Interview with Bonnie and Marco Anasetti: Why We Support My Brother’s Workshop
Q: Let’s start at the beginning. How did you first get involved with My Brother’s Workshop (MBW)?
Marco: Honestly, when Bonnie and I first came across MBW, we weren’t actively looking to support another nonprofit. But something about this organization stood out. It wasn’t just about charity or good intentions – it was about real transformation. We saw people showing up every single day, fully committed to helping young men and women that most of society had already given up on. That kind of presence, that consistency – it hit us hard. We knew right away that this was something worth standing behind.
Bonnie: We attended a workshop event early on and got to see the students in action. They weren’t just talking about goals – they were achieving them. You could feel the energy, the hope, the pride. That’s when we knew we weren’t just donating – we were investing in something that worked.
Q: What do you think makes MBW so different from other organizations doing similar work?
Marco: MBW doesn’t just patch up problems temporarily. It builds from the ground up. These students learn tangible, hands-on skills – welding, culinary arts, woodworking, construction, marine work. But it’s not just about trades. They also get their high school diplomas, attend therapy, receive mentorship, and get structure. And most importantly, they get belief – from the staff, the volunteers, and eventually from themselves.
Bonnie: I think a lot of programs try to help, but they underestimate what real change takes. MBW doesn’t. They walk with these students through every success and every setback. They don’t quit on them. That kind of support is life-changing.
Q: You mentioned mentorship. What have you observed about the way MBW mentors its students?
Marco: It’s incredibly intentional. This isn’t performative mentoring where someone shows up once a month for a photo op. The staff at MBW is there every day, holding students accountable while also lifting them up. They offer compassion, but not coddling. They expect excellence, but understand progress. It’s a rare balance, and the students respond to it.
Bonnie: And it’s not just technical skills. They teach students how to show up on time, how to communicate, how to deal with conflict, how to plan a future. It’s a full-spectrum mentorship that helps them grow into adults who can stand on their own feet.
Q: Why do you and Bonnie choose to support MBW financially and with your time?
Marco: Because we’ve seen the impact up close. We’ve met the students. We’ve heard their stories – stories of trauma, loss, poverty, instability – and we’ve seen them turn their lives around. You can’t walk away from that and not want to help. There’s no fluff, no unnecessary overhead. Every dollar goes directly into helping kids succeed. We believe in that kind of efficiency and purpose.
Bonnie: And it’s not about handouts. It’s about opportunity. When you see a young man or woman walk across that stage with a diploma, or get their first job, or even just hold their head up with confidence – that’s the kind of return that’s hard to put into words. But it’s real. And we want to be part of more of those moments.
Q: What kind of larger impact do you think MBW is having on the Virgin Islands community?
Marco: It’s massive. When one student succeeds, it affects their whole family. It affects the friends who see what’s possible. It affects neighborhoods that finally see hope instead of crime or despair. We’re not talking about hypothetical outcomes – we’re talking about measurable, visible change. MBW is lifting up entire communities by giving young people a second chance and the tools to make the most of it.
Bonnie: It’s legacy work. These are future business owners, tradespeople, parents, mentors. They’re going to give back too, and that ripple effect is what makes this so powerful. It’s not a quick fix – it’s deep, lasting transformation.
Q: For someone who’s considering getting involved or donating, what would you say to them?
Marco: I’d say go visit. Meet the students. Talk to the staff. Shake some hands and listen to the stories. You’ll walk away with a full heart and zero doubt. This isn’t about charity – it’s about changing lives in a way that’s real and lasting. If you want to support something that works – something that’s building a better future for the Virgin Islands – this is it.
Bonnie: And know that your support matters. Every contribution helps someone take a step forward. It’s personal. It’s powerful. And it’s worth every penny.
Marco: We’re proud to stand with My Brother’s Workshop. And we’ll keep standing with them for as long as they keep doing this incredible, life-changing work.
– Bonnie and Marco Anasetti
