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
Club Highlights – November 2025
Club Highlights Keystone Installation We are proud to celebrate all our Keystone Clubs for all officially chartering Basic this year! Over 130 Keystone Members and Advisors from across BGCBC came together for our Keystone Installation with incredible Club Spirit. Members and Advisors took an oath to the Keystone mission, and in honor of Bullying Prevention Month, our service project this year focused on unity as we committed to standing together to support one another and cancel bullying. The energy was unmatched, and every club showed true unity and KEYSTONE pride. Keystone Clubs provide leadership development opportunities for young people ages 14 to 18. Youth participate in activities in four focus areas: teen outreach, academic success, career preparation and community service. With the guidance of an adult advisor, #KeystoneClubs aim to have a positive impact on members, the Club and community. Learn about Our Programs Comedy For Kids Sold Out Event What a night filled with laughter and purpose! Thank you all for supporting our 2nd Annual “ComedyFor Kids” Sold Out Event. Together, we’re helping keep our Marti Huizenga Club (Hollywood,FL) strong, vibrant, and ready to serve even more youth in our community. A heartfelt thank you to Solomon Schoonover our incredible Emcee, for bringing so much fun and energy. We also want to recognize our amazing Board Members Marc Infante, Eric Schwartzreich and Michael Wild for stepping onto the stage with their own comedic sets, keeping everyone laughing and adding to the evening’s joy.Thank you to all our sponsors and attendees for believing in our mission. Their support helps our youth development organization continue to serve over 2,200 youth weekly. Read More Lauderhill Club Alumni Christopher Barnett Comes Back We had the honor of welcoming back, Christopher Barnett one of our former Club members, who returned to reconnect and reflect on the impact the Lauderhill Club had on his life growing up.What made this visit truly special was that he brought one of his daughters along Kennedy Barnett who is now proudly serving as a member of our Board of Directors. Watching them walk through the halls together, sharing stories and seeing how the Club continues to change lives across generations, was a beautiful reminder of why we do what we do every day.Seeing our mission come full circle through our alumni and their families inspires us to continue building Great Futures for generations to come. Get Involved Lights on Afterschool We had a celebration of our Lights on Afterschool, a STEM program, with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, City of Lauderhill, Museum of Discovery and Science and City of Sunrise. Through hands on projects, our Club members learn to think logically, creatively, and collaboratively, building the confidence to tackle complex challenges in and beyond the classroom. Become a Volunteer Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) Special Visit MODS was proud to welcome Wayne and Lucretia Weiner our generous supporters for a hands-on visit to learn about our “Fueling Great Futures Through Stem” program.During their time with the students, they observed a working dog training demonstration from the Fort Lauderdale Police, City of Fort Lauderdale and even joined in a collaborative problem-solving activity “Mystery at MODS”, where they helped the group track down our (fictional) missing sloth,Zazou.Their engagement went beyond observation; it was mentorship in action. We are grateful for theircontinued support and belief in experiential learning as a tool for empowerment. Learn More Successful Teen Job Fair at Gary Wendt Teen Center Our Gary Wendt Teen Center located in Sunrise, FL hosted a successful Teen Job Fair. Thank you TJ Maxx & HomeGoods, Publix Super Markets and Smoothie King for providing our teens a chance to explore job opportunities, receive résumé assistance, and contribute to our “Career Closet”, helping them to prepare professionally. We also had our Lauderhill Club and Leo Goodwin Foundation Teen Center participate. This job fair offered valuable resources and real-world connections for our Club members. Advancing Leadership. Advancing Impact. BGCBC was one of the organizations chosen to participate in Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Advance Leadership Program (ALP) in Dallas, TX. Our discussions centered on being an even stronger force for youth advocacy and how, as leaders, we can leverage our collective resources to serve even more youth