Special to the Journal
On Thursday, Oct. 16, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts (BBBSEM) hosted the 23rd annual Daquan Burrell Memorial Big Golf Tournament at the Juniper Hill Golf Course in Northborough. Nearly 200 golfers raised more than $110,000 to support the agency’s youth mentoring programs serving Eastern Massachusetts’ communities.
Since 2003, the event has brought together volunteer mentors, known as Bigs, with friends and colleagues for a day of golf to benefit the nonprofit’s programs. This year’s fundraiser featured a giveaway, on-course activities, a luncheon, an awards program, a putting contest, and more. Renamed in 2017 in memory of Daquan Burrell, a Little who tragically passed away that year after nearly 10 years with his Big, the event continues to honor his legacy and the impact of mentoring.
Mission speaker, Akeem Walcott, spoke about his experience as a Big and member of the BBBSEM Board of Advisors. “For over 10 years, I’ve had the privilege of being involved with BBBS, first as a proud Big, and more recently as a member of the Board of Advisors. What has continually inspired me throughout this journey is the organization’s remarkable ability to adapt, navigate, and persevere through unprecedented challenges, all while remaining steadfast in its mission. Even more inspiring is witnessing firsthand the profound impact we have on the lives of the young men and women we serve. Seeing their growth and success reaffirms my commitment. Safe to say, I’ll be a Big for life!” says Walcott.
BBBSEM is the state’s leading one-to-one mentoring program for youth. The nonprofit works with families to provide children 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.
In its 76th year, BBBSEM has created and served more than 25,000 matches and will serve over 4,000 this year. For more information, to become a volunteer, or to register your child, visit www.emassbigs.org. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts is an innovative, energetic organization that is making a real difference in the lives of over 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.
