MAHOBY Alumni (Success)
Special Olympics
August 13th heralded the arrival of over 60 HOBY alumni and staff at UMASS Amherst
to begin an amazing weekend of volunteering with Special Olympics. After moving
into the dorm on Friday night, games and icebreakers were played so everyone could
meet each other. Upon arriving in Nonotuck Park in Easthampton on Saturday morning,
assignments were given out to cycling, bocce, softball, or Olympic Town. Cycling was
held at Belchertown, MA. After a fun-filled day of volunteering, everyone went into
downtown Amherst for dinner. On Sunday, everyone either went to bocce or Olympic
Town to volunteer. Many volunteers had a dance party with several of the athletes
after they finished their bocce games. Overall, it was an outstanding weekend of fun,
laughter, and hope. For more information on the Massachusetts Special Olympics please visit http://www.specialolympicsma.org/.
Alumni Reunion
On a hot July day, about 80 MAHOBY alumni and staff gathered in Douglas State Forest. This was the first event since the
OUTSTANDING 2010 Seminar, old friends had a chance to catch-up and new friends were made. After a long series of “hellos” and
conversations, everyone sat together for a brief meeting about the upcoming year, ways to get involved and opportunities to
volunteer. It was then time for some activities and challenges so that the alumni could get to know each other. Afterwards, the
Alumni were given time to mingle and hang-out; some went for a swim, while others stayed on the field enjoying the park. This
great event ended with high spirits, as the enthusiasm of the alumni and staff gives great hope and excitement for the upcoming
year. To learn more about Douglas State Forest please visit www.mass.gov/dcr/.
Ron Burton Training Village
On May 1/2, 2010 twenty-six MAHOBY alum volunteered at the Ron Burton Training Village in Hubbardston,
MA. The weather was gorgeous and the spirits were high! Some of us removed the winter protection from
the urns and statues and others hauled large branches and small trees to clear an area to expand the road.
We all enjoyed fun games, laughs and even tested our teamwork on unique bicycles which brought hysterical
results. Thanks to Ron Burton, we also enjoyed a roaring bonfire with s’mores, songs, stories and jokes
until the wee hours of the morning. After a good, but short night’s sleep, we ate a delicious breakfast
and had more fun times before heading home. This was an outstanding weekend of good service and good
times! To learn more about the Training Village Click Here.
Special Olympics Winter Games
On March 14, 27 MAHOBY alumni volunteers arrived at Burncoat High School in Worcester early in the morning to volunteer for the
Winter Special Olympics. Burncoat High School hosted the children's basketball event, and throughout the day the volunteers could
be found cheering for the teams on the sidelines, running the score table, supplying lunches to the teams, and handing out medals
to the teams who participated in the fun and exciting games. The day as full of enthusiasm on and off the court from the athletes,
as well as from our own MAHOBY volunteers! For more information about the Special Olympics you may visit
specialolympicsma.org.
Cradles to Crayons
On February 21st MAHOBY alumni and staff volunteered at the Cradles to Crayons Giving
Factory in Quincy to help out Massachusetts children 0-12 years old. The volunteers were split into
two groups. One group was in charge of sorting out one weeks worth of clothes by sizes and sex. The volunteers
would check the quality of the clothing and then place it in a clear plastic bag so that it could later be given
to a child in need. The second group had to compile needs bags for children based on a wish list. These volunteers
had to find items already placed in plastic bags that matched the children's need. After a few hours of volunteering,
some of the alumni and staff went out to eat and socialize at a local restaurant. For more information about
Cradles to Crayons please visit cradlestocrayons.org.
Jimmy Fund Walk, Boston, MA
On Sunday, September 19th, more than 40 MAHOBY alumni went to Copley Square in Boston to help out at the annual
Jimmy Fund Walk. The Jimmy Fund Foundation puts on this walk to raise money for the fight against cancer. The volunteers
enjoyed a beautiful day while cheering walkers that crossed the finish line next to Trinity Church. They helped passed out
thousands of medals for those walkers who completed the walk for loved ones and other close friends. The alumni also
helped out the Walk by being involved on the event's Green Team. On the green team, some volunteers went around and
helped raise awareness about being green while others made sure the right things were being recycled in the proper
places. All-in-all the Jimmy Fund Walk was an incredible and rewarding experience. For more information about the Jimmy
Fund, visit www.jimmyfundwalk.org.
