The Biggest Brother

By - Jonathon Gregg / Photojournalist

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By Jonathon Gregg

Story Created: Mar 27, 2008 at 4:13 PM CST

Story Updated: Mar 27, 2008 at 4:22 PM CST

CEDAR RAPIDS - Bob Kucharski and Jerry Merritt have a unique friendship now in its 25th year. Kucharski is a “big brother” and Merrit is a “little brother,” so to speak. " Linda Henecke, President of Cedar Rapids Big Brothers Big Sister says, “This is our longest, best example of a great friendship."

That friendship started in 1983. Merrit's father was not around and his mother thought he needed a positive male role model in his life. Merritt says, “She had come home one afternoon and says I enrolled you into this program, a mentoring program and you've been matched with a guy named Bob and he is coming next tuesday and that's all i knew at that time.”

Every Tuesday after that they'd get together, watch movies, play board games, or take a weekend trip. Normally a “big brother” or “sister” is asked to donate a year of their time to mentoring but after 25 years is clear Bob Kucharski has made a life long committment.
“Whats neat is they still meet regularly, typically every month,” says Henecke.

A child officially graduates from this mentoring program when they turn 18. Kucharski says by the time Jerry turned 18 he was part of the family. Kucharski says, “I made an investment in Jerry and its paid off very well, he now takes us out for dinner.”

Its a special silver anniversary, far exceeding anyone's expectations and Bob and Jerry say their friendship will only continue to grow.

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