Kristen Desmarais named 2007 Youth of the Year for Sarasota County
Kristen Desmarais (pictured right), is a true example of an extraordinary youth. At age 17, she has been selected as the Youth of the Year for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County. The Youth of the Year program, administered by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) and nationally sponsored by the Reader’s Digest Foundation since 1947, recognizes a member’s outstanding contributions to his or her family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as personal challenges and obstacles overcome.
Kristen Desmarais, who attends the Gene Matthews Boys & Girls Club in North Port, was chosen among two other Club Youth of the Year winners – Ashley Briggs (pictured middle), who attends the Roy McBean Club and Elizabeth Pires (pictured left), from the Lee Wetherington Club. "We are thrilled that we can honor amazing teens, like Kristen, for their dedication and hard work," said Mack Reid, president/CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County.
Kristen has been attending the Gene Matthews Club for ten years and is in her senior year at North Port High School, where she maintains an A/B average. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in forensic science and will be attending MCC in the Fall where she will begin her studies. She has served as president of two of the Club’s youth service programs – Keystone and Torch Club and also teaches three classes at her church three nights per week.
"My goal is to help other teens recognize that they have the power to become the great leaders of tomorrow," said Kristen. She will go on to compete against other Boys & Girls Club members for the Youth of the Year title in the state of Florida and a $1,000 scholarship. If she wins at the state level, she will go for the title of Southeast Region Youth of the Year and a $10,000 scholarship. Five regional winners will travel to Washington, D.C. to compete for the title of BGCA's National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year receives an additional $15,000 college scholarship and will be installed by President George W. Bush during a ceremony in the Oval Office.
Capital Campaign Update – Venice Club
As you will see in the picture, the Boys & Girls Club in Venice is making major progress. The new club will feature two state-of-the-art computer labs, a full-size gym, a Teen Center, full-size commercial kitchen, game rooms, arts and crafts rooms, and an outdoor pavilion. ’This is such an exciting project! When the Club is completed it will help 1,500 kids in the area have a safe, clean, learning environment with caring adults after school and before a working parent comes homes,’ states Bill Sadlo, Chief Operating Officer.
The Robert and Joan Lee Boys & Girls Club in Venice will be located on Gulf Coast Boulevard, adjacent to the Gene Whipp Sports Center for Special Athletes, and near the Ronnie Foxworthy Park – and will offer many collaborative opportunities for all organizations.
To learn more about the naming opportunities for the Club in Venice, or how you can help, please contact Veronica at 941-366-3911, ext. 126 or email vmiller@boysandgirlsclubs.com.Volunteer of the Month
On most days, you’ll find him at the Club, helping out in one way or another. That’s why it didn’t take long for the Club to nominate April’s Volunteer of the Month.
“One of the very first people I met when I moved to town was Pete Resh, and I am so impressed with how dedicated he is to the Club,” said Veronica Brandon Miller, Vice President of Marketing & Development.
Named April’s Volunteer of the Month, Pete recalls the first time he was asked to help the Boys & Girls Clubs, and at that time, there was one old facility on Fruitville.
“Through the hard work of our very capable staff and the hundreds of dedicated volunteers, we are now building our fourth full service unit. It’s been an honor to be a part of this wonderful organization and to see our members grow from children to confident, articulate young adults who know that through dedication and hard work, anything is possible.”
Thank you Pete for all your hard work and dedication!
Alumni from all over come and enjoy a day of fun!
This year’s picnic was a wonderful success with a multitude of alumni, board members and staff in attendance. Attendees of all ages had a chance to catch up and meet new family members while exploring the Lee Wetherington Club and all it has to offer – the climbing wall, playground, game rooms, basketball courts and more. Club members enjoyed scrumptious food prepared by staff members Rob Albritton, Mike Solomon, Josh Bashford and Eric Lyons. Attendees went home with raffle prizes, a full stomach, and a list of new friends.
A big thank you goes to First Watch for helping to sponsor the event and the Boys & Girls Clubs’ program committee for facilitating the event. We look forward to seeing you again at our next event!
Alumnus of the Month
The Club is pleased to announce Paul Keim as April’s Alumnus of the Month.
“When I heard that Paul Keim was chosen to be the Alumnus of the Month, I was ecstatic. He is one of our shining stars, and I’m thrilled that he received this honor. He truly deserves it,” said Dawn Page, area director.
After his time as a Club member, Paul became program director and is now the president of his own company – Paul Keim Concrete, Inc.
“I fell in love with the Boys & Girls Clubs and had the wonderful opportunity to spend 10 years there. I truly believe the Club helped me grow. I gained self-esteem, learned family values, practiced responsibility, and gained job skills. I wouldn’t be who I am today without the Clubs.”
We encourage all our friends and supporters to help out our alumni. To contact Paul, email keim_paul@yahoo.com or call 941-713-7121.
