They’re all running for a good cause
They’re all running for a good cause
By Tracey Antaya
The Charles River Regional Chamber is proud to celebrate and support the nonprofit organizations across our region participating in th2 2025 Boston Marathon.
From Newton to Wellesley to Needham and Watertown, dozens of local nonprofits are fielding passionate runners who are pounding the pavement not just to cross the finish line, but for missions that matter.
These chamber members provide critical services across healthcare, food security, education, housing, and the arts. And with the marathon route running directly through two of our chamber communities, the connection to this iconic event feels especially personal.
Among the inspiring stories this year:
- Aideen Doneski is running to raise funds for Family ACCESS, supporting brighter futures for children and families.
- Laura Cannistraro, the granddaughter of a resident at Elizabeth Seton Residence, is honoring her family connection while raising funds for the skilled nursing facility.
- Emily Craven, a Newton North alum and current UVM student, is running on behalf of Fig City News to help fund local summer internships.
- Dr. Jeff Phillips, a Newton-Wellesley Hospital physician, is running to support Pathway to Possible—a cause close to his heart and family.
These personal stories are just a few examples of the incredible commitment we see from our nonprofit runners and their supporters.
Please explore these organizations and consider lending support to their runners' fundraising efforts. Whether it’s donating, sharing their stories, or cheering them on from the sidelines, every action helps amplify the impact of these vital local nonprofits. Together, we can celebrate community, compassion, and the power of running for a cause.
- Alzheimer's Association – Multiple runners
Team Fundraising Page - Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital Needham – 2 runners (Patrick Fogarty, Xavier Zambrana)
Patrick Fogarty's Fundraising Page Xavier Zambrana's Fundraising Page - Carroll Center for the Blind – 1 runner (Katelyn Budreau)
Katelyn Budreau's Fundraising Page - Centre Street Food Pantry – 1 runner (Demetrios Comodromos)
Demetrios Comodromos' Fundraising Page - Dream Big! – 15 runners
Team Fundraising Page - Elizabeth Seton Residence – 1 runner (Laura Cannistraro)
Laura Cannistraro’s Fundraising Page - Ellie Fund – 11 runners
Team Fundraising Page - Family ACCESS – 1 runner (Aideen Doneski)
Aideen Doneski's Fundraising Page - Fig City News – 1 runner (Emily Craven)
Emily Craven’s Fundraising Page - Good Shepherd Community Care (HEARTplay Program) – 1 runner (Fiona Cusack)
Fiona Cusack’s Fundraising Page - Hospitality Homes – 1 runner (Marc Volpe)
Marc Volpe’s Fundraising Page - MassBay Community College – 1 runner (Alfonso Hidalgo)
Alfonso Hidalgo’s Fundraising Page - John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club of Newton – 6 runners
Team Fundraising Page - Newton Community Pride – 1 runner (Maggie Chaviano)
Maggie Chaviano’s Fundraising Page - Newton Food Pantry – 1 runner (Ann Quandt)
Ann Quandt’s Fundraising Page - Newton Rotary Club/Foundation – 1 runner (Nick Johnson)
Nick Johnson's Fundraising Page - Newton Schools Foundation – 1 runner (David Padgett)
David Padgett's Fundraising Page - Newton Theatre Company – 1 runner (Sara Haven)
Sara Haven's Fundraising Page - Newton-Wellesley Hospital (NWH) – 11 runners
Team Fundraising Page - New Art Center in Newton – 1 runner (Sara Schiller)
Sara Schiller's Fundraising Page - Pathway to Possible – 1 runner (Dr. Jeff Phillips)
Dr. Jeff Phillips’ Fundraising Page - Story Starters – 1 runner (Nishi Waghray)
Nishi Waghray’s Fundraising Page - Spoonfuls – 7 runners
Team Fundraising Page - Sustainable Wellesley – 1 runner (Celia Sanabria)
Celia Sanabria’s Fundraising Page - The Children's Room – 11 runners
Team Fundraising Page - The Price Center – 1 runner (Dr. Olivia Carrick)
Dr. Olivia Carrick’s Fundraising Page - Walker Therapeutic & Educational Programs – 16 runners
Team Fundraising Page - Wellesley Theatre Project – 1 runner (Eric Anderson Jr)
Eric Anderson’s Fundraising Page - West Suburban YMCA – 1 runner (Liz Puleo)
Liz Puleo’s Fundraising Page - World of Wellesley – 1 runner (Antoinette Villa)
Antoinette Villa's Fundraising Page - YMCA of Greater Boston (includes Needham) – Multiple runners
Team Fundraising Page
Did we miss your organization? If your nonprofit is a chamber member, email Tracey Antaya (tantaya@charlesriverchamber.com ) and let us know about your 2025 Boston Marathon runner.