The Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center (BCNC) has selected Emily Weng and Julia Kuo as runners representing Team BCNC for the 2013 Boston Marathon charity program. Through the John Hancock Boston Marathon Non-Profit Program, BCNC was awarded two charity bibs for runners who support BCNC. Together, they set a goal to raise $16,000, with all proceeds benefiting BCNC and the vital services for immigrant children, youth and families.
The John Hancock Boston Marathon Non-Profit Program allows for local Boston non-profits to find runners for fundraising; the program provided over 1,000 runners and hopes to raise 6 million dollars for a variety of organizations.
Runner Profiles:
Julia Kuo
Click here to visit my fundraising site!
| I heard about Team BCNC from
In November 2011, I heard about Team BCNC through the general solicitation for applications on the website. Initially, I wanted to apply for the team, but I was three months into my new job and still becoming familiar with Boston. I figured that I should tackle learning the T system and the difference between the North End and the South End before taking-on the Boston Marathon. Now that I have my bearings and have fallen accustomed to the lack of “r’s” in the pronunciation of words, I am so excited to join Team BCNC for the Boston Marathon in 2013. |
Personal Experience with BCNC
I have become deeply involved with BCNC over the course of the last year through my involvement in the Bamboo Circle and the College Access Program. As the Chair of the Bamboo Circle, I have the opportunity to work with inspiring young professionals, who strive to strengthen BCNC’s presence in the broader Boston community and develop lifelong donors. The Steering Committee is comprised of a diverse set of individuals from entrepreneurs to teachers and engineers. Each of the Steering Committee members has taught me the importance of adapting my leadership style to the needs of the committee and general membership base. Through 80+ hours of meetings, fundraisers, and volunteering events, I have learned how to encourage collaboration among my peers in the committee and develop true friendships with many individuals among our 200+ membership base. Where else would I have the opportunity to help immigrants fill-out their American citizenship forms, participate in a 90’s dance off, and help teach interview skills to high school students but at BCNC!
I would like to run for Team BCNC because…
When I first moved to Boston in August 2011, I was new to the city and had a small network of friends. After getting introduced to BCNC through a Bamboo Circle Steering Committee member, I knew that I had found an organization that I instantly connected with and would be a new source of friends. I had finally found an area of Boston that I could go to in order to cultivate my philanthropic interests and strengthen my ties to the Asian American and immigrant community; it may not be surprising that I ended up in Chinatown. BCNC has played a large part in my own assimilation into Boston, so I would love to give my time, energy, and funds to run for Team BCNC. Further, I’ve always liked to run casually and have participated in a few half marathons in the past. I set a goal for myself to run at least one marathon in my lifetime. I am delighted that I have the opportunity to fulfill my goal next year as a participant in one of the most competitive and challenging races.
What would your biggest challenge be?
The Boston Marathon will be my first exposure to the marathon circuit, so I hope that I can manage my time well to prepare for the race successfully. I’m also worried I might not have enough Backstreet Boys, Katy Perry, and Maroon 5 songs in my ipod to sustain 3+ hours of running! New artists and song recommendations are always welcomed!
Yanyi (Emily) Weng
Click here to visit my fundraising site!
I heard about Team BCNC from
I heard about Team BCNC from Arthur Grupee (BCNC Youth Center staff), my beloved godfather and one of the most supportive mentors in my life.
Personal Experience with BCNC
| From a new immigrant who could barely speak English to a leader who mentored immigrant teenage girls and hosted workshop for youth, I always feel proud and privilege in having BCNC as my intellectual and social support system. BCNC has adopted me and I have always called it my second home. My personal experience with BCNC helped me got into Mayor’s Youth Council, Crimson Summer Academy and now Boston College. BCNC provided me the crucial support when my family was going through difficult times. If I can ever give back to BCNC in any way, I would do it without a doubt. 飲水思源 “When one drinks water, also remember to appreciate its source” has alway been my attitude towards BCNC. BCNC is my source of inspiration, ambition and passion. |
I would like to run for Team BCNC because…
I promised to give back at the Senior Party a year and a half ago. As a Sophomore at Boston College now, I am ready to give back by running the Boston Marathon. I always love running and I always love BCNC. So I thought the Boston Marathon is the perfect opportunity for me to give back. There are two other reasons why running the Boston Marathon 2013 for Team BCNC means so much to me: 1) My biological father Zhi Qin Weng passed away exactly ten years ago. He was the one who held my hand and walked with me through the old Youth Center door in 2003. 2) 2013 will be the tenth year anniversary that my family and I immigrated from Taishan to Boston. We departed Taishan in April 16, 2003. The running date for Boston Marathon is April 15, 2013. What a sign! I want to dedicate my every step, every sweat and every breath in the marathon to my beloved father and second home, BCNC.
What would your biggest challenge be?
As a first time runner, I am a little bit anxious about the 26.6 miles. I never really like running long distance. Nevertheless, I will do it for a good cause. I strongly believe that it is just a matter of time and effort that I will be able to run 26.6 miles without stopping. When school is in session, I have to plan well and give up some activities in order to keep up with my training. I really appreciate that Team BCNC requires the participants to keep a blog for fundraising and check in on monthly meetings. I feel very supported as a runner. After watching a video of a BPS teacher, who is running 155 miles across the Sahara Desert, in order to raise fund for her students with special needs, I became even more motivated to run my first Boston Marathon. The mind is set, the feet are getting ready, the race is on! Let’s go!
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Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center, Inc (BCNC) was founded in 1969 by neighborhood residents. For over 40 years, BCNC has served as the vital link to the Asian American community throughout Greater Boston, providing support and resources to ease their integration into American society. BCNC offers exemplary services to over 2,000 people each year, strengthening families and building communities. BCNC is the largest Asian social service provider in New England, its programs include: Acorn Center for Early Education and Care, Adult Education, Arts & Enrichment, Family Child Care, Family Services, Oak Street Youth Center, Recreation and Fitness and Red Oak After School Program.
BCNC Main Office: 885 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111 TTD/Voice (617) 635-5129. BCNC’s website is: bcnc.net.