2018 NATIONAL KEYSTONE CONFERENCE
On Friday, June 22, 2018 early in the morning the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County Keystone Clubs loaded the Boss Transit Charter bus heading to Atlanta, Georgia for the 51st Annual National Keystone Conference. Keystone Club is a unique leadership development experience that provides teen Club members, ages 14-18, with opportunities to enhance their academic success while preparing for their future careers and improving their communities through service projects. This is the first Keystone Conference in its 51 year history to be held on a university campus. This was also the first time many of our participating teens had ever been on a campus. You could feel their excitement to be surrounded by what could one day be their next step in their journey to success. This year’s conferences with 2,200 in attendance. Presented by Aaron’s, Inc., the event united thousands of teens from diverse communities throughout the globe to connect, engage and explore relevant social issues that teens face each day, such as stereotypes, race and equality, through the conference’s theme “What’s the Move? Ignite Change.” Aaron’s partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s (BGCA) Keystone Program inspires teens to “Own It” by taking ownership of their choices to build the lives they deserve. The Aaron’s and Keystone Club “Own Your Future” campaign supports three principles: Our Keystone Club members participated in various breakout sessions throughout the three-day event to build leadership skills, increase their awareness and appreciation of diversity and to establish positive relationships with their peers from around the world. Teens also gathered each day to listen to inspiring stories from keynote speakers such as Olympian John Carlos, BGCA Alumnus and multifaceted celebrity Nick Cannon and singer-songwriter Keri Hilson. Some of the highlights of the conference arose when our Keystone Clubs attended the GOLD Social which is one of the prestigious levels of Keystone, being selected as guests in the VIP seating section along with our very own Mary Jane Pacheco of the Dr. Harold Reitman Unit who won an Apple IPad Mini and a Pop-A-Shot. In addition, the Nan Knox Panthers received 3rd Place for their Career Preparation Project and was awarded $500.00 for their hard work and dedication. The Keystoners capped off the National Conference by attending Six Flags Over Georgia alongside other Keystone members and Advisors.
8TH ANNUAL CAREER DAY
The 8th Annual Career Day took place on Thursday, March 29, 2018, at American Heritage School. Fourteen companies and institutions led presentations with over 200 teen Club Members. Presentations included music therapy, real estate, internet marketing, IT, aviation careers, and more! Broward County Public Schools led a special presentation about Naviance – the online program that helps teens prepare for life after high school. The program includes career research applications and resume builders that help Members prepare for different careers and schools. We sincerely appreciate all of the companies that participated including: JetBlueU.S. ArmyHotwire CommunicationsConnections for BusinessPaton Internet MarketingBroward County SchoolsBroward CollegeJM EnterprisesTeam NationalJiffy LubeCity CollegeNova Southeastern UniversityRotella Real EstateFace the Music Foundation Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County had the honor of enjoying Aphrodite Jones as the keynote speaker. Aphrodite Jones is a best-selling true crime author and journalist. Over the past two decades, Jones has written a string of best-selling true crime books and has provided TV commentary and expert insights into the psychological profiles of both criminals and victims. We also thank Debi Davis and Dr. Doug Laurie, Vice President of American Heritage School, for their hard work in making the 8th Annual Career Day a success!
8TH ANNUAL BOWLING FOR KIDS EVENT RAISES OVER $10,000!
The 8th Annual Bowling for Kids event was held on Sunday, May 6th at SpareZ in Davie. Organized by the Hollywood Advisory Council, the event raised over $10,000 for the Marti Huizenga Boys & Girls Club. Nearly 60 supporters and 30 members of the Marti Huizenga Unit were able to enjoy an afternoon of bowling that also included a Chinese raffle, pizza and awards!
