The LINK Between Time, Treasure and Transformation

When Brett Tomfohrde, Director of Real Estate Development, accepted a dinner invitation in 2016, he set off a chain of events with long-lasting impact on underrepresented teens on Chicago’s South Side.

The dinner was a fundraiser for LINK Unlimited Scholars, a nonprofit that supports talented and ambitious Black students and those most impacted by systemic barriers to opportunity with resources to succeed in high school, college and beyond. Brett was especially moved by LINK’s mentorship program.

“I had mentors during college and early in my professional life who greatly influenced me and encouraged me to pursue the career I enjoy today,” Brett said. “I wouldn’t be where I am without them.”

LINK Mentors commit to four years with a student Scholar, guiding them through high school, motivating them to pursue higher education and introducing them to possible career paths.

A Mentor & A Friend

At 25, Brett accepted his first LINK mentoring assignment with Joshua, a student-athlete dreaming of playing college football. They bonded over their shared sports backgrounds, and Brett, who played college golf, helped Joshua balance academics and athletics while building a genuine friendship.

“I went to all of his football games, spent time with his family, taught him life skills like tying a tie and business etiquette and made sure we connected regularly,” Brett said.

Four years later, Joshua earned an academic scholarship to the University of Dayton and a spot on their football team. Though an injury ended his athletic career, he graduated with a degree in electrical engineering.

Today, as Joshua pursues a career in mechanical engineering in Chicago, he and Brett remain close—celebrating milestones, sharing family updates and networking for the future.

Reflecting on the experience, Brett said, “LINK teaches that mentoring is the secret sauce to Scholar success. I knew I had to be actively involved to fulfill my promise to Joshua. I wanted to make a difference, and I did. I cherish my relationship with Joshua and know that mentoring is something I’ll carry with me for life.”

Although his formal mentoring relationship with Joshua ended four years ago, Brett remains committed to mentoring through LINK and is currently a Mentor to a high school senior.

A Pivotal Partnership

Recognizing Brett’s personal commitment to LINK and the powerful impact of their programs, the Opus Foundation quickly and favorably responded to the organization’s request for an Impact Fund grant.

The $150,000 grant, paid out over two years, will help LINK strengthen its operations, expand its programs and build financial stability. Their plans include refreshing external communications, such as messaging, marketing materials, and the website, while also adding internal processes and systems to create a more sustainable infrastructure.

“As we approach our 60th anniversary, much has changed. Funding has declined in a rapidly shifting philanthropic and political climate. Our pool of Mentors has also shrunk given the challenge of a four-year commitment, which was a hallmark of our program,” said Maurice Tiner, Director of Advancement and External Affairs with LINK and a former LINK Scholar. “What hasn’t changed is that Black students in Chicago still face educational inequities.”

Maurice emphasized that the foundation’s multiyear support is pivotal. “Each new committed dollar is one less dollar my team needs to chase. It allows us to be proactive with our funding and not just reactive,” he said, adding that the foundation’s treasure together with Brett’s time is a formidable catalyst for growth.

“Mentors matter just as much as dollars. We are incredibly grateful to Opus for pairing personal commitment with institutional investment to help students in Chicago achieve their full potential.”