MENTORS,KIDS TREATED TO FUN DAY IN THE PARK MAGIC MOUNTAIN WELCOMES BIG BROTHERS, SISTERS PAIRS.

Byline: Naush Boghossian Staff Writer

VALENCIA - Big Brothers and Big Sisters and their charges enjoyed a special day at Magic Mountain roller coaster park on Sunday in recognition of their commitment to each other.

``I've never been on a roller coaster,'' said Wesley, 10, as he excitedly looked at a map of the park with his friend, discussing which rides they wanted to go on.

His Big Brother of 1 1/2 years, Ivo Gerscovich, 29, said that he was sure Wesley would get over any fears of roller coasters once they rode them together.

``Oftentimes the kids are scared to do something they've never done before, but they get over it quickly,'' Gerscovich said. ``Part of the program is to expose the kids to new things and teach them through support.''

``He's the best Big Brother in the world,'' Wesley said shyly.

Gerscovich's friend, Philip Elins, 39, who has been a Big Brother to Jake, 9, for two years, said that he chose to volunteer in the program to make a difference in a young boy's life.

``You definitely get more in return than you give,'' said Elins, as Jake gave him a big hug.

Gerscovich agreed, saying that spending a little time makes all the difference in the world.

``It could be the difference between becoming a good citizen and getting in trouble.''

The event's coordinator, Joanne Leinow, said that the organization, which has been in existence since 1915, matches volunteers with young boys who do not have a father figure in their lives.

``Everybody needs a mentor and an influence in life,'' Leinow said.

The Jewish Big Brothers of Los Angeles held their annual Magic of the Match event at Magic Mountain to thank both Big Brothers and Big Sisters - the Bigs - and their little ``siblings'' - the Littles - for cultivating relationships with each other.

The Jewish Big Brother program matches kids with a volunteer who spends several hours every other Sunday with the little sibling. Currently, there are 175 Big Brothers and 25 Big Sisters.

The event was sponsored by the Gertrude Ratner Trust - established by her son Bill - in gratitude for the positive difference the agency made in Bill's life. Bill was a little brother in the 1960s and through 40 years of involvement has been a Big Brother five times and currently serves on the board.

``The agency made a difference in my life, so I want to make a difference in other peoples' lives,'' Ratner said.

The event, held on Sunday, began with games and sports at the park's picnic area, while a DJ played popular music, followed by lunch and the awards ceremony. The event's committee honored the 20 longest matches - those sibling pairs who had been together the longest. The longest relationships had lasted 12 years.

Celebrities popular with younger children came to the event, including Mischa Mandell, who hosts The Disney Channel's ``Movie Surfers''; Dan Frischman, who plays ``Chris,'' the goofy store owner from the Nickelodeon sitcom ``Kenan & Kel''; and David Lascher, who plays Josh on ``Sabrina the Teenage Witch.''

Richard Gilbert, a Big Brother to Simon, 13, for 4 1/2 years, said that the experience has allowed him to grow as well as Simon, who came from Russia five years ago not able to speak English.

``I've seen him grow from not being able to speak English to getting A's and B's in school,'' Gilbert said. ``I've learned a lot too, being with him.''

Manny Wise, a Big Brother for three years, said that he was at a stage in his life where he wanted to give back to somebody.

``The best contribution is in time,'' Gilbert said, ``not in money.''