THE 5TH ANNUAL CHANNING CROWDER FOOTBALL CAMP
On a cloudy Saturday morning in Fort Lauderdale 65 members showed up for the 5th Annual Channing Crowder Football Clinic at the Lester H. White club, but they got much more. Channing Crowder is a retired NFL player, family man and radio personality. He invited a few of his NFL friends, also club alumni, to spend quality time with members. They ran football skill drills and had a fun game of flag football. Kenyan Drake (Starting Running Back for the Dolphins), Kendall Langford (Free agent), David Bowens (retired Dolphin) and Terry Kirby (retired Dolphin) encouraged participants to do their best and demonstrate sportsmanship. Channing told the members he loved them at least 5 times. When asked why they were there, the members, who included girls and boys from 7 to 16, in unison responded “because you care for us”! The message was clear. Channing and friends autographed t-shirts, casts and whatever could be signed. Each member received a t-shirt and gift bag as well as breakfast and lunch and a full heart. Some even received special awards for character, teamwork and persistence. Although it didn’t rain and the sun never shined, the smiles on the kids’ faces were so bright, you couldn’t tell. Channing left the building barefoot – he continued his tradition of signing his shoes and giving them away. Thank you Channing and friends for caring.
51ST ANNUAL FLORIDA PANTHERS DINNER AUCTION PRESENTED BY PROSCAPES
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County hosted the 51st Annual Florida Panthers Dinner Auction Presented by ProScapes on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at the Signature Grand. Over 500 attended Broward’s longest running charitable event, chaired by Marc Infante and Jim Robertson. Guests enjoyed live entertainment by Changing Lanes, a check presentation from the prestigious General’s Club for $251,000 and live & silent auctions. The evening’s festivities also included the Hall of Fame Induction of BGCBC supporters: Susan Burkhardsmeier and Cathy Donnelly (Individual Category), JM Family Enterprises, Inc. (Business Category) and the Broward Sheriff’s Office (Partnership Category). BGCBC is thankful for the support of these outstanding inductees!
2018 BGCBC CHEERLEADING COMPETITION
What a great way to spend a day of spring break!!! The 2018 Cheerleading Competition held at the Rick Case Arena in Davie, Florida was filled with fun and excitement! Competitors not only demonstrated amazing athleticism but represented the spirit of Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County by demonstrating good sportsmanship and solid teamwork. Over 230 Cheerleaders were well-practiced, dressed in their club’s cheerleading uniforms ready to perform for over 300 parents and family in attendance, who cheered their team on as they performed a 3-minute routine. Each participant showed mastery and skill. Judges carefully observed each routine, and although it was difficult, they finally decided the winners. Congratulations to all cheerleaders! Thank you to Rick Case Automotive Group and Nova Southeastern University for sponsoring and hosting the event this year! Division 11st Place: Huizenga Unit 2nd Place: Lester H. White Unit 3rd Place: Stephanis Unit Division 21st Place: Lester H. White Unit2nd Place: Stephanis Unit3rd Place: Huizenga Unit Spirit Award: Rick & Rita Case Unit
11TH ANNUAL BGCBC GENERALS CONSTRUCTION CAREER DAY
The Generals Construction Career Day (GCCD) took place on Saturday, April 14, 2018, at the Marti Huizenga Boys & Girls Club. The Castle Group was the title sponsor and official event host! The 2018 GCCD event was the biggest event yet! Twenty construction companies led hands-on activities with over 230 teen Club Members in attendance. Activities included crane operation, masonry/forming, carpentry, air conditioning steel construction, electrical, and more! Club Members invested in their Club by helping American Windows and Epsylon Aluminum & Engineering install windows in the patio area that the Club uses as a cafeteria. Young adults also helped Coastal Construction tradespeople renovate the Art Room Bathrooms. Broward County Public Schools led a special presentation about Naviance – the online program that helps teens prepare for life after high school. The program includes career research applications that help Members research different construction careers and trades including job responsibilities and salaries. We sincerely appreciate all of the construction companies that participated including: Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County got a surprise visit from Sheriff Scott Israel who motivated and encouraged our young people to stay focused on their dreams reminded them they can do anything they set their minds to! Donnell Bennet, former NFL Champion, and Thomas D. Stephanis Club Alumni visited to discuss the importance of networking and staying motivated to meet goals. We also thank Jim Robertson, Generals Club Chair, and GCCD Co-Chairs, John Mills, Bob Case & Debi Davis-Case for their hard work in making the GCCD a success! A special “Thank You” to our Generals Founders: Bob Case, Tom Miller and the late Terry Stiles. Their vision, foresight and commitment has forged a path four our young adults to careers in the trade industry.
