Ruth & Delynn: 2024 Alumni Hall of Fame
Every year, BBBSCI inducts a new Alumni Hall of Fame Class – a celebration of mentoring relationships and friendships that have spanned more than 50 years.
Little Sister Delynn Gentry Malicoat and Big Sister Ruth Boldt Goulet were matched in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana program in 1991.
According to Ruth, she and Delynn hit it off immediately. The match enjoyed spending time together at Big Brothers Big Sisters events, such as Bowl for Kids’ Sake and Christmas Gift Shopping. Delynn says that these events, where she got to be involved with the community and work alongside Ruth, gave her some of her best memories.
“Whether or not we went out or stayed inside, each time meant something to me. When I was with Ruth, I felt a connection that I did not share with anyone in my family, which is quite sad, but it happens. That being said, it really changed my life in such a positive way.”
Little Sister Delynn Gentry Malicoat
Aside from spending time together at BBBS-sponsored events, Delynn and Ruth also spent a lot of time with Ruth’s family. Delynn and Ruth’s mother even discovered that their birthdays fall only one day apart, so they began the yearly tradition of celebrating their special days together. The three of them continued this tradition up until Ruth’s mother passed away.
Ruth says that part of the reason that she and Delynn have become so close since first being matched is because they’ve supported each other through many life events. Ruth says she was there for Delynn as she finished her associate’s and bachelor’s degrees as a single mom. In turn, Delynn was there for Ruth while her parents were elderly and sick.
As Delynn had her own children and began her own family, she welcomed Ruth into that part of her life just as Ruth had done for her years before. Delynn’s children lovingly refer to Ruth as “Aunt Ruth” and look forward to spending every Christmas morning with her – another ongoing tradition that they have.
“Delynn has impacted my life so much! She is like the daughter I never had, and her children are like my nieces and nephews. I am so proud of everything she has accomplished! She has so much strength and drive.”
Big Sister Ruth Boldt Goulet
Both Delynn and Ruth have expressed that being matched through Big Brothers Big Sisters has changed their lives for the better. For Delynn, she believes that Ruth shaped her into the person she is today and gave her the skills she needed to build a bright future for herself.
“Growing up, I did not have the most stable and structured lifestyle. However, once [Ruth] and I were matched, she helped me build a childhood foundation that left a lasting impression for my future. Where I am in life today, I have her to thank for a big part of that. Her guidance and encouragement have taught me how to live a rewarding life and to never give up, even when life gets tough.”
Delynn