across Broward County. We even had a special virtual visit from BGCA President & CEO Jim Clark.Thank you to everyone including Greg Kimbrough who made this learning opportunity possible. Your dedication and teamwork continue to help move us forward. Learn More About Us A Special Thank You to Privee at the Colonnade Outlets! We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Privee at the Colonnade Outlets for graciously hosting our Cattlewomen on October 16th. The evening was filled with great company, shopping, and a good time enjoyed by all! Interested in becoming a Cattlewoman and getting perks like these? Contact Amanda McCarthy, Director or Events at amccarthy@bgcbc.org for info! Miami Dolphins – Huge Support Thank you to the Miami Dolphins for the numerous ways you support our organization. Together, you’ve helped us empower our Club members through academic, athletic, and personal development while promoting wellness and bridging opportunity gaps. We want to also thank our Board Chair, Peter Oldbury, for being a part of this check presentation.Our partnership is about shaping future leaders on and off the field. Get Involved Importance of Voting Recently, our Fred DeLuca Teen Center and Harold “Hackie” Reitman, M.D. Club participated in a voting seminar led by the Fort Lauderdale Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. During the session, the teens learned about the importance of voting and the voting process. They also took part in a mock election where two candidates created campaigns and delivered speeches. In addition, they heard from Senator Dr. Rosalind Osgood and a representative from the Broward Supervisor of Elections office.Thanks all for an incredible event for our youth! Best Selling Author Visit – Kwame Mbalia Bestselling author and vivid storyteller, Kwame Mbalia celebrated the release of his new book “Jax Freeman and the Tournament of Spirits” at our Harold “Hackie” Reitman M.D. and Carver Ranches Clubs. Our Club members got to see the value of storytelling and how powerful imagination can be! We thank Kwame for brining your stories to life and inspiring our youth one chapter at a time. And we’d like to extend a huge shoutout to Jay’s House Bookshop, a local favorite bookstore, for setting up this awesome book signing event. Get Involved Thomas D. Stephanis Club
Club Highlights – October 2025
Club Highlights Hispanic & Latino Heritage Month We are proud to celebrate Hispanic & Latino Heritage Month — a time to honor the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. From music and food to art, innovation, and leadership, their impact continues to inspire us every day. Join us in recognizing and uplifting our Club members and community’s vibrant voices that help shape our world. Learn More About Our Youth Development Organization BGCBC at MODS Our “Fueling Great Futures Through STEM” program at Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS), combines the strengths of two community leaders in education and youth development to deliver a transformative, hands-on experience rooted in exploration, creativity, and discovery. From Power Hour to hands-on exhibits and STEM workshops, our Club members were immersed in a week of curiosity, creativity, and meaningful connection. This partnership is an opportunity to ignite a passion for science, technology, engineering, and math in a whole new environment. A huge thank you to our generous supporters Wayne and Lucretia Weiner and UKG for their in-kind contributions. Your support is helping us fuel futures and shape tomorrow’s leaders. We also want to thank the incredible staff at BGCBC and MODS — their dedication and teamwork made this launch a true success! Learn More About This Impactful Partnership Board Retreat We are grateful for yet another successful and inspiring board retreat. Our board, staff and community partners came together to network and collaborate on positive ways to enhance our mission. We also want to say thank you to our Elected Officials Panelists and Non-Profit Funder Panelists for sharing their leadership and insight: Panel 1 – Elected Officials (Moderated by Torey Alston, President, Broward College) • Senator Dr. Barbara Sharief, Florida Senate • Commissioner Brandon Smith, West Park, FL • Vice Mayor Mike Hernández, Pembroke Pines, FL • Adam Cervera, Broward County Public Schools • Commissioner Michael Hudak, Deerfield Beach, FL Panel 2 – Non-Profit Funders (Moderated by Dr. Ben Sorensen Commissioner, Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner) • Judith Fletcher, Program Officer, The Frederick A. Deluca Foundation • Jeff Wood, Chair, Chair, Children’s Services Council of Broward County • Lisa Davis, Director, Corporate Community Impact, JM Family Enterprises • John Colombo, Vice President, Florida Panthers Foundation & Community Relations Florida Panthers • Los Marino, Executive Director, BBX Capital Foundation & Director of Community Relations, BBX Capital The energy, commitment and passion in the room was truly motivating. Learn More About Our Board Miami Dolphins Zach Sieler Visit at Our Lauderhill Club Big thanks to Zach Sieler of the Miami Dolphins for stopping by our Lauderhill Boys & Girls Club! Our Club members and teens were thrilled to take part in a Q&A session, where Zach shared his journey, wisdom, and encouragement for the school year ahead. To top it off, our Club members received backpacks and school supplies, helping set them up for success! Thank you for believing in our mission and investing in the future of our youth Watch the Video United For Youth Roundtable After completing our recent Tri-County Brand Health Study, BGCBC took the findings a step further convening community leaders, educators, health systems, parents, law enforcement, and youth voices for our inaugural “United for Youth” Roundtable. Key highlights included:-Club Teens sharing first-hand experiences about the challenges—and opportunities—facing today’s teens.-Data-driven insights underscore the urgent need to address violence, ensure safe spaces, promote mental health awareness, and strengthen workforce and career readiness. The most powerful reminder came from our teens themselves: Marlee M., Nashon H., and Jakeclaude M. from our Leo Goodwin Foundation Teen Center. Their courage and passion motivated us all. We want to thank all our speakers and Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO), Florida Blue, Planned Growth, Lucet Health and our Board Chair, Pete Oldbury who moderated this important discussion. We look forward to continuing this momentum to ensure all have access to safety, support, and opportunity. Donate to the Mission 5 Years Rick Case Vocational Scholarship Empowering the next generation. Celebrating a legacy. 5 Years of Vocational Scholarships. Big thanks to the Rick Case Vocational Scholarship and the Case family for investing in our Club members’ futures! This opportunity helps our youth gain the skills and access the resources needed to pursue their passions and build meaningful careers. Join the Mission and Support the Rick Case Vocational Scholarship Annual Cattlemen/Cattlewoman VIP BBQ & Rodeo What a night! On Saturday, September 6th, Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County hosted our Annual Cattlemen/Cattlewomen VIP BBQ & Rodeo, proudly led by our Head Cattleman and Cattlewoman, “Alligators” Ron & Ali Bergeron. Thank you to our Cattlemen & Cattlewomen for making our Annual VIP BBQ & Rodeo a huge success! Together, we’re now 100 strong and counting, raising over $13 million to benefit the Davie Boys & Girls Clubs. A special thank you to the Weekley Family, Weekley Brothers Davie Pro Rodeo, and Troy & Danny Weekley for generously sponsoring this year’s Rodeo and helping us create such a memorable evening. Interested in becoming a Cattleman, Cattlewoman, or Cattlekid?Reach out to Amanda McCarthy, Director of Events at amccarthy@bgcbc.org to learn more! Michelle White – Trauma Informed Specialist Becoming a trauma-informed organization is a journey, not a destination. It requires ongoing continuous quality improvement to be responsive to the needs of young people, families and your community. Being trauma-informed means making a commitment to changing the practices, policies and culture of your entire organization. This process is completed over a series of phases: Building Readiness, Trauma-Aware, Trauma-Responsive and Trauma-Informed. We are so proud of our very own Michelle White for being recognized as a Trauma-Informed Specialist by Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Michelle’s dedication to creating safe, supportive spaces for our youth is inspiring to say the least. We can’t wait to see her continued impact at our Clubs. Shape Futures with Us Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) Career Day at Nan Knox Club The purpose of BSO’s Career Day “Operation Future” is to foster positive relationships between Club members and the Broward Sheriff’s Office. This event exposed Club members to real-world career pathways in public safety, law enforcement, and forensic science. Through interactive experiences and face-to-face engagement
Big News: Dolphins Camp, MODS & a Brand-New Teen Center!
