Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast salutes 2023 Big Brother, Big Sister of the Year

Special to the Herald-Tribune
·2 min read
Amanda Hall, a WINK-TV news anchor, signed up to be a Big Sister a few months after Hurricane Irma in 2017 and was matched with her Little Sister Jazlyn.
Amanda Hall, a WINK-TV news anchor, signed up to be a Big Sister a few months after Hurricane Irma in 2017 and was matched with her Little Sister Jazlyn.

VENICE — Jon Groetzinger of Englewood and Amanda Hall of Fort Myers were recently honored by Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast as their 2023 Big Brother and Big Sister of the Year.

Operating under the belief that inherent in every person is potential waiting to be unlocked, Amanda and Jon have played a vital role in the lives of their Littles, Jazlyn and Austin.

Groetzinger said he became a mentor because he wanted to help build a strong community and help a young man. He has been Austin’s Big Brother for 10 years. When Austin was applying to colleges, Groetzinger was there guiding him throughout the process.

“I would not be the man I am today without the involvement of this organization," Austin said. "The things that I was able to do because of Big Brothers Big Sisters include going to college, a relationship with my Big Brother Jon that filled the paternal role I missed, and getting to foster my love of music. It is my goal to give back to this organization for everything they have done for me.”

Jon Groetzinger of Englewood has been Austin’s Big Brother for 10 years.
Jon Groetzinger of Englewood has been Austin’s Big Brother for 10 years.

For Hall, an award-winning news anchor for WINK-TV in Fort Myers, being a Big Sister was always something in her heart. “My only regret is that I didn’t become a Big Sister sooner,” Hall said.

When Hall experienced Hurricane Irma as a reporter, seeing how much people came together sealed her decision to be a bigger part of the community. She signed up to be a Big Sister and a few months later and was matched with Jazlyn.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast has been matching youth in meaningful, enduring, professionally supported mentoring relationships for over 50 years, helping children realize their potential and build futures. This past year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast has served over 1,500 youth across a 10 county footprint.

To learn more or to become a Big Sister or Big Brother, call 855-501-BIGS (2447) or visit bbbssun.org.

Submitted by Gina Taylor

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast honors 2023 top mentors