2018 YOUTH OF THE YEAR WINNER ANNOUNCED!
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County is proud to announce that Eric Lockwood from the Nan Knox Unit is the 2018 Youth of the Year! Eric is a Senior at Dillard High School. He is planning to attend Florida A&M University to study business and entrepreneurship. We are proud of all of the Youth who competed for the title including Tais Romero (Marti Huizenga Unit) who placed second and Tyler Bailey (Jim & Jan Moran Unit) who placed third. The Youth of the Year is the highest honor that a Member can achieve. Each Boys & Girls Club names one teen Member the Club’s Youth of the Year and one Member the Alternate Youth of the Year. Each Youth of the Year then competes to become the Youth representative for Broward County. BGCBC prepares each youth by providing three full-day Dale Carnegie workshops to improve their public speaking and interpersonal communication skills. Each YOY also completes a packet that includes three essays: (1) Club Experience (2) Personal Brand (3) Vision for America’s Youth. The Youth also submit three letters of recommendation highlighting their leadership, academic achievements and healthy lifestyles. The judging event was held on Monday, February 19. The judges were Brian Quail, President/CEO of BGCBC; Michael Rodriguez, Vice President of New Projects for JAE Restaurant Group; Deborah Wendt, founder of Stress Less Yoga, LLC; Roderick Hagan, owner/operator of McHaig, Inc; and Dr. Marie DeSanctis, President of Broward College, Central Campus. Each Youth shared a 2 – 3 minute speech in front of the judges. The judges asked questions based on the Member’s speech and essays. At the end of the judging period the top three winners were awarded with certificates and gift cards. The Youth of the Year Members will now travel to Sarasota, FL from April 12 – April 14 to attend the State YOY competition. The State YOY competition is an opportunity for the YOY Members to participate in fun activities and cheer on Eric as he competes to become the State of Florida’s Youth of the Year! BGCBC would like to thank the judges who worked tirelessly to evaluate each young person and hear their inspiring and empowering stories! We also would like to thank each youth for giving their time to participate in the screenings as well as share their life experiences and how BGCBC has positively impacted their lives.
ADOPT-A-FAMILY BRINGS JOY TO OVER 290 BGCBC MEMBERS
The Boys & Girls Club of Broward County goes above and beyond providing afterschool and summer programming to children in the community and is always willing to help our members during their time of need, especially during the holidays. This year, thanks to our hardworking staff, volunteers and donors, the Adopt-A-Family Program identified Club families that needed extra Holiday cheer and gifted them with presents for each child. The program brought smiles to 297 children, who otherwise may not have had presents under the Christmas tree, with a variety of gifts ranging from clothes, books, electronics and sporting gear. Thank you to all of our gracious donors, both individuals and companies that generously support the Adopt-A-Family Program. We appreciate everything you do!
6TH ANNUAL CHANNING CROWDER TOY DRIVE
On December 19, 2017, the on-air crew from WQAM, including former Captain of the Miami Dolphins, Channing Crowder, broadcast live from the lobby of the Lester H. White Boys & Girls Club in Ft. Lauderdale. During the on-air sports/social chat show Crowder, along with his co-hosts, encouraged listeners to drop off toys that would put smiles on the faces of kids in Broward County who otherwise might not get presents. Throughout the afternoon and evening, Channing and the WQAM team welcomed parents picking up their children; helping over 250 children pick out a special toy off the table before they went home. Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County thanks the Crowders, WQAM, and all of the corporations and individuals who made generous donations of gifts and toys for our members and made this event successful.
THE 19TH ANNUAL ALLIGATOR ALLEY HARLEY-DAVIDSON BIKERS BASH
The 19th Annual Alligator Alley Harley-Davidson Bikers Bash was held December 7-10, 2017 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. A special thank you to our Honorary Chair Christopher Osceola, The Seminole Tribe of Florida, The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, our “Leaders of the Pack” and our Title Sponsor, Alligator Alley Harley-Davidson for their generous support of the event. Additional thanks go to our many sponsors: Team National, JM Family Enterprises, The Rick Case Automotive Group, Exclusive Beauty Supplies, BaByliss Pro, Rusk, C Davis Electric, Two Georges at the Cove, Florida Powerboat Club, Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Destination and so many more. The Bikers Bash event started on Thursday, December 7, 2017 with a kick off registration gathering at Alligator Alley Harley-Davidson. Friday included a police escorted day ride to Two George’s at The Cove followed by the Bikers Bash VIP event. Guests enjoyed a gourmet dinner and a special performance by Soulicide while they bid on silent and live auction items including vacation packages, autographed memorabilia, and a special motorcycle custom-built by the members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County Bikers Bash Junior League with the assistance of V-Twin City and Indian Motorcycle. Also auctioned off was a custom built 2005 Bagless Road King by the technicians at Alligator Alley Harley-Davidson. Saturday included a police escorted day ride to the Rick & Rita Case Boys & Girls Club in Davie for a very special tour of the facility where the leadership of Team National distributed brand new toys for the Holidays for the Boys & Girls Club members. The festivities concluded on Sunday, December 10th with the 30th Annual SFPC Christmas Toys in the Sun Run parade. Bikers Bash participants led the world’s largest police-escorted motorcycle parade from I-95 to I-595, concluding in Markham Park where the riders enjoyed a VIP catered tent, live entertainment, bike show and more.
