Recognizing Excellence: Celebrating Honor Roll Achievement at Our Clubs
Recognizing Excellence: Celebrating Honor Roll Achievement at Our Clubs At our Boys & Girls Clubs, we believe that academic achievement deserves to be recognized and celebrated. We are incredibly proud of our Honor Roll students and all they have accomplished through their hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence. Their success is a reflection of their perseverance, the support of their families, and the encouragement they receive through our Club community. Recently, we had the joy of honoring our Club members with celebrations at our Carver Ranches Club, Nan Knox Club/Linda & Douglas Von Allmen Campus, and William E. Slaughter Club/S. Robert Levine Campus. These special moments gave us the opportunity to recognize the outstanding efforts of our Club members and celebrate the academic milestones they have reached. At our Boys & Girls Clubs, we believe that academic achievement deserves to be recognized and celebrated. We are incredibly proud of our Honor Roll students and all they have accomplished through their hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence. Their success is a reflection of their perseverance, the support of their families, and the encouragement they receive through our Club community. Recently, we had the joy of honoring our Club members with celebrations at our Carver Ranches Club, Nan Knox Club/Linda & Douglas Von Allmen Campus, and William E. Slaughter Club/S. Robert Levine Campus. These special moments gave us the opportunity to recognize the outstanding efforts of our Club members and celebrate the academic milestones they have reached. Our Clubs are committed to creating environments where young people can learn, grow, and thrive. Through programs that promote academic success, character development, and opportunity, we are proud to support our members as they work toward bright futures. Celebrating these Honor Roll achievements is just one of the many ways we uplift and encourage the incredible youth we serve. Congratulations to all of our Honor Roll students! We are proud of you and excited to see all that you will continue to accomplish. Our Clubs are committed to creating environments where young people can learn, grow, and thrive. Through programs that promote academic success, character development, and opportunity, we are proud to support our members as they work toward bright futures. Celebrating these Honor Roll achievements is just one of the many ways we uplift and encourage the incredible youth we serve. Congratulations to all of our Honor Roll students! We are proud of you and excited to see all that you will continue to accomplish. Learn more about our Four Pillars of Impact
Family Science Night Sparks Curiosity at the Museum of Discovery and Science
Family Science Night Sparks Curiosity at the Museum of Discovery and Science Family Science Night Sparks Curiosity at the Museum of Discovery and Science We had an amazing time at our recent Family Science Night at the Museum of Discovery and Science! 🔬🧪⚛️🥼🚀 The evening was filled with excitement, discovery, and hands-on learning as our Club members and their families explored the wonders of STEM in an engaging and inspiring environment. From interactive experiences to memorable moments shared together, Family Science Night was a true celebration of curiosity, learning, and possibility. One of the most special parts of the evening was seeing our Club members recognized for their participation and enthusiasm. Receiving their certificates and their very own official lab coat made the experience even more meaningful, giving them a sense of pride, accomplishment, and belonging as young scientists in the making. By exposing our Club members to a deeper level of science, technology, engineering, and math, we are giving them the tools, confidence, and inspiration to succeed both inside and outside the classroom. Through this partnership, youth benefit from STEM learning facilitated by museum educators, hands-on projects, family engagement opportunities, and access to enriching museum experiences that spark creativity and innovation. A special thank you to our incredible staff and teams who helped make this event such a success, and to our generous supporters, Wayne and Lucretia Weiner, whose commitment to education and community impact helped make this experience possible. Their support helps open doors for our youth to learn, grow, and imagine brighter futures through STEM. We are so proud of our Club members and grateful to everyone who played a part in making this event unforgettable. Learn more about our amazing program
Club Highlights – May 2026
MAY CLUB HIGHLIGHTS 20th AnniversaryGenerals Club Gathering! We had a blast at our 20th Generals Club Gathering at Funky Buddha! This year, Doug Cady, President of AA Advance Air, Inc., was honored with the Generals Club Leadership Award. And one of our very own, 2025 Youth of the Year, Nashon H. from our Leo Goodwin Foundation Teen Center addressed our Generals regarding his interest in the electrical field. Nashon is one of the many Club members who attended our Annual Generals Construction Career Day in March. The Generals Club was founded by visionary leaders Terry Stiles, Tom Miller, Bob Case, and Kurt Langsenkamp, and continues to thrive under the dedicated leadership of Chair Krystyna Ermer. An Award of Gratitude was presented to Bob Case for his many years of heartfelt passion poured into The Generals Club Program. All proceeds from The Generals Club Gathering directly support the continuation of this impactful program, helping to provide vital opportunities and resources for our youth at BGCBC. We thank our 2026 Generals Club Members: 20th Anniversary VIP GeneralJA&M Developing, LLC – Annie Mecias-Murphy 5 Star GeneralsAA Advance Air, Inc. – Doug Cady C. Davis Electric Co., Inc. – Mike Gagliano Nielson, Hoover & Company, ACRISURE – Chuck Nielson Slade Construction – Jeff