02-17-2026
NEWS:
ZLINE CARES SERVICE DAY
Through the partnership with ZLINE Kitchen and Bath, ZLINE Cares Service Day was a vibrant celebration of mentorship in action, a day where community, connection, and possibility came together under one roof. Designed as the ultimate Match Zone, the event brought Bigs and Littles together for an afternoon filled with creativity, energy, and shared discovery.
ZLINE opened their doors to create a space for our Matches but the ZLINE staff volunteers made the evening a vibrant success. From Ice Cream last calls, to finding the perfect Lego set or bead color, the ZLINE Crew stepped up to Defend Potential for our Littles. Their energy and attitude were instrumental in the success of this event. We couldn’t be more grateful for partners like them.
The Connection
Bigs and Littles participated in making bracelets, building Legos, playing games, and a scavenger hunt to win prizes. At the craft tables, Bigs and Littles leaned in close, shared ideas, and offered encouragement, to create something together. Meanwhile, other Littles stepped onto the court to show off their basketball skills while their Bigs cheered them on (or played). Every moment reminded us that when Bigs and Littles show up together, even simple activities build toward Little’s biggest possible future.
“Me and my Little made so many bracelets!“ – Kimberly, Big Sister
Connection continued at the local food trucks, where Matches enjoyed delicious food from Mr Yummy Yummy and Slater’s Ding-A-Wing courtesy of ZLINE. Standing side by side, choosing what to try, and sitting down to enjoy it gave Matches space to talk, joke, and simply be together. An extensive menu of sauce options launched especially good conversations about spice, flavor, and preferences. Of course, what is dinner without dessert, Matches enjoyed handcrafted ice cream from Lazy Sundae which opened another fierce discussion on chocolate vs. Vanilla, banana splits, and the appropriate toppings for each.
Behind The Scenes ZLINE Cares Service Day
The exclusive behind-the-scenes look at ZLINE offered something equally powerful: shared discovery. Matches explored the bay where the products are stored, took an inside look at ZLINE production team, and got to see a whole world of careers. Little and Bigs gathered to watch a presentation highlighting the company’s background, different roles, and creative process. Together, they learned about the wide range of roles that bring ideas to life, from design and strategy to collaboration and innovation, and what it means to turn inherent creativity into a meaningful career. For Littles, seeing professionals speak confidently about their work helped expand their understanding of what’s possible.
When talking to Cindy Lain, Senior People Operations Manager at Zline, she said, “It wasn’t difficult to get our folks to volunteer. They believe in the [BBBSNN] mission and were ready to support in this way.”
And when a Little steps into something unfamiliar with their Big beside them, connection becomes courage. Including sharing feedback directly to the production team.
“I don’t really paint but I like to play the drums!” – Little Brother
Throughout the afternoon, Matches set out with their event “passports” in hand, collecting activity stamps as they explored the ZLINE facility together. The scavenger hunt encouraged Bigs and Littles to fully engage in each experience, asking questions, trying new activities, and moving through the space as a team. At the close of the event, Littles proudly turned in their completed passports and selected a gift of their choosing. Every Little left not only with a gift, but with memories made alongside their Big.
Deepening Their Connection
At the heart of every Big Brothers Big Sisters Match is connection.
Connection is how we defend potential. It’s in weekly conversations, the shared experiences, the encouragement during challenges, and the celebration of small victories.
“Mentorship is a necessity in this day and age“-Steve, Big Brother
ZLINE Cares Service Day wasn’t defined by activities. It was defined by relationships. By Bigs and Littles choosing to show up for one another. With moments of laughter, encouragement, and shared experience that strengthen the foundation of every Match. That’s what makes days like this so meaningful. Not the crafts, not the treats, not even the behind-the-scenes access. It’s the connection. And when connection is strong, a Little’s potential has every opportunity to rise. When Bigs and Littles connect, potential grows.