Special Olympics, Summer Games 09, Amherst, MA
On Friday, August 7th, 2009, over 60 alumni and staff gathered at U-Mass Amherst to volunteer with the Special
Olympics Summer Games. Over the course of the weekend the volunteers helped out in a variaty of tasks, such as score keeping
announcing, clearing the bocce field for the next games, finding players and many other things. It was an amazing weekend
and many lives were touched by the way the athletes participated with so much love and enthusiasm in their respective sports
and by the way they also welcomed the volunteers.
After volunteering alumni and staff went out to dinner in the Amherst area and had a great time getting to know
one another, seeing old friends and making new ones. MAHOBY and Special Olympics have built a great partnership
over the years and the alumni and staff look forward to volunteering at other Special Olympic events. To learn more
about Special Olympics please visit their website at
specialolympicsma.org
2009 MAHOBY Alumni-Staff Reunion - July 11th, 2009 - Douglas State Forest
About a month after our largest MAHOBY seminar at Bentley University ever, alumni and staff reunited on a beautiful July
morning at the Douglas State Forest. New friendships were born, as the 2009 ambassadors were welcomed into the MAHOBY alumni
family. The day was filled with the emerging ideas for next year’s seminar, from staff and participant t-shirts, to potential
panelists, as the scent of delicious burgers collected in the air. The sixty-four attendees enjoyed the great weather outdoors, there
was even a water balloon toss. Many took a break from the action by catching some rays and cooling off with a swim in Wallum Lake.
With great weather and great friends, the MAHOBY Reunion was the perfect way to kick off Summer 2009.
Ron Burton Training Village, Hubbardston, MA
On May 16th and 17th MAHOBY alumni and staff volunteered at the Ron Burton Training Village to help prepare the camp
for the summer season. This year volunteers helped by clearing one of the major trails used by campers during their
morning 7 mile jog. The rest of the mahoby crew helped by clearing the tennis courts and the surrounding grounds. At
the end of day volunteers enjoyed a pizza dinner along with the Burtons. Friends were made and many stories shared. For
more information about the Ron Burton Training please visit their website at
www.ronburtontrainingvillage.org.
Southwick's Zoo, Mendon, MA
A huge part of the Alumni Association is the service we provide for
people that need it. However, as of last, we not only benefit people, but we
also benefit animals! On March 28th, 14 volunteers from MAHOBY spent a good
part of their afternoons helping to get Southwicks Zoo facilities ready for
its opening in mid April. The volunteers spent their time raking, picking up
sticks and trash, and cleaning up paths around the zoo. It was a fun and
worthwhile time, and we even got to see many of the animals and their
habitats while working. After we helped out the zoo, we even got a personal
tour of the zoo from a worker there. We got to see lions, tigers,
chimpanzees, monkeys, giraffes, bulls, and camels. Following our tour, we
took a ride to Dairy Queens and cooled off with some ice cream and food. It
was an awesome day!
Special Olympics
Winter Basketball Tournament 2009
New volunteer events are always an exciting undertaking for MAHOBY, because it gives us an opportunity
to spread our service. We have worked with the Special Olympics before, but our previous volunteer
opportunities with Special Olympics were in the fall. This time, we took our work to the courts. On
Saturday, February 28th, about 20 MAHOBY alumni and staff volunteers spent their morning and the better
part of an afternoon in Forest Grove Middle School in Worcester for the Special Olympics basketball
tournament. We volunteered by keeping score and time, escorting teams, cheering teams on, passing out water,
and doing whatever was necessary to make sure the event was successful!
It was a fun event that was filled with smiles, laughs, socialization, and of course rewarding work. The
Special Olympics athletes and their partners had a lot of fun competing against other teams. The parents and
family members of the athletes were there and they had an awesome time cheering for their children or family
member. You lost track of time as you became focused on the basketball games. It did not matter who won,
because everyone was having fun! After all of the games were finished, MAHOBY had a fun and friendly
“Knockout” game. Then, an awesome thing happened. One of the volunteers working at the Special Olympics
turned out to be a HOBY alumnus and was looking to reunite with MAHOBY. It was exciting to bring her back on
board. Overall, the event was fun and beneficial, so it was an all-around outstanding day!
Cycle for Haylee 2008
MAHOBY Alumni spent the autumn morning of Saturday, October 4th volunteering at the
Cycle for Haylee in Holliston, MA. Named after Haylee Louise Reed who is surviving the
fight against cystic fibrosis, the Cycle for Haylee is a fundraising bicycle ride through
the scenic back roads of Holliston, Medway, Millis, Sherborn, Natick, Dover, and Medfield.
