WELCOME!
Happy New Year!!! Welcome to the first 2007 edition of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County newsletter. The Club will be sending out print Newsletters quarterly, and E-Newsletter monthly that will include exciting news about Club programs, events and, of course, our members. If you are not signed-up for the e-Newsletter please email cmcduffee@boysandgirlsclubs.com to sign up! We encourage you to forward this to friends and colleagues who may be interested in helping our Club, and we appreciate your continued support.
Happy Hour
No alcohol for the Happy Hour, but trust me you’ll feel “happy” when you spend an hour at the Club. Please schedule a guided tour and see the programs in action at any of our 3 Clubs on Wednesday at 4 p.m.! Appointment is necessary. To find out more, please email vmiller@boysandgirlsclubs.com or call to make a reservation 941-366-3911.
Huge Success at Kids’ Night Out
The 3rd Annual Kids’ Night Out was held on November 17th and was a huge success for the Clubs. Almost 400 guests were greeted at the door with a glass of champagne and appetizers prepared by Club members participating in our Culinary Arts Program, and then were then joined by 100 Club members for a delectable dinner prepared by Morton’s. The evening was emceed by current Club member Elizabeth Piers and current member, Kristen Desmarais and past member Shaneeka Lee were speakers for the event and shared their personal stories of how the Clubs have helped them grow and kept them from making wrong choices in their lives.
"Through the efforts of the Committee, which was chaired by Stephen LeBlanc, the event raised $200,000 for the Clubs operations through sponsorships, ticket sales and silent and live auctions” states Cheryl McDuffee, Director of Special Events. “We were thrilled that because of the success from the event – we are able to ensure that the Clubs can continue to offer quality programs and keep our fees to a minimum so the youth in Sarasota County have a safe and positive place to go!" Thank you to our generous sponsors:Title Sponsor: Wachovia Bank. Gold Sponsors: Herald-Tribune Media Group, Lee Wetherington Companies. Silver Sponsors: Pineapple Square Properties, Publix Supermarket Charities, Michael Saunders and Company, Anne L. Weintraub - Esquire of Icard Merrill, Tarr Charitable Family Foundation.
Special thanks to our wonderful committee: Stephen LeBlanc, Chairperson, Scott Carpenter, Antonio Coley, Christine Davis, Lee DeLieto, Shaneeka Lee, Brian Lowe, Cheryl McDuffee, Terry McGannon, Veronica Miller, Dawn Page, Renee Phinney, Mack Reid, Stacey Romano, Junelle Samblanet, Carolyn Sanchez, Dan Smith, Laura Strelser, Joan Verizzo and Melissa Wollard.
Congratulations to Caldwell Trust for winning the Lee Wetherington Helping Hands Award. We would also like to thank LeBlanc Studios for their graphic design services, Spotlight Graphics for donating their printing services, Scott Carpenter of Carpenter PR, AmSouth Bank, and all of the businesses who donated to our live and silent auctions and sponsored tables. Thank all of you for your generous and continued support!!!!
Next year’s event will be even bigger and you will want to be a part of this night. Be sure to mark your calendars for the 4th Annual Kids’ Night Out on November 8, 2007! Please contact Cheryl McDuffee at 941-366-3911 x121 or e-mail cmcduffee@boysandgirlsclubs.com for information on becoming a sponsor of this event or serving on the committee.
Volunteer of the Month
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County didn’t have to go far to find the Volunteer of the Month, because his
office is right across the street on Fruitville Road at LeBlanc Studios. Although he spends as much time in the
BGC office as his own, Stephen LeBlanc – President/Owner of LeBlanc Studios says he volunteers his time because
"It’s the right thing to do".
Stephen just recently chaired the Kids Night Out for ’06 and has agreed to chair the ’07 event as well. "helpWe are
thrilled to have such a dedicated and talented individual to the BGC", states Mack Reid, President/CEO of
the Club. Stephen not only donates his time and energy to the Club, but also has been extremely generous in
allowing his staff to donate their time in helping the Club with their website, newsletters, photography, etc…
Please stop by LeBlanc Studios and show your support to the Club by thanking Stephen for his time.
New Partnership Helps Clubs Children
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County have recently received 3 scholarships from Take Stock in Children, a wonderful organization that helps low-income children succeed by providing a 4-year college tuition scholarship; a volunteer mentor who meets the child at his or her school for one hour a week to provide academic support and motivation; continuous monitoring and intervention services provided by a skilled student advocate (case manager); the active engagement of parents in the child's academic and personal development; and, career and educational counseling.
If you would like to know more about Take Stock in Children, or to sign up to be a mentor, please visit www.takestockinchildren.com.
Partner of the Month
We are thrilled to announce the first Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County Partner of the Month is Kitchens Direct.
Kitchens Direct put their heart and “service first attitude” before anything – which has earned them a solid reputation as the place to go for dream kitchens, bathrooms, entertainment centers and work spaces. But they also put their heart into the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County. “We are thrilled to be able to give back to the community, and to actually help make a difference in the life of a child”, states Tony Zanoni, President and Owner of Kitchens Direct.
With the leadership of Tony Zanoni, Kitchen’s Direct has generously donated all the cabinetry in the Lee Wetherington Club and Administration offices, and has spearheaded many fundraising events for the Club. “I’m always amazed at how generous our local business’ can be – and Kitchens Direct is clearly a leader”, states Bill Sadlo, Chief Operating Officer of the Club.
