Ocean, a youth from New Britain and his Big Brother, Joe DeLutrie of West Harford, shared their experience at Big Brothers Big Sisters Forum.

From left: Boston Celtics co-owner and CEO Wyc Grousbeck, Little Brother Ocean trying on the Celtics Championship ring, Big Brother Joe DeLutrie of West Hartford. Courtesy photo

Submitted

A powerful story of mentoring between a New Britain youth and his West Hartford mentor took center stage at a Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut (BBBSCT) event last week.

The moment came during BBBSCT’s Sports Franchise Economics Forum, held at the Belle Haven Club in Greenwich, when Big Brother Joe DeLutrie of West Hartford and Little Brother Ocean of New Britain shared how mentoring has transformed both their lives.

BBBSCT’s Community-Based team brought the two together in 2022, and they spoke about how their bond, built through consistency and a shared love of sports, has helped Ocean grow in confidence, better balance school and friendships, and see new possibilities for his future.

“The program has changed my life in so many ways – especially because of Joe. He’s a great person and a great Big. I’m really glad to have him,” Ocean shared, drawing an emotional response from the audience.

Another of the evening’s memorable moments followed when Little Brother Ocean met Wyc Grousbeck, co-owner and CEO of the Boston Celtics. Ocean had the chance to try on the team’s championship ring and received a personal invitation to attend a Celtics game with his Big Brother Joe.

From left: Former New York Giants captain and two-time Super Bowl Champion Justin Tuck, Big Brother Joe DeLutrie of West Hartford. Little Brother Ocean of New Britain. Courtesy photo

In addition to Grousbeck, the forum featured influential voices from the sports and investment world, including former New York Giants captain and two-time Super Bowl Champion Justin Tuck, and industry leaders, including Mark Affolter of Ares Management and Charlie Post of J.P. Morgan Private Bank. Together, panelists explored the evolving landscape of sports franchise ownership and investment, while also reflecting on the mentors and relationships that influenced their personal and professional journeys.

The evening, attended by more than 100 people, was made possible through the generous support of J.P. Morgan Private Bank, Ares Management, and the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation, whose commitment highlights the importance of investing not only in industries, but in people – supporting BBBSCT’s mission of changing children’s lives for the better, forever through one-to-one mentoring.

West Hartford resident and President & CEO of BBBSCT, Andy Fleischmann, shared, “It was great to see so many people come out to support youth mentoring while enjoying thoughtful discussions on sports, investing, and the power of mentors in helping us reach our goals. Every dollar raised will directly support Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring programs.”

Beyond the panel discussions, the event reinforced a simple but powerful message: behind every young person’s success is someone who believes in them.

The event raised over $125,000 to support youth mentoring programs across the state, with a strong connection to the West Hartford and New Britain communities.

Meredith Young of Citizens Bank, an Avon resident, Sean Silva of Ares Management, Jill Scalisi, Charlie Post, Ryan McGrath of J.P. Morgan Private Bank, and Wyc Grousbeck served on the Forum Committee and helped ensure the event’s success.

To learn more about becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister, visit the website. To donate, click here.

From left: Charlie Post, Mark Affolter, and Wyc Grousbeck. Courtesy photo

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