EAST BOSTON, Mass. – On April 21, Greg Frattaroli, of East Boston, will run the Boston Marathon to support local youth mentoring programs. He will lace up to raise money and awareness for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts (BBBSEM), the state’s leading one-to-one mentoring program for youth.
BBBSEM partners with families to provide children with one-to-one relationships with caring adult mentors who help them reach their fullest potential. The nonprofit has supported more than 25,000 youth over the past seven decades. Earlier this year, BBBSEM and Big Sister Association of Greater Boston (BSAGB) merged to expand access to one-to-one youth mentoring programs and resources for hundreds of children, families, and volunteer mentors across the region.
“BBBSEM works tirelessly to provide mentorship and guidance to children who need it most, bridging gaps and building brighter futures across Greater Boston, Cape Cod, and the Islands,” says Frattaroli. “Growing up in Newtown, CT, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating consequences of isolation and anger in young people who feel lost and unheard. Since 2012, I have searched for meaningful ways to address this challenge. The only solution I’ve seen truly make a difference is connecting these kids with caring mentors who help guide them toward a positive path into a supportive community. That is exactly what BBBSEM does. They meet Littles where they are, offering encouragement, stability, and hope when they need it most. This mission is deeply personal to me, and running for this cause is both a privilege and a responsibility.”
Frattaroli is a former Big and now serves on the agency’s board of advisors, specifically the finance & audit and program innovation committees. He decided to become a mentor to give back his time in a meaningful way and stayed matched for two years.
He recalls that he and his Little were originally paired together “because of his previous life as a standup comedian and Juan’s penchant to be the class clown.” The duo instantly bonded over humor and sharing jokes.
Frattaroli is one of seven Boston Marathon runners hitting the pavement and fundraising for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts this year. His goal is to raise $10,000 to support the cause.
To support Frattaroli, visit: https://support.emassbigs.org/fundraiser/6132186
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.