113 TEENS INDUCTED INTO KEYSTONE CLUBS
Keystone is a leadership Club for members’ ages 14-18 that promotes character and leadership qualities among Club teens. Club activities are designed to promote awareness and impact in the areas of Academic Success, Career Preparation, Community Service, and Teen Outreach, which are the four focus areas of Keystone Clubs. The cultivation of good character and effective leadership supports the development of productive, responsible and caring citizens. It also fosters lifelong civic engagement, high school graduation and broader employment opportunities for our nation’s teens. On November 3, 2017 the Nan Knox Boys & Girls Club hosted the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County 2017 Keystone Installation. Teens from our eleven Clubs joined together and pledged to undertake their new responsibilities as officers as they were sworn in just as any honorable judge or even the President of the United States of America would be. This year we had two of our Club Alumni and former BGCBC Youth of Year, Ezekiel Shaw of the Lester H. White Unit and Mychaela Ojeda of the Dr. Harold Reitman Unit host the ceremony along with our motivational Keynote speaker Michael Rodriguez, VP of New Projects & JAE Restaurant Group, LLC and a current BGCBC Corporate Board Member. Michael delivered a very powerful and authentic speech that focused on Accountability, Commitment, and Teamwork which are all aspects that a TEAM possesses. In addition to our Keynote speaker we were equally excited to have another Club Alumni Mr. Alton Clayton of the Levine/Slaughter Unit. Alton served as the installer for the Keystone Advisors and Keystone members along with Ezekiel Shaw who installed the Presidents, Vice Presidents, and Secretaries with Mychaela Ojeda installing the Treasurers, the Sergeants-At-Arms, and the Historians. The event was a huge SUCCESS and the Keystoners had a FABULOUS time socializing and dancing after the ceremony was complete. BGCBC Teen Keystone Installation 2017
ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER HONORS BOARD MEMBERS AND STAFF
BGCBC was very grateful for many things this Thanksgiving. We are especially grateful for our employees and volunteers who have helped make our organization what it is today. On Thursday, November 16, BGCBC celebrated and recognized 375 years of service among our employees and volunteers at our Annual Awards Dinner. Several of our part time and full staff who reached specific year awards are also club alumni. In particular, Markes Thomas, celebrated 30 years of working for the BGCBC. He grew up attending the Nan Knox club and currently serves as the Director. Volunteers and board members, Claudette Bonville and Albert Miniaci celebrated 20 years of giving their time and support to our organization and we couldn’t be more appreciative. Along with honoring our board and staff, the Annual Awards Dinner is also when the traditional “passing of the gavel” happens for the Board of Directors. Paul Lopez was recognized for his service the past year as our Chairman of the Board and the ceremonial gravel was passed to Wayne Gilmore, who will be Chairman of the Board for the New Year. “We thank Paul for his wonderful leadership and look forward to Wayne’s vision as we work together to move our mission forward” said Brian Quail, President/CEO. Staff 5 Year Award: Kimberly Capre, D’Vetria Cunningham, Brittany Davis, Judith Fletcher, Kay Greene, Roberta Murphy, Kimberly Richardson, Lamarr Veal, Christopher Williams Staff 10 Year Award: Mark David Clifford, Edson Copeland, Tiffany Richardson, Jameel Smith, Toushika Sweeting, Janice Taylor, Marsha Williams Staff 15 Year Award: Derrick Brown, L’erin Cooper Staff 20 Year Award: Lagene Pascoe, Leonca Woods Staff 25 Year Award: Henry Estrada, Brenda Fulmore, Ron Lewis Staff 30 Year Award: Markes Thomas Corporate Board 5 Year Awards: Christy Hierholzer, Paul Lopez, Ronnie Oller, Vince Palazzolo, Andrew Wurtele Corporate Board 10 Year Award: Joseph Bamond, James Robertson Corporate Board 20 Year Award: Claudette Bonville, Albert Miniaci Congratulations to all honorees and thank you for your continued service to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County!
