a longtime supporter of BBBS Mercer and the Autumn Culinaire, including previously serving as Co-Chair of the event alongside his brother, Jack Blair, a former Big Brother. Gregory believes that with opportunity, encouragement, and proper guidance, young people can build brighter futures.

For more than 20 years, Ed has championed BBBS Mercer through his service on the Board of Directors, fundraising, and community engagement. A longtime advocate for youth, Ed believes every young person deserves a caring adult who will listen, build trust, and provide guidance.

Tom joined the BBBS Mercer Board in 1993 and has served in numerous leadership roles, including Board President. He helped establish Solvay’s workplace mentoring program and personally mentored three students. A longtime advocate for mentorship, Tom believes in the lasting impact of giving young people positive role models and encourages others to “Volunteer. Don’t wait until you think you may have more time.”

Susan Dunning served as Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mercer County from 2005 to 2020. Inspired by the mentors who supported her throughout her own corporate career, Susan saw the opportunity to lead BBBS Mercer as a natural fit—one where she could use her experience and skills to make a lasting impact on local youth.

During her more than 14 years with the agency, Susan helped BBBS Mercer grow by more than 500%. She credits that success, along with the many awards received during her tenure, to the dedication and hard work of the agency’s staff and Board.

Today, Susan continues to support BBBS Mercer through its events and fundraising efforts. Having witnessed firsthand the powerful relationships between Bigs and Littles, she remains passionate about the life-changing impact of long-term mentorship.

Michael Petrane has been a dedicated member of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mercer County Board since 2007. A partner at EY, Michael was introduced to BBBS Mercer through EY’s commitment to community engagement and quickly became inspired by the agency’s impact on children and families throughout Mercer County.

Over the years, Michael has served as Board President, Chair of the Fund Development Committee, and a committed donor. He believes that every child can benefit from having a caring adult who is willing to simply ask, “Are you OK?” or “How can I help you?”—and that meaningful connection and time together can make a lasting difference.

Through his leadership and advocacy, Michael has helped bring greater awareness to the work of BBBS Mercer, sharing its mission and impact with colleagues, friends, and members of the community.

Longtime Lawrenceville residents, Matt and Maria were matched with their Little Brother, Riyon, when he was eight years old. Their match grew into a lifelong bond, and in 2012, they received the Greg Olsen Big Brother and Big Sister of the Year Award.

From canoe rides to everyday conversations, they believe the simple, consistent moments make the biggest difference.

Their advice: “Take the step and do it. You just need to show up consistently and care.”

Chris Pyne began serving on the Board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mercer County in approximately 1984 and remained involved for many years. During his tenure, he served as Board President, participated on numerous committees, and co-chaired the Autumn Culinaire for two years.

Chris has always believed that every child is special and deserves encouragement to become more confident, engaged in education, and involved in social and athletic activities. Through his service, he helped BBBS Mercer support hundreds of children as they worked toward more fulfilling lives.

Chris believes mentorship provides children with supportive, encouraging, and positive role models. Mentors can inspire curiosity and learning while creating a safe environment where young people can recognize the possibilities for their futures and gain the confidence to thrive in a challenging world.

Greg Olsen is a former NASA astronaut, entrepreneur, and longtime BBBS Mercer supporter. He became a Big after seeing a volunteer recruitment ad in the Times of Trenton around 1996, finding joy in teaching and playing golf with his Little.

Today, Greg continues to encourage young people—especially girls and minorities—to pursue careers in science and engineering.

For Greg, mentorship is about “the satisfaction of trying to help others.”

Jessica Hoppe Dağcı has been a Big since the launch of the BBBS Princeton Workplace Mentorship Program in 2018, dedicating her time to supporting young women as they navigate high school and beyond. Inspired by her own experiences supporting her family through challenges, Jessica understands the importance of having a caring and dependable person in your corner.

Being a Big has brought Jessica hope, purpose, confidence, learning opportunities, and lasting friendships. One of her favorite memories is playing Monopoly with her two Littles over Zoom during the pandemic, with her daughter helping count the pieces and money. She remains incredibly proud of her Littles and grateful for the BBBS-Mercer and Princeton teams who help make these meaningful relationships possible.

Donna Green served as a Big Sister to Jalese from 2018 to 2024. She was inspired to become a mentor after her niece and nephew grew older and a change in her teaching role left her missing the personal connections she once formed with students. Becoming a Big Sister gave Donna the opportunity to build a meaningful relationship with a young person again.

Donna encourages others to become mentors and experience the joy of watching a young person grow. She believes mentors can recognize strengths and possibilities that young people may not yet see in themselves—and that this perspective can have a powerful, lifelong influence.

James Sawyer became involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mercer County in 1991 after learning about the opportunity through the Office of the Attorney General. Inspired by the chance to serve the Trenton community, James spent more than 30 years mentoring young men through both school-based and community-based programs. One of his most meaningful memories is receiving a letter from his Little, Sgt. Robert Ivery, while Robert was stationed overseas and unable to attend James’s 2011 Big Brother of the Year recognition. James says being a Big has been deeply rewarding, especially knowing his time and guidance have made a lasting impact on young people in the community.

Flint has been a Big to two Little Brothers through BBBS Mercer and has also served as a board member and advisor. Inspired by growing up without a father, he wanted to make a difference in a young boy’s life.

From simple hikes in the woods to meaningful conversations, Flint found that mentorship not only impacted his Little Brothers—it changed his own perspective on what matters most in life.

His advice: “It will be one of the best decisions you ever make. It will be a time commitment, but it will be well worth it.”

Frank Lucchesi is proud to be part of PSE&G and to have a longstanding connection with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mercer County. As BBBS-Mercer celebrates 20 years, Frank reflects on the lasting impact the organization has had on young people, families, and the many supporters who have been part of its mission.

Through PSE&G, Frank believes in investing in the communities they serve—and there is no better investment in the future than investing in youth. He has seen firsthand how one caring adult and one positive relationship can help a young person build confidence, discover new possibilities, graduate, pursue a career, and believe in their future.

Over the years, Frank and PSE&G have supported BBBS-Mercer through financial support, volunteerism, events, advocacy, and community awareness. He is proud to help the organization reach more young people and looks forward to its next chapter.

As a longtime champion of the great work of BBBS-Mercer, Michele has had the privilege of witnessing the lasting impact the organization has had—and continues to have—on local youth and the community. Since the very first Autumn Culinaire, Michele has watched Bigs and Littles share personal stories and meaningful journeys together.

She believes mentorship is incredibly meaningful, with its impact on full display every day at BBBS-Mercer. Michele is proud to support the organization’s mission and its commitment to making a difference in the lives of youth and the community.