Sarasota Club Members visit Minnesota
“Keystoning” is the Boys & Girls Club’s most dynamic teen program. Keystone Clubs, chartered leadership and service clubs for boys and girls ages 14-18, comprise a group of teens who select officers and implement activities in six areas: service to Club and community, character and leadership development, education and career exploration, unity, free enterprise, and social recreation. On March 14th -18th, nine youth from the Clubs in Sarasota County attended the National Keystone Conference in Minnesota, where they joined 1,500 other Keystoners from across the country in daily workshops on team building and fellowship. To maintain our movement’s effort to reach out to others “beyond our walls” and develop compassionate, caring, global citizens, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America urge Keystoners to join the Malaria Prevention: Deadly Disease, Simple Solution campaign. The Keystoners’ combined efforts will help buy thousands of life-saving bed nets for children. As a reward for their efforts after the conference, the Club members enjoyed a visit to the Mall of America.
Women Leadership Council
On Thursday, April 5th, the Boys & Girls Clubs’ Women's Leadership Council and Take Stock in Children teamed together for their first session of the new "7 Habit" program. The pilot program, developed from Sean Covey’s "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens" includes 20 children in the 8th and 9th grade. Made possible by a generous donation from the Hedge Family Trust, it was developed to help teens adopt healthy habits and bridge the gap between middle school and high school. To learn more or to help support this program by making a financial contribution, contact Veronica Brandon Miller at 941-366-3911, ext. 126 or vmiller@boysandgirlsclubs.com.
Boys & Girls Club Week
In celebration of Boys & Girls Clubs week the members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County wished to give back to the volunteers that
are so supportive of them throughout the year. This year as in years past members from all three Clubs in Sarasota baked, wrapped and delivered
homemade chocolate chip cookies to Board members, volunteers and Foundations that support the Clubs. Volunteers got a big kick out of receiving
and eating the delicious cookies. Thank you again to all of our volunteers!
Celebrities Scoop at Cold Stone
During Boys & Girls Club Week, local celebrities came out to the Cold Stone Creamery on Main Street to help scoop ice cream and increase awareness of the Clubs. Sam Franzone, owner and Boys & Girls Club alumnus, wanted to give back to an organization that helped him learn some valuable lessons as a member growing up. This is not his first time helping the Club as he has also held Ice Cream Day at the Roy McBean Club among other things.
Thank you to our local "Celebrity Scoopers" – Jim McManemon, Captain Mike Pelfrey, Anne L. Weintraub, Esquire, Salvador Diaz-Verson, Mayor Fred Atkins, Wes Roberts, Lee DeLieto Jr. and Molly Guitemman! The afternoon was fun for all. Members from the three Clubs in Sarasota County created a ‘flavor of the day’ for each of their Clubs. Sam Franzone has generously donated a portion of the proceeds from the sale of these flavors back to the Clubs.Thank you again Sam and all of our wonderful “Celebrity Scoopers” for making the “Scoop” a huge success.
The Club and community partners offer a free clinic to teach kids about fishing ethics and environmental stewardship
For the final event of National Boys & Girls Club Week, nearly 50 volunteers and 200 children came out to the Sarasota Outboard Club on Saturday,
March 31st for the 2nd Annual Kids’ Fishing Clinic.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the Florida Foundation for Responsible Angling (FFRA), the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County, the Mangrove Coast Fly Fishers, the Coastal Conservation Association, and Mote Marine Laboratory presented a Kids’ Fishing Clinic to the community free of charge. The Sarasota Outboard Club donated its facility to the FWC and the Clubs for the day to enable young people to learn the basics of environmental stewardship, fishing ethics, angling skills and safety. Additionally, environmental displays provided participants with a unique chance to experience Florida’s marine life firsthand.
The Kids’ Fishing Clinics’ main objective is to create responsible marine resource stewards by teaching children about the vulnerability of Florida’s marine ecosystems. The clinics also strive to teach fundamental saltwater fishing skills and provide participants with a positive fishing experience.
The participants first attended six clinic stations provided by the FWC, followed by a fly tying lesson with the Mangrove Coast Fly Fishers and an interactive adventure in Mote Marine’s Immersion Theater. Additionally, the children visited the City Island docks where they were able to catch some fish. The kids, parents and volunteers enjoyed both a fun and educational day. After the clinic everyone enjoyed lunch and the children who participated were given their own rod, reel and tackle to take home.
This free clinic was made possible by the following sponsors: Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, Mangrove Coast Fly Fishers, Mote Marine Laboratory, Sportfish Restoration Program, FFRA, SaraBay Marina, Cannons Marina, New Pass Bait Shop, Coca Cola, Duffy Air Systems and many other generous sponsors. The Club would especially like to thank the many volunteers who donated their time to help make the day a great success for all.
Comcast -- Sponsor of the Month
"The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County and Comcast have worked together for more than 12 years in an ongoing commitment to our community,"
said Terri Weldon, Comcast’s director of government affairs and public relations. "This is truly an example of how public-private partnerships can
make a difference. For almost 40 years, Comcast has been committed to investing in Sarasota County – where we operate each and every day – and we
recognize the importance of making a measurable difference in the life of an individual and in our community," said Terri.
