Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern MA & Gillette Bring “Mentorship in Action” Flag Football

BOSTON, FOXBORO, Mass. - On December 7, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts (BBBSEM) and Gillette partnered for a unique “Mentorship in Action” Flag Football event that brought together youth, volunteers, and New England Patriot Quarterback and Gillette athlete Drake Maye, New England Patriots Wide Receiver and BBBSEM ambassador DeMario Pop Douglas and Patriots Hall of Famer Rob Ninkovich for a day of sports and community engagement. Held on the field at Gillette Stadium, the event highlighted the importance of mentorship, offering a fun opportunity for prospective volunteer mentors to get involved while making a lasting impact on local youth.

The event kicked off with a lively pep talk from BBBSEM President & CEO Mark O'Donnell and Pat the Patriot, the official mascot of the New England Patriots. This spirited opening set the tone for a day full of energy and connection. Ninkovich, Maye, and Douglas also joined the action, each participating as a "Big for a Day" to underscore the power of mentorship and encourage others to volunteer. The event marked Douglas’ official debut as a BBBSEM ambassador.

Over 25 current BBBSEM matches, along with youth on the organization’s waiting list to be matched with their mentors, took to the field for drills, skills clinics, and friendly flag football games. The day was designed to foster new connections and inspire potential Bigs to begin their own mentoring journeys.

“We’re incredibly excited to partner with Gillette and bring attention to the critical need for mentorship in our community,” said Mark O'Donnell, President & CEO of BBBSEM. “This event not only gave us the chance to showcase the power of mentorship but also provided an opportunity for new volunteers to experience firsthand how they can make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people.”

The event featured several key moments, including a speaking program, a skills clinic, and a series of flag football games, which gave participants the chance to demonstrate teamwork and leadership. The day concluded with a heartfelt recognition ceremony, thanking volunteers and mentors for their dedication to youth empowerment.

The BBBSEM event was one of ten flag football experiences happening across the country as part of a larger national partnership between men’s grooming brand Gillette and Big Brothers Big Sisters.Through this partnership, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Gillette are coming together to bring more mentors into the lives of young men through the unifying power of sports.

BBBSEM continues to grow its impact, matching over 4,000 youth annually with caring adult mentors. The event underscored the organization’s mission to defend the potential of children and to create a community where every young person has access to the guidance and support they need to succeed. Mentorship is a necessity and through sports, connections across cultures and generations are made, helping to build a more unified, inclusive society.

“We are committed to ensuring that every child has the support of a caring adult mentor who can help them reach their full potential,” said O'Donnell. “Today, we’ve seen the impact that such mentorship can have, and we hope this event inspires even more people to step forward and become Bigs.”

For more information on how to volunteer, or to learn more about BBBSEM’s programs, visit www.emassbigs.org.

About Big Brothers 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 over 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 76 years, the largest Big Brothers Big Sisters affiliate in New England has created and served more than 25,000 youth. For more information about the agency and its mission, visit www.emassbigs.org..

About Gillette
For more than 120 years, Gillette has delivered precision technology and unrivaled product performance – improving the lives of over 800 million consumers around the world. From shaving and body grooming to skin care and sweat protection, Gillette offers a wide variety of products including razors, shave gel (gels, foams, and creams), skin care, aftershaves, antiperspirants, deodorants, and body wash. For more information and the latest news on Gillette, visit gillette.com.

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