Slade Steel Fabricators – Max Turner Stiles Corporation – Ken Stiles Thermal Concepts – Krystyna Ermer Rita & Rick* Case FamilyGary Wendt Associate GeneralsAll Atlantic Benefits – John Tolan, Brandon Kress, Veronica Ferrari Empire Lighting Resources – Bob Caggiano FPL – Sean October Verizon Business – Vincent Peragin Associate GeneralsAction Roofing – Anthony Perera Amalgamated Construction – Das Khan ANF Group, Inc. – Al Fernandez, Nelson Fernandez Charland Rurey Construction – Bill Charland, Tim Rurey Hotwire Communications – Brian LaTorre Inspected – Ian Cohen Scaff-Tech, LLC – Edward Rodriguez William R. Nash – Ryan Nash Thank you to all our staff, supporters, community partners and Board Chair, Peter Oldbury for helping make this happen! Join our General’s Club Today Read More 14th Annual Bowling For Kids Event We are so grateful to all of our supporters, staff and community partners that came out for “Bowling For Kids” event supporting our Marti Huizenga Club. This Club has long been a staple in the City of Hollywood, serving as a safe and supportive space for generations of youth and families. Your generosity keeps our Clubs and Teen Centers going. Donate Today College Decision Day From acceptance letters to final choices, our Teens are officially committing to the next chapter of their journey. With confidence, courage, and the support of their mentors, families, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County, these future leaders are heading to colleges and universities ready to thrive. Whether they’re the first in their family to attend college or continuing a legacy, this moment represents hard work, resilience, and a bright future ahead. Join us in celebrating our scholars as they say, “Yes!” to their future. Empower Our Youth The Jesus Luzardo Family Foundation Scholarships The Jesus Luzardo Family Foundation awarded scholarships to 10 graduating seniors who maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher and demonstrate outstanding character and academic excellence, helping them further their education. Help us congratulate our amazing graduates! Ben S. – Carver Ranches Club Richard R.- Carver Ranches Club Zyann D. – Carver Ranches Club Winson C. -Florence A. DeGeorge Cub Luigi M.- Fred DeLuca Teen Center Naomy J. – Marti Huizenga Club Delanie C. – Marti Huizenga Club Timothy S. – Lester H. White Club/NFL Yet Center Hervinica B. – Leo Goodwin Foundation Teen Center Marlee M. – Leo Goodwin Foundation Teen Center This effort reflects the foundation’s mission to support academic success and expand opportunities for our youth. We are so gracious to Jesus and The Jesus Luzardo Family Foundation for their continuous support of our mission. Hair Braiding Superstars Congratulations to the 14 Club members who graduated from our Hair Braiding Class Program! In collaboration with the City of Hollywood and under the instruction of Ms. Ashley Williams from 1 Salon Life Academy, participants learned the fundamentals of hair braiding and earned their Salon Assistant and Hair Braiding certificates. Big thanks to City of Hollywood and 1 Salon Life Academy for supporting this initiative! Click Here to Get Started STEM in action In partnership with The City of Deerfield, our youth at our Jim & Jan Moran Club, had the privilege of exploring math in motion, discovering the science behind bubbles, and even got the chance to dive into hands-on activities that brought real-world problem solving to life. Programs like these spark curiosity, build confidence and show our youth what’s possible when learning is interactive, engaging and fun. We thank the City of Deerfield for their unwavering dedication to support our youth! Shape Bright Futures with Us Impact 4 Good Hosts a Bike Build Teamwork brings great joy during Impact 4 Good’s Bike Build event, hosted at Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa. Because of the incredible hands-on effort from our partners and volunteers, 20 brand new bikes complete with helmets and locks are now headed home with Club members, giving them freedom, confidence, and a whole new way to explore their world. Thank you Impact 4 Good for partnering with us. Fuel Bright Futures Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Educators make a lasting impact by inspiring confidence, encouraging growth, and helping students and our Club members reach their full potential. Afterschool Professionals Appreciation week is a meaningful time to recognize their dedication, patience, and the difference they make every day. 2026 Boys & Girls Clubs of America National Conference We were proud to represent Broward County at the 2026 BGCA National Conference in Charlotte, NC. Bringing together leaders from across the country, the conference was a powerful reminder that the work happening locally at BGCBC is part of a much bigger movement dedicated to empowering young people everywhere. We returned inspired, energized and equipped with new ideas, strategies and connections that will directly strengthen the experiences we create for the
Club Highlights – April 2026
Club Highlights Empowering Futures Through Annual Career Day Our BGCBC Annual Career Day engaged 160 teens in a dynamic experience focused on career exposure, exploration, and meaningful connections with industry professionals. Through interactive stations and real-world conversations, participants gained insight into a variety of career pathways while building confidence in their future goals. The event was designed to inspire our teens to explore both immediate workforce opportunities and long-term college and career options. We extend our gratitude to American Heritage in Plantation, FL, whose support and generous hosting made this event possible. Our teens also completed a post-event survey where they selected a “Pathway of the Day,” helping them reflect on which career best fit their interests in industries such as law, media, aviation, and culinary. Total Teens Attended: 160 Total Professionals/Speakers: 