Club Highlights Incoming: New Florence A. De George Teen Center We are honored and excited to share the great news that Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County has secured a $400,000 state appropriation to build a brand-new Teen Center at our Florence A. De George Club in Davie FL! We want to thank Senator Dr. Barbara Sharief and Representative Michael Gottlieb for their commitment to helping Broward’s youth and believing in their future. We appreciate you taking time to tour our Club and meet our Club members. This upcoming Teen Center will allow us to serve our youth ages 13-18 with the tools they need. With this investment, we’re able to continue to focus on our 4 pillars of impact: Academic Success Character & Leadership Health & Well-Being Life & Workforce Readiness We also want to say a huge thank you to our partners: TSE Consulting, and every supporter who contributes to help keep our mission going. Help Support Our Youth Development Organization Today! Carter’s X BGCA Cause Campaign Afterschool academic support helps kids stay on track throughout the school year, while fun and engaging summer programming combats summer learning loss in areas like math and reading. Help youth achieve academic success by donating at checkout at your local Carters Inc. Your donation will allow Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County to continue offering programs that inspire a love of learning in and out of the classroom. Learn More About The Initiative Manheim by Cox Automotive X BGCA Cause Campaign We’re proud to partner with Manheim by Cox Automotive as they kick off their annual fundraiser to support Boys & Girls Clubs across the country! Now through August 31, Manheim locations nationwide are rallying together to raise funds that directly support STEM programming at local Clubs—like Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County. These programs spark curiosity, build critical thinking skills, and prepare young people for the careers of tomorrow. Thank you, Manheim, for helping to open doors and create brighter futures through the power of STEM! Join The Cause Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County at MODS This incredible new partnership will provide a safe and supportive environment, promote academic, social and emotional development and enhance a love for learning in an immersive museum setting that inspires curiosity, imagination and creativity. Our Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County at MODS “Fueling Great Futures Through STEM” program will engage youth from diverse backgrounds, foster a sense of belonging, provide mentorship and guidance and open doors to youth who might otherwise lack access to enriching experiences in a museum. We want to thank our generous supporters Wayne and Lucretia Weiner and UKG for their in-kind contributions. Their support is helping us fuel futures and shape tomorrow’s leaders. Read on About the Program Components 4-Session Entrepreneur Course Facilitated by Jonathan Fichman Congratulations to the Teen Club members at The Harry T. Mangurian Jr. Foundation Teen Center on completing our 4-session entrepreneurship course, facilitated by Jonathan Fichman. Over several weeks, our Teen Club members learned how to develop business ideas, create business plans, and deliver professional presentations. Then they had the chance to proudly showcased their final pitches to a panel of judges. All Club members received certificates of completion. The top three business presentations were awarded gift cards ranging from $50 to $100, and our first-place winner Avery B also received an iPad to support the launch of their business. We’re so proud of their hard work and can’t wait to see what they do. Visit www.bgcbc.org to learn more about us. BGCA Presents Dove Self Esteem Project We are so ecstatic that our Club members were a part of Boys & Girls Clubs of America presents Dove Self-Esteem Project event! Thank you to all our Lauderhill Club members and staff for helping make this happen. Watch the Recap Video Congrats, Chris Gentile! We’re thrilled to celebrate yet another proud moment for one of our very own, Chris Gentile, Co-CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County on his appointment to the Board of Directors for the Florida Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs. Chris has dedicated a decade to empowering our Broward County youth and strengthening our South Florida community far beyond our blue doors.Now, he’ll bring that same unwavering passion, vision, leadership and commitment to support Boys & Girls Clubs across the entire state of Florida! Congratulations, Chris, on this well-deserved recognition! We are so proud of you and the incredible work you continue to do. We can’t wait to see you shine throughout our great state. Florida “Club Kids” just gained another fierce advocate! Read More About His Significant Milestone Back-to-School Initiatives/ Events We are so thankful to the following individuals/companies who helped our Club members/Teens gear up for the new school year. Bradley Chubb – Back-to-School Bash at Lester