"and so we must try to explain the smile that lingers....or the feeling that is felt in the tips of our fingers...when a hand is clasped in the hand of a real friend.  And we know ...for us it's enough to say, that something beautiful passed our way".... Anonymous.

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page.  I'll be running my eighth (and first in a looong while  :)  marathon this April in honor of my best friend Caren (Hill) MacInnis.  Caren and I, along with our very good friend Tracie, tackled a marathon together a few years back.  I'll never forget the gut and tenacity Caren showed as she ran a sub 3:40 marathon pace during the winter in Cape Cod.  Caren fought through crippling leg cramps that her dad lovingly cared for at the finish line.  She never gave up. Caren's heart and spirit was as big as her physical and emotional toughness. Sadly Caren passed away suddenly in October. 

I think sometimes you can describe a person just by how you feel around them.  They feel like home.  They feel safe and that no matter what you say or do, you won't jeopardize your relationship with them. 

It is places like the Boys and Girls Club that can foster friendships like that of me and Caren that are far from ordinary.  The Boys and Girls Club gives a place where a child can forever feel at home.  In this type of comfortable environment, with role models present to guide, the children can build confidence and skills for a strong 'real life' foundation. Thank you so much for taking time to read this page. I understand that in these economic times it is hard to give; but, I appreciate you taking the time to learn about this wonderful organization.

The Boys and Girls Club of Boston wrote...

The Myra H. Kraft Giving Back Scholarship Fund was established in 2003 by Myra’s four sons to honor her on the occasion of Robert and Myra's 40th wedding anniversary.  The Fund provides financial support for college to outstanding members of Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston (BGCB) who give their time and talents to the community and understand the importance of helping others.  Since Myra’s passing in July 2011, the Fund has grown significantly and will provide more Club members with critical financial aid for college for generations to come.

According to The College Board, a typical full-time, year-round worker with a four-year college degree earns greater than 60% more than a high school graduate during  his/her working life.  The majority of our Club members come from low-income communities where only a small percentage of adults have attended college.  In fact, 50% of our members come from households with an annual income of less than $27,000. 

BGCB's mission is to help young people, especially those who need us most, build strong character and realize their full potential as responsible citizens and leaders.  By supporting the Myra H. Kraft Giving Back Scholarship Fund you will help extend the mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston to further impact the lives of the individuals we serve.