Saturday was a big day for Big Brothers Big Sisters.

The Michiana chapter has been matching children with adult mentors for 40 years, enriching the lives of both the "bigs" and "littles."

The "bigs" held a 40th anniversary fundraiser in South Bend Saturday night, complete with a 1968 theme.

There was also a costume contest, dancing, and a silent auction -- with all proceeds going to Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Adults who volunteer to be a "big" only have to make a one-year commitment, but some of those matches last a lifetime.

Inside on a rainy evening, little brother Robert laughs and enjoys the tricks of Rich Mullins' dogs.

Robert is Rich's 8th Little Brother

"It started with both my wife and I. We couldn't have children, so we decided to get into Big Brothers Big Sisters just to see what it would be like to have another person around," Rich explains.

Rich has enjoyed being a Big Brother for over 27 years. In 2007, he was honored as the Indiana Big Brother of the Year.

"It's meant a lot to me. I enjoy the kids around, and it keeps me young at the same time."

When he was younger, Rich spent three years as a Big Brother to Kevin Fyffe

"Little" Kevin is now married with two children

"I just think it’s important for kids to have a male role model in their life," Kevin says. "A lot of the things that Rich and I did together Austin and I do together too."

"[Rich] taught me what it was like to be a man. And some of the things I didn’t have, growing up, I wanted to make sure when I had kids that they had a strong influence, good values and such –- some of the things that Rich instilled in me."

Rich has a more humble opinion of his role in Kevin's life.

"I had a small part in the way he was raised," Rich says modestly. "It's come full circle, and I see how he treats his son and it’s gratifying to see that he’s grown up and has a family of his own."

"He was a very good mentor to me, and I don't know that I would have made it where I am today without him," Kevin remarked. “He was very important to me.”

"Hopefully I have changed the life of others. It has changed mine, it's just fulfilling," Rich explains.

Big Brothers Big Sisters says they always welcome new volunteers.