H. White JCPenney – Back-to-School shopping experience in Broward Mall Manheim by Cox Automotive- Backpack & School Supplies Donations donated to Rita & Rick Case Club members Ed Morse – Shop-With-A-Cop (New kicks for some of our lucky Club members) Florida Blue- Back-to-School Event in Sunrise Your generous donation of backpacks, supplies, shoes and more, gets our youth ready to learn, dream and achieve. Thank you for helping us shape futures! Miami Dolphins: A Fun-Filled Day at Training Camp Our Marti Huizenga Club members were ecstatic to join Bradley Chubb and the Chubb Foundation for a memorable day in Miami Gardens. From a private tour of the facilities to sitting on the field (VIP style) for an up-close view of training camp, our youth had a blast! Special thanks to Bradley Chubb and Chubb Foundation for the continued support of our youth! Shape Futures With Us Summer M.O.S.T. Program Topgolf Fun with a Purpose! Our Summer M.O.S.T. program, powered by the Children’s Services Council of Broward County helps us take learning beyond the classroom with an exciting field trip to Topgolf! Through this real-world adventure, Club members sharpened focus, built teamwork, and had a blast—all while staying active
Club Highlights – August 2025
Club Highlights National Keystone Conference Our Teens had a blast at this year’s 58th National Keystone Conference in Chicago. We wrapped up the Charter year strong, with all our Clubs earning Silver Charters and 8 reaching Gold/Legacy status! We were proud to have two Club members participate in the fashion show and another two shine bright during the talent show. We can’t wait to see what our Teens and Club advisors achieve in the coming year. WATCH THE FUN Broward County Needs Club Kids Broward County needs Club kids. Club kids need you. Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County get kids future ready. It’s been proven that when kids have access to the right support, resources/tools and programs, they thrive. Club kids grow into leaders, innovators, and change-makers. Every kid deserves a safe place to learn, grow, and thrive. When you give, you’re investing in brighter futures and a stronger community. And together, we can create a generation of empowered and prepared leaders of tomorrow. READ MORE CEO of the Year Florida 2025 We are proud to announce that our Co-CEO, Chris Gentile has been honored with the “CEO of the Year Award” for Boys & Girls Clubs across the entire state of Florida! Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the Florida Area Council annually recognize outstanding leaders within their organization. Among the most prestigious honors is the CEO of the Year Award, presented to an executive who exemplifies exceptional leadership, service, and dedication to the Boys & Girls Club mission. This year Chris was honored with the Florida CEO of the Year Award, selected by peers and national leaders for their unwavering commitment to youth development, outstanding leadership of their local Club, and meaningful contributions to the broader Boys & Girls Club Movement across the state and nation. Nominees were evaluated based on their leadership within their organization, measurable service to the community, impact across the Boys & Girls Club Movement regionally and nationally, recognitions received, and a personal story that reflects their deep commitment to empowering young people to reach their full potential. This honor doesn’t just recognize a title—it celebrates the relentless commitment, bold vision, and deep compassion Chris brings to thousands of young lives across Broward County. We are proud. We are inspired. Congratulations on this recognition Chris! Best Buy Geek Squad We’re excited to have Best Buy Geek Squad for a 2-day event! Thank you for bringing engaging, hands-on technology experiences to our teens — including workshops on digital tools, tech basics, and even how to make beats and create music. This is a fun and creative way to expose our Club members to the power of technology and spark new interests in digital innovation. WATCH THE FEATURE ON WSVN-TV Children’s Services Council of Broward County (CSC) Visit We were thrilled to host CSC at our Lauderhill Club—giving them an inside look at the tools and resources we provide for our Club members and Teens. Thank you for giving the gift of literacy to our youth at multiple club sites. Our Club members were smiles when they received books to take home with them—sparking imagination, curiosity and a lifelong love of reading. For information regarding grants or our Family Strengthening Program, contact Angel Profit-Payne, Director of Grants Programs, Administration & Compliance at aprofit@bgcbc.org 10 Million Meals And Snacks Served For six decades, BGCBC has served 10 million meals and snacks to our youth in Broward County. Thanks to all of our board members, donors, staff and community partners who have been a part of our ongoing mission. We would like to extend our sincere thank you to the Florida Department of Health and the Florida Department of Agriculture for their support and partnership. KEEP OUR MISSION GOING JM Family