Youth Enrichment Services (YES) held their 13th Annual Black Diamond Gala on Thursday, April 25 at the Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel in Seaport. The event attracted over 400 supporters and raised over $715,000 for Boston youth. Funds will support YES’s outdoor sports and leadership programs: Operation SnowSports, Outdoor Adventure, Track & Field, Leadership Corps, and College Preparation programs.
Special thank you to YES Alumna and emcee for the evening, Nuha Futa; New England Patriots Linebacker, Josh Uche; the 2024 Achievement Award recipient the Boston Athletic Association; athletes from the World Cup Dreams Foundation: AJ Hurt, Alice Merryweather, Patrick Kenney, Jimmy Krupka, Brian McLaughlin; Boston Athletic Association athletes Rachel Hyland and Courtney Hawkins; Team YES marathon runners; and all of the elected officials in attendance.
You also had the chance to meet 17-year old YES Leadership Corps member, Abe. He told us that he plans to attend college after high school and pursue a career in business. Abe also shared that YES has helped prepare him to achieve these goals.
YES taught him lessons that have stuck with him over the past 11 years. “They apply to much more than just the physical act of skiing and snowboarding – they are very true for me and teachings I’ve upheld throughout my life,” Abe said. “Without that ongoing consistency and support I would not be as motivated or confident in myself as I am today.”
Event Co-Chairs, Ellee Mallia and Rashaun Martin, echoed this sentiment as they shared the special meaning that YES has to them — in particular how YES helps give young people new opportunities, builds their self-confidence, and creates valuable connections with mentors and positive adult role models.
The spirit of YES was palpable at the Boston Renaissance Waterfront Hotel last Thursday. Thank you again for your incredible support of YES and our programs for Boston young people! It is because of you that we are able to make a positive impact on the lives of Boston youth every single day.
Click here to view the official 13th Annual Black Diamond Gala photo album!