20+ Speaker: Stichiz from 103.5 the Beat Our BGCBC Annual Career Day engaged 160 teens in a dynamic experience focused on career exposure, exploration, and meaningful connections with industry professionals. Through interactive stations and real-world conversations, participants gained insight into a variety of career pathways while building confidence in their future goals. The event was designed to inspire our teens to explore both immediate workforce opportunities and long-term college and career options. We extend our gratitude to American Heritage in Plantation, FL, whose support and generous hosting made this event possible. Our teens also completed a post-event survey where they selected a “Pathway of the Day,” helping them reflect on which career best fit their interests in industries such as law, media, aviation, and culinary. Total Teens Attended: 160 Total Professionals/Speakers: 20+ Speaker: Stichiz from 103.5 the Beat Moments That Matter: We provided free professional attire to our teens, helping them confidently prepare for interviews, internships, and career success. Participating Organizations & Career Stations RealEdge Labs JetBlue The Florida Bar – Young Lawyers Division Fifth Third Bank Dade County Federal Credit Union Marine Industries Association of South Florida Bank of America Career Closet 1SalonLife Culinary Synergy Xanadu Academy Plantation Fire Department Broward Center for the Performing Arts Dr. Hans Dorval Old Navy Pollo Tropical BGCBC People & Culture Department BGCBC Aquatics Department Moments That Matter: We provided free professional attire to our teens, helping them confidently prepare for interviews, internships, and career success. Participating Organizations & Career Stations RealEdge Labs JetBlue The Florida Bar – Young Lawyers Division Fifth Third Bank Dade County Federal Credit Union Marine Industries Association of South Florida Bank of America Career Closet 1SalonLife Culinary Synergy Xanadu Academy Plantation Fire Department Broward Center for the Performing Arts Dr. Hans Dorval Old Navy Pollo Tropical BGCBC People & Culture Department BGCBC Aquatics Department Find Out More About Our Programs Jakeclaude M: Youth of the Year State Finalist We would like to congratulate Jakeclaude M. on being selected as a 2026 Florida Youth of the Year Finalist. We are incredibly proud of him for this outstanding achievement. His hard work, dedication, and growth throughout this journey have truly set him apart. Watching him step into his voice and represent our organization with confidence has been inspiring. This moment is well deserved, and we are excited to see all that he will accomplish next. Learn More About our Youth of the Year Welcoming Christopher M. Barnett into The BGCBC Hall of Fame Christopher M. Barnett has been inducted into Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County’s Alumni Hall of Fame, an honor recognized during the 2026 Today’s Youth, Tomorrow’s Leaders event presented by ABA Centers in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The honor reflects both his personal journey as a former “Club Kid” and his continued commitment to creating opportunity for young people across Broward County. For Barnett, the recognition is especially meaningful because of the role the Lauderhill Boys & Girls Club played in his early life. It gave him structure, mentorship, encouragement, and a sense of belonging during his formative years. Those experiences helped shape his confidence, work ethic, and belief in the power of community. As Barnett said, “It’s our family’s goal to preserve generational principles of humanity. As a child, the Club was that sense of humanity for me, before I even knew what that meant.” Watch Video Read More FAMU Spring Preview Trip Recently, Delanie, Ben, Ania, and Marlee, all current Youth of the Year participants, proudly represented us while attending the FAMU Spring Preview Trip! During the trip, they toured the campus, connected with students and staff, and gained valuable insight into academic programs, student life and the college admissions process. For our Teens, this visit was more than just a college campus tour. Instead, it was an experience full of culture, pride, belonging and possibility! —————————————“The trip was a very fun experience, especially the bus ride on the way there and back. We learned a lot of things and got to see the nice landscape of FAMU as we were touring some of the buildings. We were presented with various types of information such as the different programs/majors FAMU has to offer, more about the college I’m going into (CSSAH), dorm life, and which buildings to go to for certain things. I am choosing FAMU because of the environment and the culture that it embodies. Going to this university would constantly remind me what an honor it is to be a black student and would give me such a strong sense of belonging I wouldn’t find anywhere else.” –Marlee (attending FAMU this Fall) “FAMU was definitely an unforgettable experience. From touring the dorms to hearing the Marching 100 perform, everything just felt real and exciting. What stood out to me the most is how much they embrace creativity and individuality—you can tell it’s a place where people are free to be themselves. That’s a big reason why I’m choosing FAMU after BC.” –Ben (attending FAMU after Broward College) “The trip was amazing! I learned so much about not only my future major, but about FAMU and all of the opportunities waiting for me. What made me so captivated about FAMU was their spirit. They carry the title of being a student, professor, alumni etc with such pride showing just how much this school means to
Club Highlights – March 2026