Community Day As part of their summer internship program, JM Family organized a Community Day and selected Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County as their nonprofit partner for this year’s event! Each summer, JM Family hosts over 55 interns at their headquarters, along with several virtual interns across other locations. One intern is given the opportunity to lead the planning of a community-focused initiative. And this year we were lucky enough to be chosen to collaborate on a project centered around Children and Education. From a fun and engaging literacy activity and STEM project to interactive take-home projects for our youth, it was a great day to connect with JM Family, learn about their mission and have a little fun too! Bradley Chubb Football Clinic NFL star Bradley Chubb gave our local youth the opportunity of a lifetime at his football clinic — where passion, perseverance, and purpose came together on the field. From drills to mentorship, Bradley Chubb brought the heat and heart to the field with his football clinic. Thank you Chubb Foundation and the Miami Dolphins for hosting our Club members at Hard Rock Stadium. Let’s get involved with our youth together by visiting www.bgcbc.org Carver Ranches “All Aboard Our Cruise Party” Family Night Family night at our Carver Ranches Club was a night to remember. From indulging in different cultures to watching the incredible performances from our Club members, Carver Ranches was the place to be. Thank you to all of the parents and families that came out to support our Club members. WATCH VIDEO Debbie Wasserman Schultz Visits Rita & Rick Case Club Recently, we were honored and privileged to welcome Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz to the Rita & Rick Case Boys & Girls Club in Davie! As a longtime advocate for youth empowerment, education, and community development, Representative Wasserman Schultz, toured our facilities, engaged directly with Club members/Teens, and learned more about the incredible programs and resources available. Her visit brought inspiration, support, and encouragement to the entire Club/Teen Center! Her visit also serves as a powerful reminder of how public leaders and community organizations can work together to build brighter futures for the next generation. We are grateful for her continued support and for taking the time to listen, connect, and inspire our youth! WATCH VIDEO Jakeclaude Recognition
Club Highlights – July 2025
Club Highlights Broward County Needs Club Kids Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County is proud to be part of a bold new national campaign America Needs Club Kids. The campaign from Boys & Girls Clubs of America is built on a simple idea: the America of tomorrow will be shaped by the way we invest in kids today – and places like Boys & Girls Clubs open the door for a future generation who will propel our country forward. For more than 165 years, Boys & Girls Clubs across the country have been opening doors for kids and teens — helping them succeed in school, build life skills, discover passions, and grow into confident leaders. Now, Clubs are taking that message nationwide with a campaign designed to inspire more people to get involved. No matter where you live, the message is clear: strong kids build strong communities. We all benefit from kids who grow up in Boys & Girls Clubs— this is why America Needs Club Kids and Broward County Needs Club Kids. Support Our Club Kids Making Waves in Our Community At BGCBC, we believe in the power of giving back and there’s no better example than our newest summer staff at Carver Ranches! Congrats to our 3 new summer aquatics team members who have successfully completed the Lifeguard Internship Program and earned their Lifeguard and Water Safety Instructor certifications through the American Red Cross. These incredible young leaders are not only investing in their own futures — they’re also stepping up to serve the very community that helped shape them. This summer, they’ll be part of the 2025 Aquatics Staff Team at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County using their training to teach, protect, and inspire their fellow club members. And kudos to George Coneo, our excellent Aquatics Director at Carver Ranches, who continues teaching and echoing the importance of water safety to our Club members. It’s wonderful to see him recognized by the American Red Cross for his efforts and the huge impact he’s making in our community. READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE Gary Wendt Stops by Gary Wendt Teen Center in Sunrise! Recently, we had the joy of catching up with the amazing Gary Wendt at the Gary Wendt Teen Center in Sunrise, Florida. It was a special day as he reminisced on the glory days and how Boys & Girls Clubs provided a foundation for him to become successful. And as the 1-year anniversary celebration comes and goes for Gary Wendt Teen Center, we are reminded of Mr. Wendt’s generosity to our community and his unwavering commitment to support BGCBC. We are so grateful to him and all that he’s done and continues to do for us. GET INVOLVED