On April 23, Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Luis Obispo County partnered, for the first time, with the Avila Sea Life Center, at its 4th annual Volunteer Appreciation Party. 

The party honored more 300 volunteers and donors of Big Brothers Big Sisters. The Sea Life Center offered volunteers and more than 100 children a sneak peek of its newly remodeled center, the day before the grand opening. 

The party was made possible due to volunteers from the Mission Preparatory School in San Luis Obispo, California Polytechnic fraternities Alpha Phi Omega and Delta Sigma Pi and BBQ master and Big Brother Gordon Mullin. 

These volunteers enthusiastically helped with planning crafts, a water balloon toss, sandcastle building, sports, and a BBQ.

Docents from the Sea Life Center helped the guests learn about animals in an interactive way. Touch tanks and camouflage demonstrations are among some of the attractions the Sea Life has to offer.

These high school and college students took on strong leadership roles and worked together to reinforce the importance of helping others in the community.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Luis Obispo County has matched more than 1300 children with caring role models since 1995. For more information on BBBS, call 781-3226, or log onto www.slobigs.org.