32ND ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC AT JACARANDA
On Friday, April 13th, the 32nd Annual Golf Classic, founded by Gary* & Bill Rotella, is one of the longest standing events for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County. This year’s event, Co- chaired by Chris Rotella and Joe LaRocca, Jr. and a fantastic new committee saw 44 foursomes gather at a new location, Jacaranda Golf Club. Over $100,000 was raised for our BGCBC members!! All golfers and volunteers were treated to an “old-fashioned “BBQ before heading out on the course. Once on the course, Hooters provided wings for the golfers. This year, golfers were able to purchase a package that included three games that would offer an advantage towards the foursome’s final score. Participating golfers could wear a colorful tutu to shoot from the ladies tee, the bazooka cannon tee shot and the 150 marker for your first shot. These games definitely provided some levity on the course and raised additional funds for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County. Immediately after the round, golfers enjoyed a delicious buffet and bid on some incredible silent and live auction items including a VIP sports package, yacht charter and much more! Congratulations to both first place winning teams. On the west, Joe Diachiacchio, Paul Alford, Scott Ireland and Ian Jackson had the lowest score. The East course winners were Daniel Hotte, Jeff Walker, AJ Belt and Jack Melnicof. A special thank you to sponsors Deerpath Capital Management, Leo Goodwin Foundation, Big Heart Children Foundation, Inc., Blue Team Restoration, Beacon Group, Bettoli Vending, Ed Morse Automotive Group, Hotte Family, Lincoln Financial Group, Yellow Cab, The McDonald Family Foundation, Guardian Life Insurance Company, Eastern Waste, LaRocca & Associates along with many hole sign sponsors. Special Thank You to Best Buy who brought out over 40 volunteers for to ensure the success of this year’s Golf Classic.
THE 12TH ANNUAL BOCA RATON CONCOURS D’ ELEGANCE PRESENTED BY MERCEDES-BENZ AND AUTONATION
The 12th annual Boca Raton Concours d’Elegance presented by Mercedes-Benz and AutoNation has raised over $10 million todate for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County. Hosted for the 12th consecutive year at the Boca Raton Resort & Club, the event took place from February 23-25 and included highlights with Jay Leno & Tim Allen which attracted more than 7,000 attendees for an amazing weekend of philanthropy, comedy and a stellar automobile and motorcycle displays. Founded and directed by Rita & Rick Case of The Rick Case Automotive Group, their annual leadership and hands-on involvement over the last 12 years to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County and the more than 12,500 at-risk youth it serves. “The entire Concours team is comprised of a group of over 300 volunteers who donate their time to the planning and execution of the event,” says Brian Quail, President/CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County. Kicking off the weekend of events on Friday, February 23rd with the duPont Registry™ Live Hangar Party at Atlantic Aviation at the Boca Raton Airport, guests experienced gourmet tastings from 20 of South Florida’s finest restaurants. As guests indulged in an array of fine wines and spirits as well as live entertainment, they perused an impressive selection of exotic and luxury cars, motorcycles, private jets, premier vendors and more. Attendees had a chance to meet Indy 500 Race Car driver, Jack Harvey and preview Harvey’s INDY 500 Race Car which is driven by AutoNation’s partnership. The excitement continued on Saturday, February 24th with the Grand Gala Dinner, Live Auction and Show featuring an unforgettable comedian headline performance by Tim Allen. Allen, an actor, comedian, author as well as an avid car collector starred in the long-running hit ABC series “Home Improvement” where he garnered a Golden Globe Award, an Emmy nomination, and was honored with the People’s Choice Award for “Favorite Male Performer in a Television Series” for eight years in a