The Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Mentors’ Classic raised over $170,000 for Connecticut youth and shone a spotlight on the story of West Hartford Big Brother Joe DeLutrie and his Little Brother Ocean.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentors Classic golf tournament. Courtesy photo

Submitted

Over 110 golfers and guests gathered at Burning Tree Country Club in Greenwich for the annual Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut Mentors Classic, a day of golf, community, and giving back. The tournament raised over $170,000 to help match more children with mentors who guide, encourage, and inspire them. NBC-CT anchor Taylor Kinzler emceed the event, bringing warmth and energy to the day.

The event shined a spotlight on 11-year-old Little Brother Ocean from New Britain and his Big Brother Joe DeLutrie of West Hartford; their inspiring story showed attendees how one caring adult can unlock a young person’s potential.

Matched by Community-Based Mentoring staff in 2022, Joe and Ocean exemplify the power of consistent, trusting relationships that help youth grow socially, emotionally, and academically.

Big Brother Joe DeLutrie (center) with his Little Brother, Ocean, and emcee Taylor Kinzler. Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentors Classic golf tournament. Courtesy photo

“Ocean knows he can come to me for anything, from fun ideas to tough days,” said Joe. “I try to teach him about balance, how to divide his time between school, sports, and other commitments. Sticking to it has helped him take control of his actions and his life.”

For Ocean, the mentorship has been transformative: “Having Joe as a mentor has shown me I can do more than I ever thought possible.”

“Mentorship is about helping every child to reach their full potential and thrive,” said Andy Fleischmann, President & CEO of BBBSCT. “Joe and Ocean’s story reminds us how impactful a caring mentor can be. And the data backs this up – third-party studies show children matched with Big Brothers and Sisters are more likely to graduate from high school and college, less likely to undertake risky behaviors involving alcohol, drugs or violence, and will earn 15-20% more than their non-mentored peers while getting more involved in their communities. Which is why we do this work.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentors Classic golf tournament. Courtesy photo

Major event sponsors included Anholt USA, Grant Thornton, Stanley Black & Decker, and the Massoud Family Foundation, among others. Each of these organizations has also supported previous Big Brothers Big Sisters events, powering meaningful change in the lives of Connecticut children and youth.

The Mentors’ Classic is more than a golf tournament; it’s an opportunity for golfers, sponsors, and donors to help close the mentor gap and create life-changing connections for Connecticut youth. To learn more, visit https://ctbigs.org/be-a-big-new-2/. To donate, visit https://www.classy.org/give/399292/#!/donation/checkout

Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentors Classic golf tournament. Courtesy photo

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