Club Highlights Role Models Who Inspire featuring Dr. Ben Carson When dynamic leaders lead by example, young minds are shaped! Through our “Role Models Who Inspire” program, we are honored to welcome and thank Dr. Ben Carson, retired neurosurgeon, academic, author, and government official, for enlightening our Teens at JM Family Teen Center in Deerfield Beach, FL. It’s meaningful moments like these that mold the path for our youth—showcasing the importance of success through hard work, dedication, integrity and leadership. Big thanks to our dedicated Board Member, Thomas Godart for all the support! Get More Info Welcoming Rear Admiral Ryan M. Perry into The BGCBC Hall of Fame We are proud to announce Admiral Ryan M. Perry as one of our highly esteemed 2026 BGCBC Alumni Hall of Fame Inductees. Rear Admiral Ryan M. Perry (retired) is a native of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He is a 1997 graduate of the United States Naval Academy. Perry holds a master’s degree in national security and strategic studies from the Naval War College and is accredited in public relations and military communication. Perry was a proud member of William E. Slaughter Club/ S. Robert Levine Club, formerly the North Lauderdale Club, where he learned life skills, and was presented with life-changing opportunities that guided him to where he is today. We are so honored to recognize him! Join us to congratulate him. Watch Video Read More Congrats, Chris Gentile! The 2025 W. Errol Sewell Leadership Award, also known as the Southeast CEO of the Year Award, is one of the highest honors a CEO can receive within the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Movement. Named after W. Errol Sewell — a transformational leader who helped establish more than 1,000 new Clubs nationwide and expanded the Boys & Girls Clubs Movement into public housing, schools, Native lands, and U.S. military installations — the award recognizes CEOs whose leadership strengthens the Movement through vision, integrity, and an unwavering focus on youth. We are proud to share that our very own Chris Gentile, Co-CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County, has been recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America with the W. Errol Sewell Leadership Award. Chris exemplifies Sewell’s legacy through his strategic leadership, deep community partnerships, and steadfast commitment to ensuring every young person has access to high-quality Club experiences. This recognition reflects not only his personal excellence, but also the strength, passion, and dedication of our entire organization to the mission of enabling all young people — especially those who need us most — to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. Congratulations, Chris. Your leadership continues to inspire us all. Topgolf Tournament: Fore the Kids Event We’re proud to celebrate the success of our 2nd Annual Topgolf Tournament Fore The Kids—an incredible event dedicated to supporting the Club members and teens we serve. Thanks to the generosity of our community, this event directly benefits our Thomas D. Stephanis Club and Hierholzer Teen Center, where teens gain access to academic support, mentorship, and leadership development opportunities that help them succeed both in school and in life. Programs like these play a critical role in improving academic outcomes, building confidence, and preparing our teens for brighter futures. We are especially grateful to Christy and Larry Hierholzer for their continued dedication and passion for empowering young people. Their support, along with the incredible partners that include Publix, J.R. Dunn Jewelers, AEF schools, The Bridge Group, All Atlantic Benefits and the Murphy Family all helped to make this event possible and impactful. Your support empowers our teens to succeed both academically and beyond. Thank you for investing in their future. We can’t wait to see the continued impact. Shape Futures, Together Generals Construction Career Day Success! The 2026 Generals Construction Career Day, hosted by Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County, welcomed more than 200 teen Club members, ages 14–18, for a high-energy, hands-on career exploration experience as we proudly celebrated 20 years of impact at the Leo Goodwin Foundation Teen Center/William E. Slaughter Club/S. Robert Levine Campus in North Lauderdale, FL with support from City of North Lauderdale Commissioner Darrell (Dee) Lewis-Ricketts. The event featured top construction and trade industry partners who led interactive learning stations with live demonstrations, hands-on activities, and direct engagement in fields such as roofing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, general contracting, engineering, and project management. Teens rotated through multiple stations, gaining insight into career pathways, certifications, earning potential, and apprenticeship opportunities while also building workplace readiness skills like communication, teamwork, and professionalism. We also highlighted alumni success stories, including Rick Case Vocational Scholarship recipients Jimmy Arneus, now enrolled in the HVAC program at Sheridan Technical College, and Zaden Jeantinord, pursuing Automotive & EV Technology at Universal Technical Institute. The day inspired and connected youth to real opportunities in the skilled trades, while providing companies with an organized, engaging platform to directly impact the future workforce of Broward County. Thank you to our staff and industry professionals who continue investing in the future of our workforce. Get Involved International Automotive Excellence Gala Recap The 19th Annual International Automotive Excellence Gala was an unforgettable evening celebrating leadership, innovation, and impact within the automotive industry. We were honored to recognize two remarkable leaders:– Rusty Wallace – 2026 Racing Automotive Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient– Teddy Morse – 2026 Dealer Automotive Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient The Gala raised critical funds for our youth development organization helping ensure our youth have access to mentorship, opportunity, and safe spaces to grow. A special thank you to our staff, supporters, community partners, board members and all who share the commitment to making this event a success year after year. Read More A Day in The Glades! Recently, some of our Club members went on an Everglades extravaganza! From an airboat ride to watching native animals interact in their natural habitats was educational and so much fun! The alligators and birds were seen while on the airboat ride, while the snakes, turtles, American crocodiles, and lizards were seen in enclosures
