Meet Sanai and Carolyn!
This match is our Big/Little pair of the year for BBBS Greater Cleveland.
BLOTY 2025
Carolyn and Sanai were first matched when Sanai was in third grade through our site-based program, meeting weekly for lunch visits at school. A few years later, they transitioned to the community-based program—and they’ve been an important part of each other’s lives ever since.
Now 16, Sanai is known for her humor, compassion, and brilliance. Carolyn describes her as “a bright light in this world and in my life,” and credits Sanai for keeping her in tune with Gen Z.
We’re proud to honor Carolyn and Sanai as our 2025 Big & Little Pair of the Year. Their story is a powerful reminder of how meaningful, lasting, and life-changing a mentoring relationship can be.
LifeLOng connection.
Over the years, the pair has built countless memories together—Cedar Point trips, beach days, hiking, yoga with alpacas, movie nights, and more. Their bond has remained strong through major life milestones. Carolyn’s engagement, wedding, and even the birth of her baby all happened with Sanai by her side. Sanai and her mom even attended Carolyn’s baby shower, and have always made her feel included at milestone moments like graduations and birthday celebrations.
“Sanai is such a bright light in this world and in my life. I’m so grateful for all the memories we’ve made and the bond we’ve built over the years. Thanks to BBBS, I’ve gained not just a Little, but a lifelong friend.”
— Carolyn, Big Sister