15TH ANNUAL CADDYSHACK REVISITED GOLF TOURNAMENT
The 15th Annual Caddyshack Revisited Golf Tournament, founded by Rita Case and co-chaired by Chris White and Vice Mayor Susan Starkey, took place on Monday, October 9th (a Columbus Day Tradition) at the exclusive Grande Oaks Golf Club in the Town of Davie. Thirty-two foursomes took to the greens at 9am on a beautiful morning for the shotgun scramble to raise funds for the Rick & Rita Case and Florence A. DeGeorge Clubs in Davie. This year’s tournament included the “Million Dollar Hole in One Shot” and a “Golf Ball Bazooka Launcher.” Guests enjoyed a continental breakfast, putting contest, old fashioned BBQ, awards, and silent and live auctions. Thanks to our generous sponsors, our 15th Annual Caddyshack Revisited Golf Tournament was able to raise over $75,000 for the Davie Boys & Girls Clubs.
21ST ANNUAL DUNN’S RUN
This year’s 21st Annual Dunn’s Run 5 Mile Run/ 5K Run & Walk, benefiting the Jim & Jan Moran Boys & Girls Clubs, was held on Sunday October 1, 2017. The fun filled event attracted over 1,500 participants from families, companies and competitive runners alike. “J.R. Dunn Jewelers is proud to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County, along with local business, individual walkers and runners, who have helped raise over $2.1 million in its 21 years of existence” said Jim Dunn, owner of J.R. Dunn Jewelers and Founder of the Dunn’s Run. All participants received a Dunn’s Run T-shirt and goodie bag. This year, for the first time in Dunn’s Run history, all participants also received a finisher medal as a token of BGCBC’s appreciation. A DJ rocked out the crowd and motivated the participants as they crossed the finish line. Breakfast from Panera and Lucky’s Market was provided for all runners and guests! Awards were given in the 5 mile & 5K run to the top Male & Female overall, Masters Male & Female overall and Three Deep in Age Groups. Thank you to everyone who joined us and we look forward to seeing everyone next year to celebrate our 22nd Annual Dunn’s Run!
25TH ANNUAL HOLLYWOOD STARS HONORS THE LATE MARTI HUIZENGA
The 25th Annual “Hollywood Welcomes the Stars” benefiting the Marti Huizenga Boys & Girls Club in Hollywood, was held on Thursday, October 12, 2017 at the Diplomat Beach Resort. This year we had a special tribute honoring Philanthropist Marti Huizenga, “A Champion For Our Youth.” Marti, who attended almost every Hollywood Welcomes the Stars event with Wayne, was always ever so gracious in supporting this event to ensure its success. This year’s star-studded event featured red carpet arrivals from Actor and Comedian, Michael Winslow, NFL Hall of Famer, Dwight Stephenson, MLB Hall of Famer, Andre Dawson, Star of “Below Deck,” Captain Lee Rosbach, 1997 Marlins World Series Champion Catcher, Charles Johnson and many more! The night also included cocktails, a lavish buffet, live and silent auctions, and the exclusive opportunity to meet and mingle with the “who’s who” of Broward County. There was also a special presentation of the Caryl Boies Keystone Leadership award to two BGCBC members. With the support of our committed Advisory Council members, the event was able to raise $127,000! Over 1,400 at-risk children belong to the Marti Huizenga Boys & Girls Club. The well-trained and committed staff leads a wide range of programs in the areas of Academic Success, Good Character & Citizenship, and Healthy Lifestyles. The Club is a safe and positive place for children ages 6-18 years of age.
2017 CAREER LAUNCH – A DAY AT BROWARD COLLEGE
The 2017 Career Launch – A Day at Broward College, hosted by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County, exposed over 270 teen Club Members to the educational opportunities at Broward College – North Campus. During the event, teen Club Members were greeted by Dr. Avis Proctor, the President of Broward College – North Campus. Dr. Proctor told the Club Members about the importance of education in general and the benefits of attending Broward College in particular. Di Maharaj, the Chief of Club Operations addressed the Club Member to encourage them to take advantage of the activities and workshops during the day so that they can leave more knowledgeable about their educational opportunities after high school. Representatives from Broward College then informed the Club Members about the registration and admission process at Broward College. The Club Members were then dismissed to attend their breakout sessions. Breakout sessions are interactive workshops that focus on different majors offered at Broward College – North Campus. Breakout sessions included: (1.) Health Sciences; (2.) Education; (3.) Business; (4.) Arts, Humanities, Communication & Design; (4.) Social Behavioral Sciences & Human Services; (5.) Public Safety; (5.) Industry, Manufacturing Construction & Transportation; (6.) STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) workshops. BGCBC thanks the staff at Broward College – North Campus for their support leading the general sessions and the workshops. BGCBC is proud that Broward College has partnered with BGCBC yet again to be an educational partner demonstrating their investment in our young people as they strive to achieve their academic and career goals!
