With philanthropy part of our respective families and upbringing, we were looking for engaging volunteer opportunities as young professionals in Boston. We both were introduced to the Corey C. Griffin Foundation (CCGF) through our family members: Ted’s father was coaching at the Foundation’s partner organization, the Ron Burton Training Village (RBTV), and his parents produce heartfelt mission/vision videos for the Foundation while Hannah’s family were connected with the Foundation. 

Grounded in remembrance of Corey Griffin (1986-2014) and his passion for giving and service, CCGF supports local nonprofits that ensure the health, safety, education, and success of Boston area youth through direct financial support, volunteerism and engagement, and special events. 

So it was a moment of serendipity that the Foundation’s Emerging Leaders Council (ELC) was forming just as we were coming into the CCGF community. Hannah fondly remembers, “At the time, it was an exciting experiment for everyone. We were the guinea pig class.” 

After an initial, two-year ELC term full of coordinating activities and events, we “graduated” and became Co-chairs of the program to attract new members and support the incoming cohorts of young volunteers. “The support of the Foundation has been incredible,” Ted comments. “Everything is always so positive, and this is the most hands-on volunteer experience I’ve had by far.”

The giving/engagement connection is essential for us as we strive to make a lasting impact through our service work with children and teens. And, as athletes, we value the self-discovery, therapeutic release, and fulfillment that being a member of a team brings, and we were both drawn to the CCGF’s partnership with RBTV.

“The youth aspect is super important to me,” notes Hannah. “When we can work directly with children, we can help support them to grow as individuals and shape who they are going to become in the future.”

CCGF events are also a highlight for both of us! Ted favors the annual student festivities and impact of the Back-to-School Backpack Drive, Field Day, and Corey’s Kids Christmas; For Hannah, “The Boston Winter Ball is out-of-this-world! It’s so beautiful and meaningful, it’s unmatched to anything else in Boston. ” 

According to Ted: “The ELC manages a lot of outreach for the Foundation through our personal and professional networks, friends of friends, it’s very grassroots.” Our goals are to raise awareness of the Foundation through the ELC, build excitement around the annual events, and grow the next generation of philanthropists. 

As Co-chairs, we’re tailoring more experiences for our volunteers and their engagement interest areas: education, athletics/recreation, health/wellness, and faith/character. We want to pilot new, intimate gatherings, host partner program visits, and generate more hands-on, impact activities. Scaling these efforts is going to be exciting!

Finally, as we prepare to welcome a new ELC cohort in 2025, we’re taking a breath to recognize CCGF’s growth and impact, and reflect on how fast this has all happened. “2024 is a milestone year,” Ted reflects. “We can look back on the past 10 years, acknowledge the present, and grow into the future.”