Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut (BBBSCT), the state’s premier
youth mentoring organization, recently brought in over $125,000 in support of youth mentoring at its Sports Franchise Economics Forum at the Belle Haven Club in Greenwich.
The event featured influential voices from the sports and investment worlds, including former New York Giants captain and two-time Super Bowl Champion Justin Tuck and Greenwich resident Wyc Grousbeck, Co-Owner and CEO of the Boston Celtics. They were joined by industry leaders Mark Affolter of Ares Management and Charlie Post of J.P. Morgan Private Bank in Greenwich.
Together, panelists explored the evolving landscape of sports franchise
ownership and investment, while also reflecting on the ways that key mentors influenced their personal and professional journeys.
The event brought in over 100 attendees, including community leaders such as Jim Aiello, co-founder of the Greenwich Economic Forum, corporate partners, and local youth.
Among them were teens from Barbara’s House, students from Brunswick School in Greenwich, and Fairfield resident Jenna Hofmann, Miss Connecticut for 2025. The evening was made possible through generous sponsorships by J.P. Morgan Private Bank, Ares Management, and the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation.
Their support 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.
One of the evening’s most powerful moments came from Big Brother Joe DeLutrie and Little Brother Ocean, whom BBBSCT’s Community-Based team brought together in 2022. Sharing their story, they reflected on how their bond, rooted in a shared love of sports, has helped Ocean build confidence, balance academics and friendships, and grow into a more self-assured young man.
“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 memorable highlight came when Ocean connected with Wyc Grousbeck.
Ocean tried on a Boston Celtics championship ring and received a personal invitation to attend a game alongside his Big Brother, Joe DeLutrie.
“It was great to have so many folks come out to support youth mentoring and
enjoy really interesting discussions that touched upon sports, investing, and the power of mentors to help us reach our goals,” said Andy Fleischmann, BBBSCT President & CEO. “Every dollar raised will support Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring.”
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Jim Aiello, co‑founder of the Greenwich Economic Forum. Contributed photo
Teens from Barbara’s Housse. Contributed photo
Former NY Giants Captain and two-time Super Bowl Champion Justin Tuck, Big Brother Joe DeLutrie, Little Brother Ocean, and BBBSCT President and CEO, Andy Fleischmann. Contributed photo