When we first told you about model and longtime Wesley Chapel resident Justin Zabinski, it was more than a decade ago. And, while a lot has changed for the 25-year-old Wesley Chapel resident, a lot has stayed the same, too, as Justin continues to be a blessing not only for his father — well-known local resident Leo Star — but for homeless men, women and families and disabled children, among others.
“Whenever Justin flies in from a modeling shoot,” Leo says, “no matter what time he gets in, he’s up at 6 the next morning to help serve in local soup kitchens. He has thousands of fans (nearly 8,000 at our press time), but he always volunteers his time to help others.”
Leo says that Justin even helps put on events where the host charity can charge admission, and all the proceeds are donated to that charity. “He never takes anything for himself,” Leo says.
I was happy to catch up with Justin and his dad a couple of weeks ago, before he flew off to New York City and then Los Angeles for modeling shoots.
Justin, who certainly looks and acts the part of the “laid back surfer dude,” says he is still in search of “the perfect wave, although I have gotten to surf on some amazing beaches in Costa Rica, Puerto Rico and California.”
Among his many modeling credits are AllAmericanGuys.com, Rugby and Polo by Ralph Lauren, APC (France), Tony Meliilo fashion show in NYC, Bruce Weber, GQ Magazine (Germany) JC Penney, Hang Ten, American Living and Levis. He also has been featured in At Large magazine, which calls itself, “The definitive magazine for contemporary culture, art entertainment and men’s style.” Justin also been featured in People magazine and he is currently working as a cover model.
“I love all of the messages I get from fans,” Justin says. “Even though there are always some haters, too. I just don’t let any of it affect me.”
As for his love life, Justin says he’s simply too busy right now to worry about finding the right girl to settle down with, although he admits he would like to find that certain someone “someday.”
In the meantime, Justin hopes to see a lot more of the world, especially more of the world’s best surfing beaches, from Fiji to Australia and anywhere else he can chase the big water. “I do like hanging here at home, too,” he says.
But, being home also means serving, cleaning up and helping out any way he can in many local soup kitchens, especially in Pinellas County, where he actually graduated from high school while splitting time between Pinellas Park and Wesley Chapel.
“I know I can’t do this type of work forever,” he says. “So, I’m just enjoying the opportunity I have now and will always take the time to give back to help others who aren’t as fortunate as I’ve been.”
For additional information about Justin Zabinski, or to book him, visit his “Official Fansite” on Facebook.com.
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