Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern MA's Event Raises Nearly $1Mi

BOSTON – On June 3, New England Patriots Wide Receiver Kendrick Bourne joined nearly 400 golfers to play in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts’ 46th annual Golf Classic. The event, which was held at the Pinehills Golf Club and one of the agency’s first in-person events since COVID-19 hit Massachusetts, raised nearly $1 million to support the nonprofit’s year-round one-to-one youth mentoring programs.

Mark O’Donnell, President and CEO of Big Brother Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts, spoke about the importance of mentoring, especially now, as families continue to navigate challenges during the pandemic. Jeff Morrill, long-time volunteer Big Brother and supporter, spoke about his experience as a Big and his recent reunion with his Little of over 30 years.

The state’s leading one-to-one youth mentoring program partners with under-resourced families to provide children with one-to-one relationships with caring adult mentors who help them reach their fullest potential. With research and proven outcomes at its core, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts creates matches based on shared interests, geography and personality and serves as a consistent resource for Bigs, Littles and their families. The organization welcomes Bigs and Littles of all races, ethnicities, cultures, socio-economic backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, and physical abilities and serves as a bridge between communities and community partners, helping to address larger social issues, such race and education gaps.

“During such a challenging year, the support of a mentor has been critical to so many of the families we serve.” says Mark O’Donnell, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts. “Our work is more important now than ever, and we’re so grateful for those that came out to support our mission and play golf today.”

During the event, golfers teed up in teams of four to play 18 holes. A reception followed during which participants enjoyed a live auction, speaking program and awards presentation for “best shot.”

“Today was a blessing,” says Bourne, who participated in the event alongside his brother and team at Disruptive Sports Agency. “I met a lot of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts board members and staff who I look forward to getting to know more. It was a great event for an even better cause supporting mentoring relationships for kids.”

Currently, community-based matches are meeting in-person and socially distant only when the Big, Little, and guardian are all comfortable, following state and CDC guidelines. All site-based and campus-based mentoring programs remain online. Since March 2020, more than 600 new matches have been made virtually.

In its 70th year, the largest Big Brothers Big Sisters affiliate in New England has created and served more than 20,000 matches. The nonprofit is now enrolling and matching Littles and Bigs virtually. For more information, to register your children or to become a volunteer, visit: www.emassbigs.org.

About Big Brother Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts is an innovative, energetic organization that is making a real difference in the lives of nearly 4,000 youth annually by providing them with an invested, caring adult mentor in long-term, professionally supported relationships. With research and proven outcomes at its core, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts is working to defend the potential of children facing adversity and ensure every child has the support from caring adults that they need for healthy development and success in life. The organization’s vision is to inspire, engage and transform communities in Eastern Massachusetts by helping youth achieve their full potential, contributing to healthier families, better schools, more confident futures and stronger communities. Throughout its 70 years, the largest Big Brothers Big Sisters affiliate in New England has created and served more than 20,000 matches. For more information about the agency and its mission, visit www.emassbigs.org.

###