MARQUETTE — Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Upper Peninsula announced the commitment of a $1 million donation from Tim Easterwood, a former Little Brother, in honor of his Big Brother and mentor, Dan Hill.

Hill served in the Army in Vietnam in 1972 and after a one year combat stint returned to the United States in 1973. As a 21-year-old freshly back from serving his country in the war in Vietnam, he volunteered to be a Big Brother. He was offered one of the three Easterwood boys to be his Little Brother. He instead said he wanted to be a Big Brother to all three of the Easterwood boys — Mark, Tim and Brian.

Over the next 10+ years, Hill did all the things one could want from a dutiful Big Brother. He taught them to fish and hunt and brought them to all of the events the Big Brothers Big Sisters agency hosted including picnics and Christmas celebrations. He was a true mentor to the Easterwood boys.

But it didn’t stop there; Hill has been the Big Brother to the boys for the last 51 years and sees and talks to them frequently.

“This donation is important to Big Brothers Big Sisters, not only to provide more services to Little Brothers and Little Sisters, but to publicize the importance of Big Brothers Big Sisters. My story is proof of the lifelong value these Big Brother Little Brother relationships bring and by giving back in honor of Dan, my hope is that this will spark so many more people in Michigan and throughout the United States to support Big Brothers Big Sisters with their time and monetary donations,” said Easterwood in a news release.

Easterwood, who resides in Birmingham, Michigan, and Torch Lake, Michigan, is the Founder and CEO of BizFleets, LLC. He holds a masters of science degree from the University of Detroit Mercy and bachelors of science degree from Northern Michigan University. After college graduation, he wanted to work at Ford Motor Company. He began his career at Ford as a security guard, working the midnight shift. He moved up in Ford and worked in the Insurance Division. After his career at Ford, he became an entrepreneur and has owned seven successful companies.

“This incredible gift from Tim Easterwood is a game changer for our organization and the young people we serve,” said executive director Jayne Letts of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central U.P. “With this support, we can provide more resources, training, and support to our Bigs and Littles, ensuring that every child in our community has the opportunity to succeed.”