Youth Enrichment Services (YES) received four bibs this year through the John Hancock Non-Profit Boston Marathon Program. We are thrilled to introduce four runners to Team YES: Rami Benayad-Cherif, Morgan Davin, Autumn Edelson, and Harrison Paek. While they come from diverse backgrounds, they have all been impacted by YES in some way. Learn more about them below!
Rami Benayad-Cherif
Rami first became involved with when he was in high school and joined the Junior Volunteer program (now known as the Leadership Corps program). He participated in that program for two years before graduating and continued on to volunteer with the Operations SnowSports program. Rami is proud to share that he received the “Volunteer of the Year” award during his time with YES.
“YES was an organization that was integral to my formative years,” says Rami on his decision to run the Boston Marathon for YES. “Having an outlet and community to be a part of and be outdoors was invaluable to me.”
Rami is passionate about running and has completed half marathons. “Having the opportunity to run the Boston Marathon for YES is very special to me!”
Rami currently resides in Arlington, MA. Support Rami’s run.
Morgan Davin
Morgan was introduced to YES through friends and attended a number of our events over the years. He has a passion for helping youth and is excited for the chance to do that through fundraising for YES. “2020 was a very tough year for children across the board but even worse for the most vulnerable children in our communities,” says Morgan. “YES supports children by strengthening their mind, body and soul through outdoor activities, scholastics, and leadership activities. We need to invest in our children and through YES we can do just that.”
With Morgan’s passion for helping young people, it comes as no surprise to us that he is a committed volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts and has been mentoring a “little” for over four years.
Morgan currently resides in Nahant, MA. Support Morgan’s run.
Autumn Edelson
Autumn has been involved with YES for over three years. Initially, she was a volunteer snowboard instructor in the Operation SnowSports program and then joined the Young Professionals Committee. Autumn currently serves as a Vice Chair of the Young Professionals Committee.
“YES is an absolutely amazing organization that I am so honored to help further support through fundraising,” says Autumn. “Giving kids the opportunity to experience things they may not have exposure to is incredible and I have seen firsthand benefits of kids gaining more confidence and skills through these experiences.”
Autumn has had a passion for running since middle school and has previously completed half marathons. She is very excited about the chance to fundraise for and elevate the mission of YES.
Autumn currently resides in Boston, MA. Support Autumn’s run.
Harrison Paek
Harrison is currently a senior at Brandeis University. He became involved with YES as a volunteer downhill skiing instructor in the YES Operations SnowSports program during the 2020-21 season.
He is a long-time skier and particularly passionate about ski racing. “Ski racing has been a powerful force in my college life,” says Harrison. “I am compelled to race for YES because I want to give young people a chance to participate in something that I love.”
In addition to spending time on the slopes, Harrison is also passion about running. “Running became an opportunity for me because of how accessible it is. I was able to just put on a pair of sneakers and go, no matter how slow I was.”
Harrison says he is thrilled to run for YES because it allows him to combine his passions and leave a legacy for kids to have more opportunities!
Harrison currently resides in Waltham, MA. Support Harrison’s run.