Westwood Resident Laces Up to Run the Boston Marathon for BBBSEM

WESTWOOD, Mass. – On April 17, Nick Draper, 26, of Westwood, will run in the Boston Marathon. He will run to raise money and awareness for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts, the state’s leading one-to-one mentoring program for youth.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts serves youth who are in need of support from additional caring adults in their lives. Children are paired with mentors across Eastern Massachusetts from the Merrimack Valley to Cape Code and Islands. The organization’s signature community-based program pairs adult mentors with youth, ages 7-12, in one-to-one matches based on shared interests, geography and personality. The organization also has a school-based program, campus-based program and Mentor 2.0, a technology-based program. In its 74th year, the largest Big Brothers Big Sisters affiliate in New England has created and served more than 20,000 matches. This school year, the nonprofit aims to serve nearly 4,000 youth.

“I am running for BBBS because of the immense impact they have on the lives of children,” says Draper, a longtime friend and supporter of the agency. “BBBS is one of the best programs out there - it sets up children with role models they would not have access to otherwise. They create unique friendships that not only benefits the child but also the Big Brother or Big sister!”

Draper is one of three Boston Marathon runners hitting the pavement and fundraising for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts this year. His goal is to raise $5,000 to support the cause.

To support Draper, visit: https://emassbigs.harnessgiving.org/campaigns/9926

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 74 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.