Club Highlights – February 2026
Club Highlights Black History Month Honoring the legacy. Celebrating the impact. Empowering the future. This Black History Month – and always – we proudly celebrate the leaders, trailblazers and changemakers who have shaped our communities and inspired future generations to continue making a difference. We remain steadfast and committed to uplifting youth voices, creating opportunities and building a future rooted in equity, excellence and empowerment. Get Involved Congrats, Michele Clarke! In conjunction with Black History Month and throughout the month of February, the Florida Panthers will be showcasing individuals in South Florida who are making a significant impact and going above and beyond in our community. We are so proud to announce that our very own Michele Clarke, Chief Financial Officer, was hand-selected to be one of the esteemed “Celebration of Black Excellence” honorees! The Panthers will host their annual Black History Night on Friday, February 27, so tune in at 7 p.m. to see Michele receive this exceptional recognition! For many decades, Michele’s strategic leadership, can-do attitude, and unwavering dedication have powered our mission onward. We thank you, Michele, for being a valuable leader of the BGCBC Senior Leadership Team and showing us the true meaning of work ethic and integrity in all that you do. Congratulations! There is no one more deserving of this honor than you. Read More Cove Check Presentation From the fairways to the docks, The Cove community shows up. Proceeds from their annual Golf Tournament and Billfish Tournament proudly support our Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County – helping fund our programs, expand digital learning, and create safe, enriching spaces for youth at the Jim & Jan Moran Club. Thank you to the various sponsors, participants and guests who attended! Support Our Youth Fuel the Future Through Stem! We are fueling innovation at our Clubs! We’re proud to share that Global Partners partnered with us through Boys & Girls Clubs of America for their inspiring “Fuel the Future” STEM Contest! As part of the competition, our talented Club members from our Lester H. White Club/NFL Yet Center took on the challenge to design and build the “Fueling Station of the Future” using LEGO kits. Each member received a kit complete with instructional videos covering rules and design guidance, and spent several weeks developing creative, forward-thinking concepts that reimagine the convenience store and gas station experience of tomorrow. With Global Partners recently expanding their market here in South Florida, this initiative highlights their commitment to investing in the next generation of innovators in our community. On February 12, members proudly presented their projects for final judging, showcasing their creativity, teamwork, and STEM skills. Thank you, Global Partners, for helping support our youth! Check Out The Fun 2026 Youth of the Year And Hall of Fame Celebration An impactful night that fuels dreams, shapes futures and celebrates legacy! That’s a wrap on our Today’s Youth, Tomorrow’s Leaders/Rita & Rick* Case BGCBC Hall of Fame celebration! Thank you to all who came out and celebrated with us. Re-live the celebration with us: Watch Video Read More Sweeney Martini Band Rocked the Stage! Recently we had a blast at our Jim & Jan Moran Club when the electric Sweeney Martini Band hit the stage! As former Club ‘kids’ turned talented performers, the band shared more than just incredible music , they shared their journey reminding us and our youth of the possibilities made available at Boys & Girls Clubs. A special shoutout to bandmate Jay Sweeney, who was named Youth of the Year in 1984 at Boys & Girls Club in Greenwich, CT. It was a full-circle moment that inspired everyone in the room! We were honored to have Megan Sweeney, VP of Administration at BGCG and longtime BGCBC supporter, join us for the celebration, along with dedicated supporter Gary Wendt and Valerie Ahneman, who helped bring this special event together. And the spotlight didn’t stop there, our Carver Ranches 2026 Youth of the Year, Ben S., wowed the crowd by stepping up to the mic and singing alongside the band! Moments like these remind us that once a Club kid, always a Club kid and the impact lasts a lifetime. Thank you:Gary WendtValerie AhnemanMegan Sweeney, Vice President of Administration at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greenwich Jay SweeneyPatrick Sweeney Learn More Family Strengthening Graduation We are celebrating our Club members and their families on their “Family Strengthening Graduation”! This is a special milestone because families came together over the course of numerous weeks to build stronger bonds, improve communication, support one another, and grow in so many meaningful ways. We are incredibly proud to keep this powerful program going strong year after year, creating lasting impact in our community. This continued success is made possible through our valued partnership with Children’s Services Council of Broward County whose commitment to families helps make opportunities like this possible. Learn More about Our Programs and How to Get Involved Florida Boys & Girls Clubs Advocacy Days Our Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County team was proud to participate in Florida Boys & Girls Clubs Advocacy Days, where we had the chance to meet with our legislatures to talk about the importance of investing in our youth. We are so