Funds raised at this event benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. MAHOBY volunteers
spread out along the windy bike route and spent the day directing and cheering on the
hard-working participants. To end a successful day, volunteers enjoyed a delicious lunch
at the finish line and exchanged ideas on current issues. To learn more about the Cycle
for Haylee visit www.cycleforhaylee.org.
Jimmy Fund Walk 2008
The Jimmy Fund Foundation had their 20th annual Jimmy Fund Walk on Sunday,
September 21st. 60+ MAHOBY volunteers spent their day at Boston’s Copley Square
cheering walkers, passing out food and water, awarding walkers with medals, and
volunteering where needed. The Jimmy Fund Walk replicates the 26.2-mile course of
the Boston Marathon, and walkers participate and raise money in memory of loved
ones that have survived or passed away from cancer.
Volunteers were energetic and helpful throughout the day until the closing of the
Walk, cheering as the last walkers came in.
One of the most inspiring moments was when a few of the runners had broken into
tears at the finish line as they dedicated their walk to loved ones. Volunteering
at The Jimmy Fund Walk was an amazing and rewarding experience. To learn more about
the Jimmy Fund Walk visit
www.jimmyfundwalk.org.
Special Olympics 2008
From August 8 to August 10, 2008, 30+ MAHOBY alumni spent
their weekend donating time at the Special Olympics hosted at UMASS Amherst
in western Massachusetts. Many of the alumni took advantage of the free
housing offered by UMASS Amherst arriving early on Friday evening. After
moving luggage and settling into the dorms, the alumni enjoyed a night in
downtown Amherst. Afterwards, games were led by individual alumni into the
wee hours of the night. The morning came fast and after a hearty breakfast
the alumni made their way to Easthampton where they would assist with the
athletes participating in softball and bocce. For softball, the alumni's
job was to cheer for and encourage the athletes. They also assisted with
the teams' coaches if necessary. At the bocce courts, alumni kept time, looked
for fouls, and distributed the balls after each round. After a long day in
the sun, the alumni trekked back to campus to take naps and showers. The
alumni enjoyed another night in downtown Amherst many choosing to grab ice
cream at Ben & Jerry's. After another fun-filled night, the alumni woke
early once more to drive back to Easthampton to aid with the last day of
competitions. The athletes, coaches, and Special Olympics advisors enjoyed
MAHOBY's help and thanked them for another successful year. To learn more
about Special Olympics in Massachusetts visit their website at
www.specialolympicsma.org.
Life is good 2008
With highs in Boston in the mid nineties the MAHOBY alumni braved the heat
for the Life is Good festival on Boston Common on Saturday, July 19th, 2008.
30+ alumni attended, a great showing of support. The festival
sponsored by Life is Good promoted and supported the organization, Project Joy.
Project Joy works specifically with children who grow up in environments where
there is not any opportunity for a childhood. The organization teaches children
how to play and have fun again, to be nothing but a kid. The festival began
around 10 AM lasting throughout the day until 6 PM. Live music, food, games
and other activities entertained hundreds of children on Boston Common. MAHOBY
was there to aid with the success of the festival. The alumni were split into
two teams, the Green Team and the Balloon Team. The Green Team was responsible
for ensuring that all bottles, glass, and cans were recycled and placed in the
proper containers. They put in much effort as every time they emptied a bag of
recyclable products, it seemed the bag would fill again in just a few minutes.
The Balloon Team was constantly in working as every child loves a free balloon.
The alumni on the Balloon Team devised methods of cutting string, filling and
tying the balloons, and passing them out to the anxious children. Some of the
alumni were recruited to distribute Life is Good surveys, bottles of water,
and coupons for the Life is Good online store. Once the festival ended, those
who could stay aided with the cleanup of the common. To celebrate a successful
day, the remaining alumni enjoyed dinner in the city.
Alumni Reunion 2008
Despite overcast skies, the MAHOBY alumni enjoyed an outstanding day at
Douglas State Park for their annual reunion on Saturday, July 12, 2008.
Many of the 50+ alumni who attended the reunion were ambassadors
from the latest seminar. Thus, many new faces led to many new friendships
throughout the day. Co-Presidents of the alumni association, Derek Rogers
and Molly Sullivan, began the day with a brief overview of what MAHOBY
planned to accomplish in the upcoming year. They spoke of volunteer
opportunities, fundraisers and social events for the alumni to enjoy
and connect. Afterwards, Molly led a game of blob tag. Following blob tag, a
few of the older alumni led a competitive game that involved partners racing
to find each other and connecting particular body parts. Judging by the many
laughs, it's clear the alumni enjoyed this activity. To cool down, Derek
brought along a bucket of water balloons for a classic game of water balloon
toss. Soon after, the grill was lit and the alumni enjoyed a great lunch under
the shade. Stomachs filled, some of the alumni participated in a soccer game
while others headed off into the nearby lake for swimming. Elijah Thomas, an
alumni from 2008, showed his leadership skills and led a game of Shipwreck.
