Newton Resident to Run Boston Marathon for Youth Mentoring Programs

NEWTON, Mass. – On April 15, Grace Petrick, 21, of Newton, will run in the Boston Marathon. She 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.

In 2024, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts celebrates 75 years of service across the region. The nonprofit partners with families to provide children with one-to-one relationships with caring adult mentors who help them reach their fullest potential. With research and proven outcomes at its core, BBBSEM creates Big-Little matches based on shared interests, geography and personality and serves as a consistent resource for Bigs, Littles and their families. Children are paired with mentors across Eastern Massachusetts from the Merrimack Valley to Cape Cod and the Islands. Over the past seven decades, BBBSEM has supported more than 25,000 youth.

"I am running to support the BBBSEM community and for my Little, both of which have become so important to me in the past year.” Petrick has been matched with her Little, Sarah, for just over a year now. Feeling encouraged to join the program by her father, who was once a College Big himself, Petrick understood the importance of youth mentoring, which inspired her to join the on-campus club. Petrick encourages other students to join the BC Bigs program, saying “Bigs provides a community of service-oriented individuals who are all looking to make a positive impact on their community.”

Petrick is one of four Boston Marathon runners hitting the pavement and fundraising for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts this year. Her goal is to raise $3,000 to support the cause.

To support Petrick, visit: https://support.emassbigs.org/fundraiser/5319832

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 75 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.