When Joe Donaldson first met Et Winzer, he was just six years old and unsure of what to expect from the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. His grandmother had enrolled him in the program, hoping to provide him with a positive influence and trusted adult in his life.

Et had recently moved to Tampa from the Washington, D.C. area when the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay team came to his office in the late 1990s to recruit volunteers.

He agreed to become a Big and initially planned to meet his Little at school during the lunch hour. Et was told his Little might be shy and distant. Instead, Joe walked into the room with a big smile.

That first meeting marked the beginning of a relationship that would shape both of their lives.

What started with school lunches, Oreo cookies, milk, and games of Connect Four soon grew into something much deeper. Et eventually transitioned from school-based visits to a traditional community-based match, picking Joe up almost every weekend. They explored new places, took road trips, attended activities, and simply spent time together.

For Joe, those experiences opened his eyes to possibilities he hadn’t known existed.

Growing up without his mother and father, Joe was raised by his grandmother, Agnes, who gave him a strong foundation of love, honesty, morals, and faith. But Et introduced Joe to another kind of possibility: seeing a man who looked like him living a life Joe hadn’t imagined for himself.

“He showed me what was possible,” Joe recalls.

Et taught Joe how to carry himself, how to communicate, how to take responsibility and, perhaps most importantly, how to believe in himself. One lesson in particular has stayed with Joe throughout his life.

As a child, Joe once tried to explain away trouble he had gotten into by blaming the people around him. Et challenged him to take accountability for the choices he made and the company he kept.

Joe didn’t like hearing it at first. But eventually, he realized Et was right. That lesson became a foundation for the man Joe would become.

Over the years, their relationship grew far beyond the traditional definition of a mentoring match. Joe became part of Et’s family and Et became part of Joe’s Village. Et attended Joe’s school and activities. Joe visited Et’s office during school breaks and even ushered at Et’s wedding.

In 2010, Joe and Et were recognized as Big and Little of the year. But their story didn’t end there. Although their official match eventually concluded, their relationship continued for more than 15 years and counting.

Et is proud of the husband, father, and person Joe has become and Joe considers Et much more than a Big Brother.

“He is like a father to me,” Joe says. “They say you can’t choose your father or mother. That’s okay, because God chose mine.”

For Et, the relationship is a reminder that giving back doesn’t always feel like a grand gesture. Sometimes, it is simply showing up consistently, sharing your experiences, and helping a young person see a world of possibilities.

Joe and Et’s story is proof that a mentoring relationship can evolve, grow, and last a lifetime. Their match may have started with a school visit in Tampa, but it became something neither of them could have predicted: a lifelong bond.

On Saturday, July 18, the spirit of mentorship extended beyond one-to-one relationships and into the community as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay Bigs, Littles, board members, staff, and their family members came together for an afternoon of service at Feeding Tampa Bay.  

Rolling up their sleeves side by side, the group spent several hours helping sort and organize food for families experiencing food insecurity across the region. The volunteer experience provided an opportunity not only to support another outstanding local nonprofit organization, but also to strengthen the relationships that make our mission so impactful.  

At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, we believe mentoring is about more than spending time together; it’s about creating meaningful experiences that inspire compassion, leadership, and a lifelong commitment to giving back. Serving alongside one another gave our Bigs and Littles the chance to model teamwork, generosity, and community engagement while making a tangible difference for neighbors in need.  

Loni Davidson, Consulting Director at Huron Consulting Group, a Big Sister, and member of our Board of Directors  shares, “I have been a ‘lifer’ as it relates to community service. I find it incredibly important to invest in your community and do what you can do affect change in a meaningful and positive ways.”  

She adds, “Being a Big has changed my life in ways I never expected and brings joy I didn’t know I needed. Za’Riah and I have been matched a little over four years. We connected the moment we met and enjoy exploring new things together whether she’s getting me on roller skates for the first time in 40 years or we are learning to ice skate for the first time together. I love art and the theater, but we’ve learned that’s not Za’Riah’s thing but she never would have known that without stepping out of what we know and trying something new.  

We’re incredibly grateful for generous individuals like Loni who give their time, talents, and treasure so generously!  Champions like Loni and partnerships with Feeding Tampa Bay continue to strengthen our community and remind us that when we come together with a shared purpose, the impact reaches far beyond a single day of service. 

To everyone who joined us, thank you for dedicating your time and energy to helping others. Together, we sorted more than meals; we packed hope for families throughout our community and demonstrated the power of service, connection, and mentorship in action.  

As a new school year approaches, children across our community are preparing to head back to the classroom with fresh opportunities to learn, grow, and dream BIG. Thanks to the incredible generosity of The Baldwin Group, Macy’s, Progressive,  and David Weekley Homes, many of the Littles in our programs will start the year with the supplies they need to succeed. 

Together, these dedicated community partners donated backpacks filled with essential school supplies, helping ensure our youth are equipped and confident as they begin the school year.  

Cathryn Yanoski, from the Baldwin Group shares, “Supporting organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay reflects our commitment to strengthening the communities where we live and work. We are grateful for the opportunity to help provide students with the resources they need to start the school year prepared and to remind them that an entire community is cheering them on.”  

At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, we know that success starts with opportunity. While our professionally supported mentoring relationships empower young people to reach their full potential year-round, having the basic tools needed for school helps set the stage for academic success and builds confidence from the very first day of class. 

“We are incredibly grateful to our friends at The Baldwin Group, Macy’s, Progressive , and David Weekley Homes for investing in our youth,” said Robyn Ostrem, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay. “Research shows that young people with mentors are more likely to stay engaged in school, graduate, and pursue higher education. Pairing the support of a caring Big Brother or Big Sister with the school supplies children need to start the school year prepared helps build the confidence, stability, and sense of belonging that allow them to thrive in the classroom and beyond.” 

Every stuffed backpack, every donation made, and every act of kindness reminds our Littles that they are supported by people who believe in their future. 

To everyone at The Baldwin Group, Macy’s, Progresive,  and David Weekley Homes, thank you for helping our Littles walk into the new school year prepared, confident, and ready to achieve great things. Your generosity is making a lasting impact, and we are grateful to have partners who share our commitment to empowering the next generation of future leaders!