row. Allen’s film roles include portraying Buzz Lightyear in the “Toy Story” franchise and Scott Calvin/Santa Claus in “The Santa Clause” trilogy. Guests also enjoyed the presentation of the Automotive Lifetime Achievement Award to Norman Braman, Founder and owner of Braman Motorcars and National Lifetime Achievement Award to Bob Carter, Executive VP of Toyota North America. The memorable weekend continued with the Boca Raton Concours d’ Elegance on Sunday, February 25th, sponsored by the Rick Case Automotive Group. The morning started with a private Q&A brunch hosted by Celebrity judges Jay Leno from the “Jay Leno’s Garage” TV Show and Tim Allen. Following the brunch, Jay Leno joined Tim Allen as they walked through the show field meeting automobile and motorcycle owners and event attendees as they searched for their favorite automobile and motorcycle to present the Jay Leno “Big Dog Garage Award” and the “Tim Allen Award”. Guests from around the world experienced an automotive showcase like no other, featuring vehicles and motorcycles from an array of time periods. Jay presented the “Big Dog Garage Award”. Auto enthusiasts viewed the Marques of the Year, Lincoln-Mercury and a very special presentation by the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA), “Cars throughout the Decades of the past Century”. Celebrity Judges, Jay Leno, Tim Allen joined an expert panel of judges including Chief Judge Dr. Paul Sable and Chief Honorary Judge Steve Moskowitz, Executive Director of AACA, Jay Quail, Executive Director of Classic Car Club of America and Keith Martin from Sports Car Market Magazine. Additionally, Grand Marshal, Wayne Carini, host of Chasing Classic Cars joined the group for another stellar year along with Master of Ceremonies Bill Rothermel and Tom duPont, who selected the finest vintage, antique, classic and exotic vehicles based on period, presentation and overall style. Also joined by guest judge, David Schultz, Chairman of the 2017 Lincoln Motor Car Foundation. Once the show kicked off, guests invited to walk through a series of vendor tents and enjoy a selection of gourmet food, wine and cocktails from more than 20 of South Florida’s finest restaurants at the Concours d’ Gourmet Pavilion. 2019 Save the date: 13th Annual Boca Raton Concours d’ Elegance on February 22-24, 2019. Jay Leno will be the Saturday Gala Dinner & Auction headline entertainer as well as the Sunday, Concours d’ Elegance official Celebrity Judge. To learn more about the annual Boca Raton Concours d’Elegance, please visit www.bocaCDE.com.
22ND ANNUAL DEX IMAGING RANCH ROAM PRESENTED BY THE FLORIDA PANTHERS
On Saturday, March 10, 2018, guests of the 22nd Annual DEX imaging Ranch Roam presented by the Florida Panthers Foundation, dressed in their best cowboy and cowgirls duds enjoyed a night of Old West excitement. The event, hosted by “Alligator” Ron Bergeron & Ali Waldman took place at Ron Bergeron’s Green Glades West Ranch and featured gourmet cuisine and interactive Western Activities, such as mechanical bull riding, an Old West Casino, line dancing, a Chili Chuck Wagon, country sounds of the Shadow Creek Band and a live & silent auction. Dessert for over 700 guests was prepared and served by members of The Culinary Program from the Leo Goodwin Foundation Teen Center! Highlighting the evening was an inspiring speech given by the 2018 Youth of the Year, Eric Lockwood. Our feature entertainment, Country Music Star Duo, Thompson Square, rounded up the evening with a crowd pleasing performance! This year’s 22nd Annual Ranch Roam was generously sponsored by “Alligator” Ron Bergeron and Ali Waldman & the Bergeron Family, DEX imaging, The Florida Panthers Foundation, Publix Charities, HJ Foundation, Ft. Lauderdale Mariners Club, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Merrimac Ventures, Events on the Loose, One with Life Tequila, The Special Events Group, H& E Equipment, Parties by Ronnie O, Potions in Motion, IPPOLITA, Calvin, Giordano & Associates One of the organization’s largest fundraisers, Ranch Roam has raised more than ten million dollars since its inception in 1996.
