Big Brothers Big Sisters of Fond du Lac County is excited to honor Grande Cheese Company’s Justine Eatherton as the 2025 Big of the Year! Justine has been a compassionate, adventurous, and dedicated mentor for almost seven years and counting.
Justine was first matched with Little Sister Jasmine in 2018 in the school-based program, visiting then-9-year-old Jasmine weekly at her elementary school over lunch. In 2019, they transitioned to a communitybased match, giving Justine more flexibility to spend time with Jasmine on evenings and weekends as her work schedule changed. Now 16, Jasmine is preparing for her junior year of high school. After nearly seven years of friendship, Jasmine’s mom, Amy, has seen the positive impact of mentorship.
“They immediately connected and built a bond that is still valid today,” said Amy. “Sometimes home life is tough for Jasmine and I think she sees Justine as a safe place to be away and not have to think about it.”
When they first met, Jasmine was shy, standoffish, and hesitant in public. Since being matched, Justine has helped boost Jasmine’s confidence by encouraging her to try new things such as kayaking, caving, ziplining, rock climbing, and skiing. They’ve also gone mini golfing, planted succulents, attended parades, pet horses, visited Fondy Aqua Park, and shared many other adventures throughout their match.
“It’s cool to have a young person in my life who loves doing those same things,” said Justine. “BBBS really got it right when they matched us together. Our personalities fit. We’re on the same wavelength.” Not only has Jasmine’s confidence improved, but Justine’s steady guidance over the years has also helped Jasmine develop a strong personal character. She’s held the same part-time job with consistent attendance and good work ethic, refined her artistic abilities through various projects, curated her own taste in music, and hopes to take automotive classes in the future.
“She is figuring out who she is,” said Amy. “She has gained independence and confidence. She has grown up so much into a kind, strong young woman.”
BBBS is proud to recognize Justine as the 2025 Big of the Year for her commitment, consistency, and friendship with Jasmine as well as her advocacy for the agency. She’s spoken at her company about mentorship, brought many potential volunteers to BBBS events, and has been a regular fundraiser at BBBS’ annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake event. She will be honored with the award at The BIG Event presented by Shea Electric & Communications LLC at Hotel Retlaw in Fond du Lac on Thursday, July 10.
“Being a Big all feels so natural,” said Justine. “We’re just hanging out, and having fun, and being friends. You forget you’re really making a difference.”
BBBS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving Fond du Lac County and northern Dodge County. The agency assists children with social, emotional, and character development through 1:1 (one-to-one) and 1:1+ (one-to-one plus) mentoring opportunities in community-based, site-based, and school-based settings. Youth ages 6 and up can enroll in the program through parent or guardian referral. Volunteers ages 16 and up who pass a background check and have a valid driver’s license and auto insurance can be mentors. Visit bbbsfdl.org or call (920) 922-8200 to learn more.