Comcast, the Sponsor of the Month in April, supports the Clubs through various ways, including offering courtesy video and internet service to each of the Club facilities. Additionally, Terri donates her time by serving on various committees and has been instrumental in helping with the Club’s golf tournament at The Ritz-Carlton Member's Club, Sarasota.
"Comcast has truly made a difference with their support of our educational programs and the entire Boys & Girls Club movement in Sarasota County. Both Comcast and Terri are fantastic partners in every sense of the word, and we know we can count on them to be there for our kids,” said Mack Reid, President/CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County.
Comcast develops, manages and operates cable communications systems, offering regular cable service, direct to home satellite television and high-speed cable modem service. For more information, visit www.comcast.com
Saving Lives Luncheon raises $130,000
The Saving Lives Luncheon held on Thursday, April 5th was huge success, thanks to all the wonderful people who came out to show their support. The program started with an emotional speech from Lee Wetherington, who told the audience that the Club is the best investment you can make. Alumnus Paul Keim also shared his heart warming story of how the Club helped “save his life.” The Luncheon raised $130,000 to help the Club continue to enrich the lives of thousands of children. To find out how you can help save the life of a child, contact Veronica Brandon Miller at 941-366-3911 or vmiller@boysandgirlsclubs.com.
Congratulations to Lee Wetherington who is a new inductee in the Community Video Archives Hall of Fame.
Why I Work at the Boys & Girls Club
Josh Bashford is the program director at the Gene
Matthews Boys & Girls Club in North Port
" I work at the Boys & Girls Club because it is such an enriching experience to help kids grow and overcome obstacles and to be there
for them when they need that extra pat on the back to say "good job." When I greet the kids as they get off the school bus and they
run right to me with a smile because they can’t wait to talk about their day at school with me, it is one of the greatest feelings
and one of the main reasons I work where I do – to make a difference in the life of a child."
Congressman Vern Buchanan makes a special visit
To learn more about the Club’s members, mission, need and impact on our community, Congressman Vern Buchanan (R-FL 13), made a special visit to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County on Tuesday, April 3, 2007.
Congressman Buchanan, a former Foundation Board member of the Club, visited Tuttle Elementary – where one of the Club’s six 21st Century Community Learning Centers is located —a program designed to open public schools in the non-school hours, expand learning opportunities, and support partnerships between schools and community resources. Later that day, Buchanan visited the Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club on Fruitville Road.
"We are thrilled to have our Congressman see first-hand the rich diversity of programs and benefits the Club provides to our young people," said Mack Reid, President/CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County.
FREE SEMINAR: A Lifetime of fixed payments for You…a resource for generations of Kids!
A charitable gift annuity is an extraordinary way to make a gift to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County, increase your income and reduce your tax bill—all in one transaction! Our charitable gift annuity program was created as a service to our friends and supporters who have expressed a desire to make a gift of significance, while still retaining fixed payments from the gift property during their lives. To learn more, please join us on Monday, June 25th at 12noon for lunch. Speaker will be Jim Gumpert, Senior Director of Planned Giving Club Services for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
To receive a free gift annuity analysis and to RSVP for the luncheon, please call or email Valentina Scialdone at 366-3911 or vscialdone@boysnadgirlsclubs.com.
Play Golf to Help the Kids…can’t get any better than that!
Every year, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County offers a wonderful opportunity for people who love the game of golf to help kids…
simply by doing what they already love. The Golf Challenge will be at the Rolling Green Golf Course on Saturday, May 12th – shotgun start
at 8:00 a.m. This year’s goal to raise $100,000 will help the Clubs in Sarasota County and make a difference in the life of a child.
To learn more, contact Cheryl McDuffee at
cmcduffee@boysandgirlsclubs.com or 941-366-3911, ext. 121.
Thank You To Our Supporters
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County rely on grants, through both the federal and state governments and local foundations to sustain our Club programs. We would like to thank the following foundations and organizations for their support of these Club programs:
- Annette J. Hagens Foundation for providing scholarships for youth to attend the summer program.
- Eluned & Edward Russell Charitable Foundation for their support of the our Teen Program.
- Florida Department of Education for support of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers and Project Learn/Power Hour programs in the Clubs.
- Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice for support of the construction of the Robert & Joan Lee Boys & Girls Club.
- The Harold C. and Jacqueline F. Bladel Foundation for the Roy McBean Club’s AAU Basketball Teams
- Jerome and Mildred Paddock Foundation for providing scholarships for youth to attend the summer program
- Kathleen K. Catlin Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County for support of the construction of the Robert & Joan Lee Boys & Girls Club.
- Sarasota County Commission for their support of the Project Learn/Power Hour programs and the SMART Moves programs at all of the Clubs.