Trina Hoy

As the vice president of communications and events for the Warsaw/Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce, Trina Hoy has been a familiar face in the community for the past 9 1/2 years. Now, she is taking her talents to a new role.

“It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve the community through the chamber. I’ll miss working with the people,” said Hoy.

On Monday, Hoy left her job at the Warsaw/Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce to take on what is not only a new role for her, but a newly created position with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.

The BBBS program, based in Fort Wayne, has already been something that is near and dear to Hoy’s heart. When her own granddaughter moved to another community several years ago, Hoy felt a longing to connect with a child so she became involved in the BBBS school-based program. It has meant that, for the past 7 years, she has met with her “little” for lunch about once a week.

Through her involvement, she has learned more and more about BBBS program and just how valuable it is to both “littles,” who often lack one parental role model in their lives, and the “bigs” who can provide encouragement and support to children who may not otherwise have it.

“Usually the schools give names of kids who could benefit from having a Big Brother or Big Sister,” Hoy explained. “There are currently about 170 matches now in Kosciusko County, but there still a ton of kids needing a match.”

Until now, the BBBS program has lacked some strong leadership in the county. But when Hoy was asked to fill the newly created role of director of development, she admitted she was not quick to jump on the offer. “I needed a lot of prayer. It’s a great opportunity for me, but I just wasn’t sure about it,” she explained. “It’s a new role and I just didn’t know if it was right.”

Ultimately, Hoy agreed to the position and will begin her duties on Dec. 9. As director of development, it will be her role to promote the BBBS program locally. “It’s basically bringing awareness to the program by giving presentations, doing fundraisers and that kind of thing,” she explained, adding with a smile, “I know a thing or two about promotions.”

Among her first jobs will be promoting the upcoming annual Bowl for Kids Sake fundraiser coming up March 22. Registration for the bowling event, to be held at The Bowling Alley in Warsaw, is available online at bbbsnei.org.

Hoy’s role at the chamber has not yet been filled.