Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern MA Raises Nearly $1.9 Million

On Feb. 1, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts (BBBSEM) hosted the agency’s 26th annual Big Night at the House of Blues Boston, celebrating the profound impact of youth mentoring. The event highlighted the agency’s mission to transform children's lives through meaningful, one-to-one mentoring relationships. Guests danced the night away to music by headliner Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Big Night’s return of Grace Potter, and Boston’s own French Lick. Big Night raised nearly $1.9 million to support the organization’s year-round community, site-based and campus-based programs.

Mark O’Donnell, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts, spoke about the agency’s mission, 76 years of impact, and shared more about the organization’s recent partnership with the Big Sister Association of Greater Boston, expanding opportunities for youth mentorship across the region.

“It has been a big milestone year at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts,” says O’Donnell. “Not only will our partnership with Big Sister Association of Greater Boston expand girls’ programming outside of Boston, but it will also further our collective impact across the region to ensure young people have consistent access to mentorship.”

The evening featured a heartfelt tribute to the Big Sister Association of Greater Boston, which was honored with the James J. Pallotta Award for its exceptional leadership, commitment to partnership, and unwavering dedication to helping young people achieve their fullest potential.

Big Night is the nonprofit’s largest annual fundraiser. Since its inception in 1998, the event has raised nearly $44 million to support one-to-one friendships between young people and adult mentors across the region.

“Mentorship can make a monumental impact on a child’s life,” says O’Donnell. “The funds raised through Big Night are crucial to ensuring that we can continue our important work and expand our reach. We are deeply grateful for the public’s ongoing support as we strive to serve more youth and families across Eastern Massachusetts.”

BBBSEM is the state’s 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 seven decades, 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 statewide.

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.