SALT LAKE CITY (July 17) – A local man today received the national "Heroes In Our Midst" award for the extraordinary role that he plays in his community to make a positive impact in the lives of others.
Todd Sutton, who works for the Utah Public Employees Association and serves as a volunteer mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah, was given a bronze Heroes In Our Midst medallion during a presentation at the Salt Lake City Bee's Minor League Baseball game.
Heroes In Our Midst is a national recognition program of the Greeting Card Association. Each month the program honors everyday community heroes who give of themselves to connect with others and show they care, and encourages Americans to send cards to the heroes in their own lives. Since its launch last year, Heroes In Our Midst has generated thousands of cards for community and personal heroes.
Sutton, 28, has been mentoring and guiding his "Little Brother" Chase for more than five years. He says he hopes that his time with the 13 year old will inspire the same passion for community involvement that his mentors once inspired in him.
"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," remembers Sutton. "I just wanted to share that experience with someone else. While I am so humbled to receive this award, I think that it's wonderful that my effort will inspire others to do the same."
During his time with Chase, Sutton makes an extra effort to find creative ways to fulfill his little brother's needs. With Chase's keen interest in science, Sutton provides the teen with interesting and unique experiences that stretch their imaginations, including science projects and games.
Most importantly, 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 more than 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."
Pam Sanders, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah, presented Sutton with the award for his years of outstanding service. In addition, the sponsors of Heroes In Our Midst said a $1,000 check would be donated in Sutton's name to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah to support similar mentoring matches in the community.
During the awards presentation, representatives from Big Brothers Big Sisters presented Sutton with greeting cards noting how appreciative they are of his service. The organization hopes people throughout Salt Lake City and the surrounding areas will send a card to Sutton expressing their appreciation for the impact he is making in the community. Cards should be addressed to:
Todd Sutton
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah
151 East 5600 South, Suite 200
Salt Lake City, Utah 84107
"Heroes In Our Midst is all about the rewards of connecting to others and building human ties," said Chris Bouchard, spokesperson for the program. "Greeting cards are also a cherished tradition for connecting and showing that you care about others. People everywhere have a special card story of how someone impacted their life or created a shared memory through a greeting card. We hope the people of Salt Lake City will not only send a card or note to Sutton, but to the everyday heroes in their own lives."
To learn more about Heroes In Our Midst, visit www.HeroesInOurMidst.org.
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Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest, largest and most effective youth mentoring organization in the U.S. It has been the leader in one-to-one youth service for more than a century, developing positive relationships that have a direct and lasting impact of the lives of young people. Big Brothers Big Sisters serves 240,000 children, ages 6 through 18, in all 50 states. The national offices are located in Philadelphia. To volunteer or donate, visit www.bbbsa.org.
The Greeting Card Association, headquartered in Washington, DC, represents nearly 300 U.S. and international greeting card publishers and suppliers. It is dedicated to celebrating, promoting and preserving the tradition and cultural values of exchanging greeting cards.
