Stoneham Resident Laces Up to Run the Boston Marathon for BBBSEM

STONEHAM, Mass. – On April 17, Kevin Mello, 27, of Stoneham, 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 have been a Big Brother for almost three years and can't think of a better organization to represent,” says Mello, a mentor in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts community-based program. “The Marathon has been on my bucket list, and I am excited to run it while raising funds for a great organization!”

Mello 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 $3,500 to support the cause.

To support Mello, visit: https://emassbigs.harnessgiving.org/campaigns/9927

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.