Zoe Winkler Reveals How a Student’s Mother Played Matchmaker with Husband Rob Reinis
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Zoe Winkler Reinis, co-founder of This Is About Humanity, recently shared an exclusive story with PEOPLE about how a chance encounter orchestrated by a student’s mother led her to meet her husband, Rob Reinis. The couple, who exchanged vows in 2009, now have three sons together.
Zoe, whose lifelong dream of becoming a teacher was fulfilled, reminisced about her passion for working with children that she has held since childhood. She shared, “In my bathroom, I have a framed picture that I made in kindergarten that says, ‘My name is Zoe. I’m pretty and cute. I will start as a babysitter. Then I will be a teacher. Then I will be a mom. I will have long nails and cats.'” This early ambition ultimately guided her towards a fulfilling career in education.
The unconventional set-up with her future husband began when a parent of one of her students proposed the idea of fixing Zoe up with someone she knew. At first, Zoe was hesitant, describing the suggestion as “deranged.” However, after persistent encouragement from the mother, named Alana, and her friend, who assured Zoe that the connection was not as unusual as it seemed, Zoe decided to take a chance on the blind date.
This serendipitous meeting marked the beginning of Zoe and Rob’s relationship, culminating in a marriage that has withstood the test of time. The couple, who are parents to Ace, Jules, and Gus, have found unwavering support in Zoe’s family, including her father, actor Henry Winkler, and mother, Stacey Weitzman, who actively participate in supporting This Is About Humanity, the foundation Zoe co-founded.
Through This Is About Humanity, Zoe, alongside her co-founders Elsa Marie Collins and Yolanda Selene Walther-Meade, aims to amplify the voices of grassroots organisations making a difference. The foundation prides itself on transparency, ensuring that all contributions directly benefit the causes they support without any overhead costs.
Zoe emphasised the importance of community involvement in the foundation’s initiatives, highlighting the diverse ways in which individuals can contribute, whether through financial donations, volunteering time, or sharing their skills. She expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic support received from her family, friends, and even her children’s peers, who actively participate in events organised by the foundation.
Reflecting on the impact of This Is About Humanity, Zoe underscored the significance of motherhood in driving her philanthropic endeavours. She shared, “I believe being a mom is the reason that This Is About Humanity even began. Because I think it’s the great equalizer. It doesn’t matter. The only thing that separates us is where we were born, but we’re moms. That kind of instinct and that feeling override everything else in my life.”
The heartwarming tale of Zoe Winkler Reinis and Rob Reinis serves as a poignant reminder of how unexpected connections and acts of kindness can lead to lasting partnerships and meaningful contributions to society. Their story is a testament to the power of love, family, and community in fostering positive change and making a difference in the world.
(Source: PEOPLE)