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: Kasey Boxleitner, Allie Kunen, Ellee Mullard, and Carolyn Soules. All four runners have experience supporting YES or other non-profit organizations and are excited to raise valuable finds for YES. Read more about each runner below!
Kasey Boxleitner
Kasey is a volunteer coach in the YES Track & Field Program. She was introduced to YES through her friend and fellow Team YES member, Ellee Mullard. In addition to her volunteer work with YES, Kasey also volunteers with Project Scientist.
“As a member of a running family, doing a marathon has always been a bucket list item. I am looking forward to being able to represent such a wonderful organization as YES,” says Kasey on her decision to run for YES.
Kasey is passionate about running and comes from a family of runners. They run in turkey trots on Thanksgiving, family runs on vacations, all four siblings competed in track and cross country and she will be the final member of her family to complete a marathon!
Allie Kunen
Allie is a volunteer coach in the YES Track & Field Program. She is an avid runner and has completed several half marathons, Falmouth Road Races, 5Ks and 10Ks. “Playing sports was a pivotal part of my childhood,” she said. “Sports helped me develop a love for the outdoors as well as key skills like leadership, teamwork, and personal goal-setting.”
Allie is excited to take on her first full marathon while raising money for YES. She wants more Boston youth to have opportunities in the outdoors and is excited to give back to her community by raising funds for YES. “Running for YES the perfect way to combine my passions for running, working with kids, and giving back to my local community,” says Allie.
Ellee Mullard
Ellee has been involved with YES as a volunteer since 2015. She originally began volunteering with YES as an Operation SnowSports ski instructor, and has also volunteered as a member of the Young Professionals Committee and Gala Planning Committee. In 2021, Ellee joined the YES Board of Trustees.
“I have been involved with YES for nearly seven years in various volunteer roles. My passion and support for YES has only grown over the years and I have encouraged many in my network to donate, volunteer, and attend events like the Gala. I’ve seen the emails come in over the years about the Marathon and have always been interested and am now in a place where I can commit to running,” says Ellee on choosing to run for YES.
Ellee is a casual runner who also enjoys staying active through spinning, golfing, hiking, playing squash, and skiing. She has ran in several 5Ks and once half marathon.
Carolyn Soules
Carolyn and her husband, Jason, have been connected with YES for over 20 years. Outside of YES, Carolyn serves on the board of Just for Kids and Telluride Mountain School.
“Simply put, I love the Boston Marathon and I love the YES organization. Put the two together and it’s a perfect match! YES teaches kids to believe in themselves,” says Carolyn. “YES and running marathons teaches others that hard work and dedication can translate to success,” says Carolyn on her decision to run for YES.
Carolyn is seasoned runner, having competed in nine Iron Mans and over 30 marathons, including eight Boston Marathons. This will be Carolyn’s second time running the Boston Marathon for YES.