Todd Sutton,
A Hero In Our Midst

Todd Sutton learned at a young age how much of an impact one person can have on the lives of others.

"I had a couple of mentors when I was a kid that really made a huge difference in my life and helped me get a positive attitude about things," he remembers, "I just wanted to share that experience with someone else," said Sutton.

That desire led Todd, who currently works at the Utah Public Employee Association, to become a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Three years ago he was paired with a young boy named Chase and the two have been meeting weekly ever since.

At the time of their first meeting Chase was in the midst of hard times, struggling with both his self-control and his self-esteem in the wake of his parent's divorce two years prior. Chase's mother, Wendy, says Todd has been there through it all to help listen and assist in Chase's well being.

During the time he has with Chase, Todd makes an effort to find creative ways to fulfill his little brother's needs. Whether it's going hiking, practicing cooking, or fixing bikes, Todd makes a consistent effort to provide Chase with interesting and unique experiences in the community. Chase says the two "like to swim and go to museums. We like to explore, we went wall climbing, and once we made an igloo in Liberty Park in Salt Lake City."

Most importantly, however, Sutton makes sure the two find time for community service together, be it volunteering at a local food bank or collecting t-shirts for those in need. "It's so important for his growth, in terms of building his self-esteem, to know that he can change the world, even if it's just a small thing. It's the small things that make a difference," Sutton says.

"It has been amazing to watch Chase grow up from a young boy into a teenager and to be a part of his life " said Sutton. "What is even more incredible, though, is seeing him reach back out to the community."

Sutton is also a volunteer at the Literacy Action Center, an organization that seeks to provide adults with the skills necessary to enter the workforce. Sutton has been a volunteer there for over five years, and spends his time teaching adults how to read. "Reading is the most important skill to have and is the first rung of a ladder when someone looks for a job. I am happy to help others to begin their climb."

In fact all the small things that Todd has done for Chase have made a world of difference. Chase is now motivated to do well in school and says that his teacher tells him he's "the top of her class". Chase's mom comments that Todd "loves to teach Chase how to learn and how to use his imagination in this crazy world."

For all that Todd has done, perhaps most what is most remarkable, however, is his hope that Chase will follow in his footsteps.