Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts Raises $350,000 at Big in Boston Event

BOSTON – On Oct. 29, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts (BBBSEM) hosted its Big in Boston fundraising event at the Omni Seaport Hotel, celebrating the transformative power of mentorship for girls across the region. Nearly 300 guests gathered for an evening that raised $350,000 to support gender-intentional programming that provides safe spaces where girls build self-esteem, resilience and the skills necessary for success in their academic, personal and professional lives.

The evening featured bestselling author Tara Westover, whose memoir "Educated" about her challenging childhood captivated millions of readers worldwide. Westover participated in a conversation with Joy Moore, Vice President and Executive Director of the Pine Manor Institute for Student Success at Boston College. The event was emceed by WBZ-TV's award-winning news anchor Lisa Hughes. Guests also enjoyed a tasting-style reception featuring signature recipes from Boston's top female chefs and restaurateurs, including Janice Carte of Tiny Spoon Chef, Nia Grace of Grace by Nia and Daryl's Corner Bar and Kitchen, and Kristin Canty of Woods Hill Table, Adelita, and Woods Hill Pier 4.

Mark O'Donnell, President and CEO of BBBSEM, spoke about the organization's commitment to expanding gender-intentional programming across Eastern Massachusetts.

"Many girls across Eastern Massachusetts are waiting for mentors who can provide guidance and support," says O'Donnell. "Big in Boston allows us to continue building programs that empower girls to reach their fullest potential through meaningful mentoring relationships."

Big in Boston was previously the signature fundraising event for Big Sister Association of Greater Boston and continues under BBBSEM following the organizations' merger earlier this year. The event supports programming specifically designed to address the unique challenges and opportunities girls face as they grow.

"Mentorship can make a monumental impact on a child's life," says O'Donnell. "The funds raised through Big in Boston are crucial to ensuring that we can continue expanding our reach.”

BBBSEM is Eastern Massachusetts' leading one-to-one mentoring program for youth. The nonprofit partners with families to provide children with one-to-one relationships with caring adult mentors who help them reach their fullest potential. Over the past 76 years, BBBSEM has supported more than 25,000 youth. By 2028, the nonprofit aims to expand its reach to serve 10,000 youth in 150 communities across Eastern Massachusetts.

For more information, to become a volunteer, or to register your children, 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 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 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.
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