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courtesy of big brothers big sisters of tucson
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How you can get involved
These four children are among the hundreds who are on Big Brothers Big Sisters' waiting list. Their descriptions were provided by the non-profit organization. For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters, call 624-2447 or visit the Web site www.tucsonbigs.org.
Joseph
Joseph is 8 and lives on the South Side. He enjoys playing video games and going to Breakers Water Park, the zoo, the park and the movies. Joseph wants a Big Brother to teach him how to make friends and give him tips about playing sports. 
Alicia
Eleven-year-old Alicia's favorite activities include painting, drawing, writing and coloring. She also enjoys doing things outdoors. Alicia lives on the West Side and is looking for a Big Sister who will spend time with her and teach her new things.
Harmony
Harmony doesn't have a female role model and wants a Big Sister to talk to about things going on in her life. The 7-year-old lives on the West Side and likes reading, arts and crafts, playing games, going to the park and doing her nails.
Zachary
Eight-year-old Zachary lives on the far-Southeast Side and loves baseball — especially the Red Sox — as well as reading, video games, TV and bowling. He's outgoing, does well in school and wants a male role model to talk to.
Horseback rides and fiesta
Peter Backus will host the 11th annual Coyote Creek Ride and Fiesta, a daylong fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters, on Feb. 9 in Vail.
Last year, the event raised $70,000.
In the morning, there's an optional three-hour desert trail ride geared for beginning through experienced horseback riders. Rental horses are available with advance reservations.
At the halfway point, riders stop for a snack, cold drinks and a mariachi band performance. They then head back to the Coyote Creek Equestrian Center for the fiesta.
That event starts at noon and includes door prizes, a charity auction, a dance band, food, drinks and more.
To attend the trail ride, fiesta, or both, call 647-0030 or e-mail coyotecreekrealtor@gmail.com by Jan. 31.

Tucson Region

Big Brother changed his life, starting at age 8

David Roberts tells of gratitude to Peter Backus
Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 01.24.2008
It's been nearly 30 years since two Tucsonans were linked through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, but that relationship continues to have an effect on them both.
In 1979, Peter Backus started mentoring David Roberts, who was 8. Backus was Roberts's Big Brother for 10 years, and they continue to be friends today.
Roberts, now 37, is a product coordinator for CyraCom, which provides medical translation services. Backus is a real estate developer.
As part of today's National Thank Your Mentor Day, an initiative of the Harvard School of Public Health, Amy Harclerode of Big Brothers Big Sisters asked Roberts to write about how having a mentor affected him. This is what he wrote:
"Having Pete as my mentor absolutely changed my life. Pete showed me that the world is a bigger place than just what you can see out your front door. He helped me pursue the things I had a passion for, and he even got me interested in athletics, which was something I didn't think I would be good at.
"Pete demonstrated important values such as education, curiosity, planning ahead and being generous. The magical part of his mentorship was that he did all this while we were just having fun, and I am truly grateful.
"Now that I'm married with two young children, I am even more grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from such a generous teacher. In the end, it was his friendship and support that helped me to become who I am today."
Backus and Roberts both continue to support Big Brothers Big Sisters; Backus is a former board member who is now chairman of the organization's advisory board, and Roberts has been a board member since 2004.
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