Giving Big

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati is the birthplace of the national mentoring movement. The organization creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. 

Serving children across Southwest Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and Southeast Indiana, BBBSGC helps young people achieve their full potential through the guidance of caring mentors.

To learn more or to become a mentor, visit www.bigsforkids.org. 

More than 300 community and business leaders gathered this morning at Drees Pavilion for The BIG Breakfast 2025 Presented by Cintas, raising mroe than $200,000 to support the life-changing mentoring programs of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati (BBBSGC).

This year’s event theme, “Hometown Heroes: Cincinnati’s Favorites Igniting Potential,” celebrated the city’s mentoring spirit, past and present, by featuring local business icons and honoring the historic roots of Big Brothers Big Sisters, which began in Cincinnati in 1903.

Michelle Hopkins, WCPO-TV host and Greater Cincinnati Foundation leader, served as emcee and moderator of the keynote panel featuring three of Cincinnati’s most recognizable restaurant leaders:

• Dick Williams, CEO, Skyline Chili

• Dean Gregory, VP, Montgomery Inn

• Mike LaRosa, CEO, LaRosa’s Pizzeria

Together, they shared stories about mentorship in their own careers, how community connections shaped their businesses, and why investing in young people is essential to the region’s success.

“The BIG Breakfast embodies everything that makes Cincinnati special, our generosity, our hometown pride, and our belief in potential,” said Jessica Esterkamp, President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Greater Cincinnati. “The funds raised today will help us match even more Littles with caring, committed mentors across our region.”

The morning program also honored Cincinnati’s National Big Brother and Little Brother of the Year, Norm Boyd and Tyjon Cousins, who shared their inspiring story on stage before receiving the organization’s Defenders of Potential medals and commemorative jackets.

Adding to the emotional resonance of the event, Sallie Westheimer, granddaughter of BBBS national founder Irv Westheimer, reflected on her family’s century-long connection to mentoring and the organization’s enduring impact.

Presented by Cintas, with additional support from Skyline Chili, Montgomery Inn, LaRosa’s Pizzeria, and community partners committed to igniting potential in local youth.