grateful for their continued support and advocacy for the young people we serve and for believing in our mission to help every child reach their full potential. Thank you for your time, your partnership, and your ongoing advocacy for Broward and Florida’s youth. Your support strengthens our mission and helps ensure that young people across our state have access to safe spaces, caring mentors, and life-changing opportunities. Thank you for standing with us and for helping build great futures across Florida! BGCBC Board Chair Peter OldburyBGCBC Board Member Marc InfanteRepresentative Hillary CasselRepresentative Dan DaleySenator Tina PolskyRepresentative Felicia Simone RobinsonSenator Jason PizzoRepresentative Robin BartlemanFlorida Alliance of Boys & Girls ClubsBoys & Girls Clubs of AmericaTSE Consulting Inc.Candice EricksRobby HolroydDaniel DelagrangeLauren Jackson Join the Mission BGCBC: Champion for Youth! We are honored to announce our 2025 status as a Champion for Youth through BGCA’s Club Advocacy Recognition Program! With this recognition, we will proudly continue to excel
Celebrating Curiosity, Confidence, and STEM Futures at the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS)
Celebrating Curiosity, Confidence, and STEM Futures at the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) Our Club members participating in the incredible program at the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) recently reached an exciting milestone Parent Night Showcase and it was a powerful moment of pride, learning, and celebration. This hands-on, immersive program is designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and a passion for STEM. Throughout the experience, Club members engaged in experimentation, problem-solving, and real-world exploration. During Parent Night, they proudly presented their projects to their families, showcasing not only what they learned, but the confidence, communication skills, and critical thinking they’ve developed along the way. One of the most memorable moments of the evening was seeing each participant receive their official lab coat and certificate—a meaningful symbol of their dedication, growth, and belief in their own potential. Programs like this directly support the four pillars of impact at Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County: • Academic Success – Strengthening STEM skills, problem-solving, and curiosity-driven learning • Character & Leadership – Building confidence, perseverance, and pride through achievement • Health & Well-Being – Creating positive, supportive environments where youth feel encouraged and celebrated • Life & Workforce Readiness – Exposing young people to STEM pathways and future career possibilities We extend our heartfelt thanks to our generous supporters Wayne and Lucretia Weiner, whose investment makes opportunities like this possible. Their commitment helps ensure our youth have access to experiences that inspire learning, growth, and future success. We also want to thank our incredible staff at both BGCBC and MODS for their commitment and all our community partners as well. Learn More
Club Highlights – January 2026
Club Highlights 29th Annual Dunn’s Run has Record Breaking Attendance! Early in the morning on Sunday, January 11th, 2026, Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County held its 29th Annual Publix Supermarket Charities Dunn’s Run, presented by JM Family Enterprises. The City of Deerfield Beach was generous enough to share their beach, various parking lots, and roadways to bring in over 1,200 participants and families. This year we had a record number of vendors that added to the excitement of this family-friendly event! Our organization couldn’t have done this without our FANTASTIC committee, staff, sponsors, volunteers, and vendors! Big thanks to our J.R. Dunn Jewelers, Dunn’s Run Event Founder and Tony Van Ness, Dunn’s Run Event Chair. Check out the event photos by Downtown Photo here 2026 Youth of the Year Candidates We are incredibly proud of our Youth of the Year candidates, young people who boldly shared their stories, their leadership, and their belief in our Clubs and our mission. Each one of them represents the very best of Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County, and we celebrate every Youth of the Year who stepped forward with courage and heart. We are proud to move forward with a Final Four, who will take the stage and speak at our Today’s Youth, Tomorrow’s Leaders Gala on January 31st. Our Youth of the Year Finalists are: Keirah – Fred DeLuca Teen Center Jakeclaude – Leo Goodwin Foundation Teen Center Ben – Carver Ranches Club Isabelen – The Harry T. Mangurian Jr. Foundation Teen Center We would also like to express our gratitude and thanks to our incredible panel of judges who provided positive feedback and encouragement for our Youth of the Years! If you are interested in joining us at our gala Saturday, January 31st, 2026: Click here to purchase tickets Panda Cares We would like to acknowledge Panda Cares’ ongoing commitment, including providing nutritious meals that help fuel our Club members so they can stay focused, healthy, and ready to learn. Panda Cares & Boys & Girls Clubs of America work together to ensure all youth have access to quality learning experiences. Since 2020, Panda Cares has contributed more than $62 million to strengthen academic programs, support Project Learn, open Panda Cares Centers of Hope, and provide scholarships impacting over 1 million youth nationwide. Thank you, Panda Cares, for helping us empower the next generation and invest in brighter futures. Empower the Next Generation Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) Parent Showcase Our Club members who are a part of our incredible program at Museum of Discovery and Science —a hands-on, immersive journey that sparks creativity and inspires futures in STEM, recently had a parent night showcase! From experimenting and problem-solving to building and