News Release

WARSAW — Big Brothers Big Sisters recently celebrated its Kosciusko supporters and implored the community to become volunteers at its annual BIG Celebration.

The highlights of the Sept. 30 event were a fashion show featuring Bigs and Littles, along with the presentation of the prestigious Charles D. Smith Award to Trace Hansen.

Held at the Warsaw Community Church, this BBBS annual event specifically benefits its Kosciusko youth mentoring programs. The funds raised through this event go toward the organization and its mission to help local children reach their potential through professionally supported one-to-one mentor relationships.

For years, Kosciusko residents have come together during this one-of-a-kind evening to raise awareness, recruit, and gather funds for youth through a silent auction.

A major event of the night was the awarding of the Charles D. Smith Award. Established in 2015 and named in honor of its inaugural recipient, this accolade recognizes those who demonstrate passionate volunteerism, strong community leadership, and a lifelong commitment to serving others.

Now joining this list of altruistic, passionate, and invaluable leaders is local businessman, Trace Hansen, who is recognized for his numerous contributions to community-oriented, youth-focused, and charitable causes.

Trace remains heavily involved with local organizations such as the Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Club, Joe’s Kids, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Baker Youth Club, the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce, and the Kosciusko County Visitor’s Bureau.

His business, Hansen’s Eastlake Skating Center, has been a staple in the community as Warsaw’s only skating rink. He’s a sports advocate, entrepreneur, and local leader who puts his heart into everything he does, evidenced by his exceeding generosity and frequent volunteerism.

Several matches from the program spoke at yesterday’s event. The 2025 National Big and Little Sister of the Year, Briana and Makia, shared updates with attendees on their journey to national recognition. The pair was then presented with BBBS letterman jackets sent from Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

Afterwards, Big Sister Glennie shared her experience being matched with her Little Sister Jerica, whom she was matched with 20 years ago, and her Little Sister of 8 years, Coriana. Finally, guests were treated to a fashion show featuring Kosciusko Bigs, Littles, and children on the waiting list. With fun outfits and shiny new suits, it was all smiles as the pairs struck poses on the runway.

To learn more about how to get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters in Kosciusko County, contact Tammy Smith at (574) 306-2178. To learn more about our volunteer opportunities, visit the group's website or call (260) 456-1600.

The post Big Brothers Big Sisters host 12th annual Kosciusko celebration appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

WARSAW -- Warsaw native Zane Hollar has been selected as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana’s Big of the Year for 2022.

Each year, the agency selects a Big Brother and Big Sister from one of its 13 counties to honor as “Big of the Year.”

As part of the next step of the Big of the Year process, Zane will be nominated for Indiana State Big of the Year and -- if he wins -- he'll automatically qualify for nationals. 

In the past years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana has won three National Big of the Year awards. In 2021, its Big Sister of the Year and Big Brother of the Year both hailed from Kosciusko County, with honors going to Big Couple Terry and Sherry Milton as well as Big Sister Wanda Tiltges.

For Hollar, the honor is long overdue, according to a news release from BBBS.

Matched in 2015 through the “School Buddies” program, Zane volunteered to meet with a local child once a week during school lunch. During this time, Hollar formed a bond with his “School Buddy,” Chris, as he helped him with homework and became a trusted confidant.

One year later, Chris asked his mother to transition to the Big Brothers Big Sisters Community-Based Program, where he and Big Brother Zane could meet outside of school for special outings. Chris and Zane have been meeting regularly ever since, and Zane even attended Chris’ high school graduation in 2022.

As per the Big Brothers Big Sisters mission, Zane has worked hard to defend and ignite Little Brother Chris’ potential by helping him keep his grades up and seek job opportunities that fit his interests.

“I remember the first time we walked out together after meeting at Chris’s elementary school,” said Zane. 

“I knew right then that I made the right choice and that I was doing something that was going to have a big impact on my life as well.”

“Over the years, Big Brother Zane has been involved with just about everything at BBBS, as he has been one of our loudest voices promoting growth in his local county – particularly among the younger generation. 

He is a personal donor and works with BBBS on special events, collecting auction items for fundraisers, hosting tables, giving speeches, and helping with recruitment.”

“He is a voice for BBBS within his company and advocates for BBBS nonstop,” said Shelley Schwab, Chief Development Officer. 

[caption id="attachment_75439" align="aligncenter" width="555"] Zane Hollar, left, is pictured with his little "brother," Chris. Photo provided.[/caption]

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