Big Brothers Big Sisters Honors Herbsts

Charlie and Sydney Herbst

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri's annual Derby Party & Wine Auction returns to Cape Girardeau this year. The special celebration and fund-raising effort will be hosted by the Big Brothers Big Sisters Cape Girardeau Regional Development Board from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, May 5, at the home of Dr. William and Patricia LaFoe at Fox Run Stables.

The focus of this year's party is twofold: to celebrate mentoring and to honor Cape Girardeau residents Charlie and Sydney Herbst. Longtime ambassadors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri, the Herbsts will be honored with the agency's Hennings' Circle Promise Award.

The Herbsts have been involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters since 1999. They currently serve as a "Big Couple" match for Christian, who is their second "Little." The community-minded couple is active in other local non-profits including Boy Scouts, Noon Optimists, Safe House for Women and Grace United Methodist Church.

Charlie is vice president of sales at Innovative Idea Integration and Sydney is principal at Clippard Elementary School. They are proud parents of five children and have always encouraged their kids to follow their lead and be volunteers in the community. "Pay it forward" has been the couple's mantra. Leaving the world a better place is an important value in their lives.

Charlie has been recognized by the United States Attorney for Meritorious Achievement and as an Outstanding Young Missourian by the Missouri Jaycees. Sydney was named Outstanding Educator of the Year by the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce.

The annual Derby Party & Wine Auction is a festive and fun gathering where participants are invited to get into the spirit of the Kentucky Derby by sporting their seersucker suits and favorite big hats. Each year, the party rotates locations between St. Louis and Cape Girardeau. For more information about the event, call Ashley Beggs at (573) 339-0184.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri was founded in 1914 as one of the "charter" agencies of the Big Brothers Big Sisters national movement. Through our 4:1+1SM model, young people are surrounded by caring and supportive adults to inspire them and show them anything is possible. The organization currently provides services to children and families in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Jefferson County, Cape Girardeau County and Scott County. Big Brothers Big Sisters is a proud member of the United Way. For more information, please contact Mary Jane Daum, 314-615-1094, or visit www.bbbsemo.org.