Former Match Celebrates 40th Anniversary, Former Little Brother Becomes Big Brother
GARDEN GROVE, CALIF., October 21, 2009 – Steve Rodriguez of Garden Grove and Ben Smets of Murrieta celebrated the 40th anniversary of their match through Big Brothers Big Sisters. The pair re-united to celebrate Steve’s 50th birthday; Steve was age 10 and a resident of Whittier when he was matched to Ben, today age 73, through the Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Los Angeles office.
“It was great to see how well he turned out,” commented Ben, a retired shoe designer.
“I owe a lot to Ben,” added Steve, “I wouldn’t be the man I am today had it not been for him.”
Ben had three daughters, and became a Big Brother to mentor a boy in need. He and Steve met regularly for nearly three years. The pair enjoyed playing golf, camping, taking trips and participating in Ben’s family gatherings. Ben took Steve to his first professional hockey game, a sport Steve still loves today, and also prompted an interest in Steve in painting.
Steve’s father was not involved in his life, and his mother died during their match. Ben considered becoming a foster parent to Steve and his two sisters, but they ended up being taken in by their grandparents instead.
Steve is today a director of product support for Zodiac Aerospace. The 40th anniversary of his match prompted Steve to do two things: 1) become a Big Brother himself, and 2) seek out Ben, his former Big Brother. He applied for and was accepted as a “Big”; an internet search helped him find Ben.
“I was pleasantly surprised to hear from him,” remarked Ben. “We had a great reunion.”
They’ve met twice since reacquainting, once to watch Steve go skydiving and once for a balloon festival. Steve will always be grateful to Ben, and hopes to offer the same mentoring opportunity to his own Little Brother.
“Ben was a positive role model for me at a crucial time in my life,” concluded Steve. “I want to do the same for another young person.” | 
