Benchmark International Supports Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay During National Mentoring Month

What does education look like outside the classroom? It looks like mentors, moments of connection, and young people being reminded they’re not alone. That belief shaped Benchmark International’s work with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay during National Mentoring Month. Through this partnership, mentorship took center stage as a powerful extension of education and community investment.

As shared in our recent press release, this January collaboration—alongside the Tampa Bay Lightning—responded to an urgent local need: more than 1,000 children across greater Tampa Bay were waiting to be matched with a mentor.

Through the campaign, Benchmark International, in partnership with the Tampa Bay Lightning, donated $50,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay—reinforcing our commitment to mentorship, education beyond the classroom, and creating lasting impact in the communities we serve.

Shared Impact to Youth Mentorship

At Benchmark International, our education pillar recognizes that learning extends far beyond academics. Education also includes confidence-building, social and emotional development, and access to trusted role models who help young people navigate challenges and imagine what’s possible.

Through one-on-one mentoring relationships, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay supports children by helping them:

• Stay engaged in school.
• Build confidence and self-belief.
• Develop communication and life skills.
• Explore future education and career pathways.

For many Littles on the waitlist, mentorship represents the chance to feel supported by a consistent adult—an experience that can shape how they learn and grow long after the school day ends.

Explore Benchmark International’s Commitment to Social Responsibility

A National Mentoring Month Campaign with Impact

From January 5–20, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay partnered with the Tampa Bay Lightning and Benchmark International for a National Mentoring Month campaign focused on awareness, celebration, and action.

The campaign featured in-arena recognitions, a youth-focused community event, and storytelling moments throughout January—giving the public and media opportunities to see mentorship in action and understand its impact.

“Mentorship is one of the most powerful tools we have to help young people feel supported, confident, and hopeful about their future,” said Robyn Ostrem, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay. “With more than 1,000 children waiting for a mentor right now in greater Tampa Bay, this partnership allowed us to meet the moment.”

Amplifying Mentorship Through the Tampa Bay Lightning

The Tampa Bay Lightning played an important role in elevating the message of mentorship throughout the campaign, using their platform to celebrate mentors and create meaningful experiences for youth and families across the community.

“We believe in using our platform to support causes that create real impact in our community,” said Elizabeth Frazier, Vice President of Community Hockey Development & Social Impact for the Tampa Bay Lightning. “By partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters during National Mentoring Month, we helped shine a light on the importance of positive role models and created memorable experiences that inspired kids, both on and off the ice.”

January Highlights Across Tampa Bay

Several key moments throughout the month brought the campaign to life:

• January 6 – In-game recognition of the Big Brother and Big Sister of the Year during a Tampa Bay Lightning home game
• January 17 – Big for a Day Ball Hockey Clinic (3–5 p.m.), which welcomed 50–100 Littles currently on the waitlist for a hands-on hockey experience outside Benchmark International Arena on Ford Thunder Alley
• January 20 – In-game campaign recognition celebrating mentors and highlighting the collective impact of National Mentoring Month

Throughout January, Bigs, Littles, and supporters were recognized during Lightning games and special activations—reinforcing the message that mentorship strengthens families, schools, and communities.

Why This Work Matters to Benchmark International

As a mergers and acquisitions advisory firm, Benchmark International works with business owners during pivotal transitions—moments where guidance, preparation, and trusted relationships matter.

Those same principles are just as important for young people.

“At Benchmark International, we believe strong communities are built when people show up for one another,” said Tyrus O’Neil, Chief Executive Officer of Benchmark International. “Supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters alongside the Tampa Bay Lightning allowed us to help create meaningful opportunities for young people and encourage others to step into a role that can truly change a life.”

Education Beyond the Classroom

While our day-to-day work focuses on mergers and acquisitions, our community investments focus on people and potential. Our partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay reflects our Education Pillar in action—supporting mentorship as a form of learning built through connection, consistency, and care.

To learn more about the National Mentoring Month partnership and campaign highlights, you can read the story here. 

Schedule a Call