Please check out their website at www.kitchensdirectofsarasota.com or call 941-373-6940 to check out their services. And most importantly – please tell them “Thank You” for helping the community and the children at the Boys & Girls Club.
Alumni of the Month
Bill Cosby… Alex Rodriguez... Brad Pitt… Michael Jordan… President Clinton… Derek Jeter… Neil Diamond… Denzel Washington.
What do all of these people and millions more throughout America have in common? They are all alumni of Boys & Girls Club.
But we have our own star right here in Sarasota – Brian Wynne, Regional Manager for First Watch Restaurant Group. Brian organized
getting First Watch to a adopt families for the holidays. "Being one of 7 Children, the Club has helped me a lot, and now I want
to give back to the kids at the Club who need help the most – especially during the holiday season", states Wynne. "It’s important
for our children to see local successful individuals in real life situations – to inspire them, and we are very appreciative of all
the support we receive from Brian", states Dawn Page, Area Director for the Club.
If you are alumni of the Boys & Girls Clubs – please Tonya Huber @ 941-366-3911 x101 or e-mail thuber@boysandgirlsclubs.com. We are coordinating Alumni get-togethers and would like to include you!
Website
If you haven’t taken the time yet to check out our awesome new website www.boysandgirlsclubs.com, you must do it now. It’s amazing!
And all because of very dedicated volunteers and staff, including Brian Lowe from LeBlanc Studios, Jeremiah Poisson and Jeff Howland from BGC.
Women Leadership Council
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County are creating a new volunteer committee called the Women's Leadership Council. This committee will be comprised of outstanding women in the community who through their influence or activity and who can further the mission of the Boys & Girls Club and increase awareness and programs in Fine Arts, Etiquette, and Career Preparation.
When you become an active member or a supportive member, you will discover that the Women's Leadership Council offers personal rewards as well as community benefits. To learn more, please call Veronica at 941-366-3911 ext. 126 or vmiller@boysandgirlsclubs.com. The first meeting will be at the Lee Wetherington Club, January 18th at 5:15pm.
Community Outreach - Kid’s Holiday Party Triumph
The best word to describe this evening was…AWESOME! More than 300 youth were served a wonderful holiday meal, as well as each of them receiving at least two gifts to take home with them. As the support of the community grows, so does the reach of this party for Club members. Each year we continue to grow this Holiday Party thanks to your generosity and support. For some of these children, this was their only holiday celebration they will have. Over 70 volunteers were also on hand to help lend a hand serving dinner, helping hand out gifts, entertaining Club members and just plain having fun.
Thank you to the following for your generosity and support:
Volunteers Honored at Luncheon
On November 4th, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County held a special luncheon to recognize all of the volunteers who have
generously donated their time and support in helping to make sure the Club doors are always open.
At the event, Dr. Richard Vinton and Eugene Hoeffler, were named Volunteers of the Year. Both of these gentlemen, for years, have
come to the Lee Wetherington Club daily to mentor and provide tennis instruction to members. Their service and dedication to the
youth of Sarasota County goes above and beyond volunteerism. We thank them both for their continued service, as well as the many
other volunteers who continue to teach and mentor the Club members and generously donate their time and wisdom.
We would like to especially thank Stonewood Grill & Tavern and their wonderful staff, who generously donated all of the food and
service to make to help us honor our priceless volunteers. We encourage you to patronize and thank them for their generosity by
visiting them at 1894 Stickney Point Road in Sarasota.
Why I Work At The Boys & Girls Club
Candise Evans, Club Counselor, has been with the Lee Wetherington Club for about 4 months, and is also attending
MCC during the day, majoring in marketing/business. “I just love my job, and I really enjoy being with
the kids – they are my stress relief.” Candise went to Girls, Inc. during her youth, and believes
in “giving back.” Candise told us that she wants to be the CEO one day of her own special events
company, and has offered to help us coordinate the tours of the Club and other special events with the direction of
Cheryl McDuffee, the BGC Director of Special Events. So please make sure you call 941-366-3911, and schedule
a tour, so you can meet Candise.
Give The Gift Of A Lifetime
A planned gift to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County helps to ensure the future of the services and programs
they provide in enabling all young people, especially those who need us the most, to reach their full potential as productive,
caring and responsible citizens.
By establishing a bequest you can make sure that future generations will be able to receive the life-saving programs the Club offers.
Please contact the Veronica if you would like to include them in your estate plans, or if you have already. For more information, please call 941-366-3911 ext. 126, or email vmiller@boysandgirlsclubs.com.
Thank You To Our Supporters
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County rely on the grants, through the 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:
- JC Penny After-School Fund for providing scholarships for youth to attend the Clubs
- Regal Entertainment Group for providing free movies and transportation to Club members during their Regal Free Family Film Festival
- Wilson-Wood Foundation for supporting the Culinary Arts Program at the Roy McBean Club
- Publix Supermarket Charities for helping fund the Project Learn/Power Hour programs at all of the Clubs
- Fifth Third Bank Foundation for their support of the Hispanic Outreach Program
Looking for Furniture
Are you or your office about to redecorate and retire some furniture that still is in good condition? Please think of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County. We are looking for bookcases, chairs, artwork, and anything that will help enhance our waiting area in the Administration Office.
New Years Resolutions
“To smile at more people”
Molly, age 6
“To give more than I receive”
Billy, age 10
”To be nicer to my brother”
Julia, age 8
“To read more books with more chapters and books that are more interesting”
Roman, age 7