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 – 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.
