Big Brothers Big Sisters of Fond du Lac County is excited to honor Dave Colwin as the 2024 Big of the Year! Through multiple volunteer efforts, spending many years on the Board of Directors, and even being a two-time Big Brother, Dave continues to inspire local youth to reach their full potential.
Dave’s journey at BBBS began when he joined the Board of Directors around 1985. He served on the board through the early 1990s and later decided to become a Big Brother in the program.
He was matched with his first Little Brother, Jake, in 2008. Dave coached Jake in soccer, followed his track meets, attended Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers games, and took many trips to Culver’s and Gilles for ice cream. Jake is now almost 23, and the two still have a meaningful relationship.
“Dave has always been one of, if not my biggest, supporter with everything I’ve done in my life,” said Jake. “He has done so much for me that I will be forever grateful for.”
Jake graduated from high school in 2020, and Dave was simultaneously matched with his second Little Brother, LJ, in 2018. Dave is a lawyer by profession, and LJ had an interest in being an attorney from a very young age. Dave encouraged LJ’s interests by sharing movies and books as well as supporting his public speaking endeavors. LJ just graduated from high school and now he’s off to college with a bright future ahead of him.
“As a kid with both parents incarcerated, it seemed I had only one path ahead,” said LJ. “Thanks to Dave’s constant reassurance and encouragement, I have become a better person and a better man. I am incredibly thankful for everything he’s done for me.”
Dave, Jake, and LJ have spent time together watching movies, playing basketball, and sitting down for family dinners with Dave’s wife, Mary. The trio shares a special interest in the civil rights movement and even took a trip to visit historical sites in Atlanta, Montgomery, Selma, Birmingham, and Memphis. With memories to last a lifetime and bonds that extend beyond their time at BBBS, their friendship has left a positive impact on each of them.
“It has been a joy spending time with each of these guys and watching them grow from little kids to wonderful young men,” said Dave. “Along with their parents, Mary and I are so very, very proud of them.”
The organization is proud to recognize Dave as the 2024 Big of the Year. You can help celebrate Dave, Jake, and LJ on Thursday, August 1, 2024, when they’re honored at The BIG Event at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center in Fond du Lac.
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 one-to-one mentoring and group mentoring opportunities in community-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.