exploring real-world concepts, our Club members shared their projects with their families and proudly received their official lab coats and certificates. This was a powerful moment celebrating their hard work, confidence, and growth. A heartfelt thank you to our generous supporters Wayne and Lucretia Weiner whose investment makes opportunities like this possible for our youth. Because when young people are given access, encouragement, and belief, their potential is limitless. Find Out More Miami Herald’s Wish Book Campaign This holiday season, we are eternally grateful for the Miami Herald’s Wish Book Campaign. Thank you for sponsoring three of our incredible families with generous contributions—spreading holiday joy & magic where it mattered most! Because of community partners like you, Willie H. (and family) of Gary Wendt Teen Center, Christian W. (and family) of Florence A. De George Club and Mauricio C. (and family) of Rita & Rick Case Club got to enjoy the holiday with less stress and financial burden.————————————————————-About the Miami Herald Wish Book CampaignFor 125 years, the Miami Herald has helped the community during the holiday season through our Wish Book campaign aimed at assisting South Floridians who need it the most. The needs this year are just as acute as they were in 1982, when we launched the first campaign. Wish Book was created in the belief that if people in our community can understand the struggles others are facing, they’ll rise to the occasion. Time and again, Miami has done just that.————————————————————- This holiday season, we are eternally grateful for the Miami Herald’s Wish Book Campaign. Thank you for sponsoring three of our incredible families with generous contributions—spreading holiday joy & magic where it mattered most! Because of community partners like you, Willie H. (and family) of Gary Wendt Teen Center, Christian W. (and family) of Florence A. De George Club and Mauricio C. (and family) of Rita & Rick Case Club got to enjoy the holiday with less stress and financial burden.—————————-About the Miami Herald Wish Book CampaignFor 125 years, the Miami Herald has helped the community during the holiday season through our Wish Book campaign aimed at assisting South Floridians who need it the most. The needs this year are just as acute as they were in 1982, when we launched the first campaign. Wish Book was created in the belief that if people in our community can understand the struggles others are facing, they’ll rise to the occasion. Time and again, Miami has done just that.—————————– Join Our Mission Marty Kiar Toy Drive: Rita & Rick Case Club Toy Drive magic at our Rita & Rick Case Boys & Girls Club and The Harry T. Mangurian Jr. Foundation Teen Center! Huge thanks to Marty Kiar and his incredible team for spreading holiday cheer, joy and providing incredible toys for our youth. And a special shoutout to Topping Kessler, Certified Public Accountants, for bringing the fun with festive stations and games that kept the smiles going all day long. We appreciate you all so much for bringing the holiday spirit to life at the Club. Because of you, this special season was even brighter for our Club ‘kids’! Watch the Fun Here Fifth Third Bank Financial E-bus Visit Our Club members over at our Rita & Rick Case Club & The Harry T.
Club Highlights – December 2025
Club Highlights 2026 Youth of the Year Candidates Meet our 12 exceptional 2026 Youth of the Year candidates who are shining examples of what’s possible when opportunity meets determination. We’re so proud of their achievements and can’t wait to see where their journeys lead! Join our celebration – Today’s Youth, Tomorrow’s Leaders Saturday January 31st, 2026 6:00PM – 10:00PM The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 Purchase Tickets Here JetBlue: Vibrant Art Room Makeover at Nan Knox Club Thank you JetBlue for bringing new color and energy into our Nan Knox Club / Linda & Douglas Von Allmen Campus Art Room. Our Club members are ready to dream bigger and create even more! Watch the Video World Emblem Toy Drive & Super Car Show: Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County We are so grateful to the incredible sponsors, donors, volunteers and those who showed up to make waves with us during the 5th Annual Toy Drive & Super Car Show! Their support/sponsorship brought so much joy and meaningful impact to our Club members this holiday season. We couldn’t do the work we do without community champions like you. Thank you so much for making and difference for our youth in our community and beyond. Looking forward to continuing shaping great futures together! Huge shoutout to:JC Carr for leading the initiative alongside Ariella Ciuraru and a group of amazing volunteers.– Whips Miami.– World Emblem™ – CITY Furniture– Hero’s Pride– 1 of 1 MotorSports– NEXA– NX3 Commercial Group Because of your support, we were fortunate enough to raise $100K for our youth! Read More Here Click Here to Check out the Fun Reading with REED 83, Literacy Program A huge thank you to Andre Reed, NFL Hall of Famer | BGCA Hall of Famer and The Andre Reed Foundation for providing our Carver Ranches computer lab with a major upgrade through their “Read with REED 83” literacy program! The space now features a new mega smart TV, fresh educational books, futons, and updated furniture. Thank you also to Alexander Mattison, RB of the Miami Dolphins along with influencers Brodie the Golden Doodle, Aria Johnson, and Kickball Dad, whose combined following exceeds 19 million. They were eager to use their social media presence to amplify the importance of reading to our Club members and the masses. Thank you Cellev8 Nutrition Inc. for being a part of this amazing event as well. Our Club members, staff and community are grateful for this new computer lab refresh. To see how you can get involved with us email Nicole Chaplin, Senior Director of Marketing, Communications & Community Engagement at nchaplin@bgcbc.org. Murphy Cause Campaign Murphy’s