More than 150 supporters, volunteers, and friends came together on December 2 to celebrate Youth Enrichment Services (YES) and its achievements throughout the year. The event was held at Fenway Park’s State Street Pavilion.
YES Leadership Corps teens, Destiny and Miles, emceed the evening. They each shared about their experiences at YES and the positive impact it has had inn their lives. They also got the audience excited for the evening by leading the Y-E-S chant that is used throughout all the YES programs.
During his opening remarks, Board of Directors President, Geoff Soper, reminded us that, “There truly is no other organization in Boston like YES – and we couldn’t do it without the generous support of our donors.” Geoff then unveiled three new leadership donor recognition programs at YES:
- 1968 Circle – Recognizes individuals and families who contribute $1,000 or more annually.
- Richard & Mary Williams Legacy Society – Recognizes donors who make provisions within their estate planning to benefit YES.
- Pathway to Success Circle – Recognizes donors who make monthly or quarterly recurring gifts to YES.
YES parent, Marie Daniel, also spoke at the event. Her son, Max, has been a part of the YES Track & Field program for five years, spent the past summer involved in the Outdoor Adventure program, and is about to enter his third winter skiing with YES through Operation SnowSports. Marie attributed her son’s enjoyment of the programs to the volunteers and staff who promote the mission of YES. She recalled, “The volunteers are patient, caring, and passionate – they are always smiling. They know each and every kid by name.”
Boston City Councilor At-Large, Annissa Essaibi George, was a special guest speaker at the event. She grew up in Boston and has lived here her whole life. She recalled the impact that sports had on her life growing up, and recognizes the impact the YES programs have on Boston communities. Her husband was a YES kid growing up, and he still maintains many of the friendships that he made at YES.
The 2019 YES Champion Award was also presented at the event. This year’s recipient was Charles River Canoe & Kayak. They have been providing YES youth opportunities to canoe, kayak, and cross-country ski for over ten years.
Thank you for joining us! To see more photos from the event, click here to view the album on Facebook.
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