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 and 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.