After, the alumni participated in a rock-paper-scissors war. The reunion then
ended with an abundance of picture taking and HOBY hugs. The alumni enjoyed
themselves thoroughly, but were very sad to say goodbye to their old and new
friends until the next MAHOBY event.
Ron Burton Training Village 2008
On May 3rd, 2008 MAHOBY alumni and
staff met at the Ron Burton Training Village to volunteer and help the camp with
summer preparations. This year, the volunteers helped clear a courtyard where
one of the campers from the Ron Burton Training Village will be married. The
land was raked, rosebushes were transplanted and grass was planted in the effort
to clean and beautify the land. After many hours of hard work, the alumni and
staff went on a tour of the camp grounds, made s'mores over a bon fire, learned
of the legacy of Ron Burton and spent the rest of the night enjoying each others
company.
CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY 2007
Last December MAHOBY alumni volunteered at the annual Christmas in the
City holiday party. The event gives families that live in homeless and
battered women's shelters an opportunity to celebrate the holidays that they
otherwise might be unable to enjoy. The party began with a dinner,
continued with an array of entertainment, and ended with a gift finale
for the children. The day was hectic due to the massive number of people,
but it was a fulfilling experience.
Community Leadership Workshop (CLeW)
On November 17th, MAHOBY alumni held a Community Leadership Workshop
for 33 students representing 12 schools at the Microsoft Corporation
facilities in Waltham. The enthusiastic staff of 17 joined the students
in an action packed day filled with thought provoking exchanges with six
guest speakers, group activities and meaningful discussions. Following
the CLeW, the staff enjoyed dinner together and caught their breath.
Then, the staff was joined by more alumni for a fun evening of talent
sharing, team exercises and lots of delicious food! It was an OUTSTANDING
day!
CYCLE FOR HAYLEE 2007
On October 6, 2007, 12 MAHOBY alumni volunteers attended the Cycle for
Haylee in Holliston, MA. This event is an annual bike ride through towns
in Massachusetts to raise money to help find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis.
The volunteers cheered on bikers; helped out with the set up of tables,
drinks, food, and balloons; assisted with parking; cautioned bikers of
dangerous parts of the race; and directed bikers to stay on the right
route...and most importantly had a lot of fun! There were 247 riders who
participated in the event...but one of the most inspiring moments for our
volunteers came when 10 year old Haylee (who the event is named after)
came riding by with a huge smile on her face despite being hot, tired, and
out of breath. The 2007 event raised $72,000 for CF research, making it the
most successful year to date.
JIMMY FUND WALK 2007
On Sunday, September 16th, MAHOBY volunteered at the Jimmy Fund Walk.
We had over 26 alumni involved at two locations of the walk. At the Copley
location we helped at the finish line by handing out medals and cheering
on walkers. At the Boston College location Alumni helped pass out refreshments
and assisted wherever help was needed. It was a beautiful and rewarding day
in Boston for a great cause.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS 2007
On August 11th, 28 alumni assisted Special Olympics organizers at their
August tournament. The alumni worked at venues cheering on the athletes,
helping to keep scores and doing whatever else was asked of them. Many
friends were and a good time was had by all!
MAHOBY Reunion 2007
On July 14th, 57 alumni met at Douglas State Park for our annual cookout
and reunion. Everyone enjoyed games, ice breakers, water balloon toss and
lots of laughs. A short business meeting was held to start the planning
process for the 2008 Seminar. Many thanks to the Department of Conservation
and Recreation for arranging our use of this lovely state park.
RON BURTON TRAINING VILLAGE 2007
Twenty-five MAHOBY alumni met on April 28th at the Ron Burton Training
Village to help the Burtons prepare for their summer camp program. This
year we assisted with clean-up of the mutli-million dollar facility to house
campers and staff. The Burtons worked with us and we made accomplished a
great deal. We later spent the night playing games, talking, laughing, and
eating!
HEIFER PROJECT 2007
On March 24, MAHOBY alumni attended the Heifer Project service day.
They enjoyed a pancake and sausage breakfast provided by Heifer Project
organizers, then assisted with a fundraiser by serving meals and cleaning
up after patrons. MAHOBY alumni were also treated to a tour of the
animal-friendly facilities It was a rewarding and fur-filled experience
for all!
