The Richmond office of Big Brothers Big Sisters has received a national award for service from Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

The BBBS Gold Standard Award recognizes the Richmond agency's revenue growth, children served and quality of service.

Executive Director Sandy Milliken and staff will be honored at the BBBS National Conference this June in St. Louis.

As a result of the Richmond agency's performance, Milliken and the BBBS board will be eligible for nomination for 2008 CEO and board of the year.

"It is a great honor to be recognized for what our team has accomplished," Milliken said. "The real winners are our volunteers and donors. They afford us the opportunity to mentor as many children as we do. Without them, none of this would be possible."

Big Brothers Big Sisters assists young people in reaching their potential by matching them with an adult volunteer through a professionally supported One-To-One mentoring relationship and other selected programs.

In Richmond, the Big Brothers program began with the help of the Richmond Jaycees in 1962. The Big Sisters program was added in 1976.