is proud to support BGCBC as part of Murphy USA’s national BGCA “Great Futures Fueled Here” campaign. “Giving back is part of our broader mission and commitment as an organization to our team members, customers, and communities,” said Andrew Clyde, President and CEO of Murphy USA. “That’s why we are proud to be a national partner of Boys & Girls Clubs of America…encouraging customers to round-up their purchases to provide youth with the essential tools for a successful future.” We want to give a huge thank you to Murphy’s for helping make our mission possible. Read More Here Learn how your company can get involved with us by contacting: Cameron Warrick, Director of Development & Corporate Relations at cwarrick@bgcbc.org BGCBC Thanksgiving Core memories made this Thanksgiving! We got to experience savory Thanksgiving feasts at many of our Clubs this year- thanks to our incredible sponsors. Big shoutout to Miami Dolphins all-stars Bradley Chubb, Zach Sieler, Kenneth Grant, the HCA Healthcare team, JM Family, Ed Morse and an anonymous donor for the delicious Thanksgiving meals across all our Clubs. We’re so thankful for supporters like you who show our Club members what this season is all about. Moments like these make all the difference. The Facts. Your Future. Community Event Recently we hosted a powerful “The Facts. Your Future.” Community Outreach Event at our Nan Knox Club. The event brought together teens, community partners, and health professionals to discuss the real impacts of drug use and misuse and to empower young people with the tools to make safe, healthy choices. A special thank you to our exceptional moderator and Board Member, Clifford Moore, and our panelists: Retired Colonel Josefa, Zakirah Archbald, and our Leo Goodwin Foundation Teen Center Member – Nahashon H. for sharing their view points. We also appreciate the support of Fort Lauderdale Police Department, 211, Smith Community Mental Health, Broward County Family Success Administration Division, and our BGCBC departments. The evening was filled with education, fun, food, giveaways, and important conversations. Together, we are shaping brighter futures for our teens! Learn More About This Program Here Jim & Jan Moran Club – Tree Lighting Experience The holiday season we had a tree-lighting event at our Jim & Jan Moran Club. The tree lighting gave our Club members fun, shared experiences, and a moment to enjoy the season together. It’s a great time to remember the strength of our community and the joy that traditions like this bring to everyone. If you’d like to support more holiday memories and help local families in need, please consider getting involved via the Adopt A Family program. Get Involved Panda Cares Supports Our Club Members Through Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Panda Restaurant Group and Panda Cares help our Clubs ensure youth have the nutrition and support they need to learn and grow. Since 2020, Panda Cares has invested over $62 million nationwide to strengthen academic programs, enhance Project Learn, and open Panda Cares Centers of Hope which provide scholarships. Thank you, Panda Cares, for your incredible commitment to our youth. Learn More Round Up with Walmart Support BGCBC! Round up to the nearest dollar at checkout next time you shop at Walmart! Click Here To Join The Cause December Work Anniversaries Please join us to congratulate our Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County WorkAnniversaries! These individuals have shown dedication, disposition, andpassion in all they
Empowering Teens Through Truth: The Facts. Your Future. Community Outreach Event
Empowering Teens Through Truth: The Facts. Your Future. Community Outreach Event On Thursday, November 6, 2025, the Nan Knox Boys & Girls Club hosted a meaningful and energizing The Facts. Your Future. (TFYF) Community Outreach Event designed to educate, empower, and inspire teens to make informed decisions that support their long-term success. The Facts. Your Future. is a curriculum-based program that gives teens the tools they need to safeguard their health, avoid substance misuse, and reduce risky behaviors. Community engagement is central to this mission, and this event brought together youth, families, community partners, and health professionals for an evening of honest conversations and connection. A Night of Dialogue and Insight The event featured an engaging panel discussion moderated by Clifford Moore Jr., Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County Board Member. Panelists included: •Retired Colonel Josefa Benjamin, Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) •Zakirah Archbald, BGCBC Life & Resiliency Skills Coordinator and Marriage & Family Therapy Student Intern •Nahashon H., member of our Leo Goodwin Foundation Teen Center Together, they explored how the misuse of drugs can derail future goals and addressed some of the mostcommon misconceptions teens encounter. The panel sparked thoughtful dialogue, with teens andcommunity members actively participating. Community Support in Action The event wouldn’t have been complete without the presence and partnership of various community organizations:Fort Lauderdale Police Department, 211, Smith Community Mental Health, Broward County Family Success Administration Division, the BGCBC Teen Department, BGCBC Life & Resiliency Department, and the BGCBC TFYF Outreach team all played an important role in supporting the evening. Food, Fun, and Learning Guests enjoyed a combination of education, giveaways, food, and interactive activities that made the night both fun and meaningful. Every moment reinforced the message at the heart of the program: Teens deserve the knowledge and support to make choices that protect and elevate their futures. Looking Ahead As we continue expanding The Facts. Your Future. Initiative, our goal remains the same to empower youth to thrive, make safe choices, and confidently walk toward the bright futures they deserve. Learn More