WITH BGCBC Coke Florida Refreshing Minds Scholarship: Emma A We’re proud to celebrate our very own Emma A., recipient of the 2025 Coke Florida Refreshing Minds Scholarship ! Emma is the Youth of the Year for the Marti Huizenga Club and has been a proud Club member for 11 years. She is a shining example of leadership, resilience and determination-inspiring her peers every step of the way. The Coke Florida Refreshing Minds Scholarship that Emma received is a four-year Florida Prepaid Tuition Scholarship and Emma will be attending Florida Atlantic University (FAU). It’s an incredible opportunity that will fully cover her tuition and help her pursue her academic goals without the burden of college debt. Thank you to Coca-Cola Beverages Florida for supporting youth education and opening doors to a brighter future and our Board member Scottie Walker for your dedication! JOIN THE MISSION Keystone Club Awards Celebration At Xtreme Action Park, we proudly celebrated our 6 Silver, 5 Gold, and 1 Legacy chartered Keystone Clubs! During the celebration, we recognized outstanding achievements across the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County for the 2024–2025 program year. We are so proud of the commitment, leadership, and passion our Teens and advisors continue to bring! Huge congratulations to the following clubs and individuals: Best Career Preparation Keystone Project– JM Family Teen Center Best Academic Keystone Project-Lester H. White Club Best Community Service Keystone Project-Harold “Hackie” Reitman, M.D. Club Best Teen Outreach Keystone Project-Carver Ranches Club Best National Keystone Project-The Harry T. Mangurian Jr. Foundation Teen Center Keystone Advisor of the Year– Ms. Cordesia D., Leo Goodwin Foundation Teen Center Teen Spirit of Keystone-Jakeclaude M., Leo Goodwin Foundation Teen Center Keystone Club of the Year-Leo Goodwin Foundation Teen Center We can’t wait to see what our Keystone Clubs will achieve next! LEARN MORE 2025 Senior Graduates Congratulations to the Class of 2025! Your journey is a reflection of leadership, growth, and impact and it’s only just beginning. As you step into this next chapter, remember: once a Club kid, always a Club kid. Great futures truly start here. Welcome to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County Alumni Network! Your future is bright, and we’ll be cheering you on every step of the way! Day in K Event: Museum of Discover and Science and the Early Learning Coalition of Broward County Thank you to the Museum of Discovery and Science and the Early Learning Coalition of Broward County for an unforgettable evening at the Day in K event! We had such a great turnout with over 1,800 visitors and over 450 little learners take their first steps toward kindergarten readiness. We’re grateful to be part of a community that’s passionate about connecting people and youth to inspiring science and meaningful learning experiences. Let us know about your upcoming community events! Contact Nicole Chaplin via email. Role Models Who Inspire: Dr. Scott Ross We’re proud to highlight Dr. Scott Ross, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Cleveland Clinic Weston, whose dedication to health, leadership, and community service sets an incredible example for the Youth/Teens we serve at Cleveland Clinic Florida. Dr. Ross’s commitment to excellence and mentorship reminds our Club
Club Highlights – June 2025
Club Highlights https://bgcbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/IMG_0962.mov Violin Concert by Volta Music Foundation Our Club members closed out the year with a spectacular violin concert at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center! Families were treated to an incredible performance showcasing the hard work and talent of our young musicians. With a string quartet and a keyboard player from Volta Music Foundation accompanying the violinists, this was more than a recital—it was a full-blown concert experience! Thank you, Volta Music Foundation for all you do for our youth! Mother’s Day Recap Special thanks to Christy Hierholzer for making our Club member moms feel all the more special on Mother’s Day! Thank you so much for the thoughtful and beautifully designed‘mom’ branded bags! It really touched their hearts. Official First Day of Summer at BGCBC Summer is officially here at BGCBC! The sun is out, school is out, and our Clubs are in full swing. And we are ready for yet another season filled with bright smiles, big dreams and bold futures! SIGN UP FOR SUMMER FUN https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSEt1FslNLs In Case You Missed It–Blue Doors to Great Futures – Delanie Lugo From Blue Doors to Great Futures Delanie Lugo, College Readiness Coordinator & Club Alumni, is a testament to our Youth of the Year program! Watch her story to see how Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County helped her find her way—preparing her for college and beyond the blue doors! Museum of Discovery and Science/ Kennedy Space Center 40 of our Club members had an unforgettable day exploring the wonders of space at Kennedy Space Center. From learning about rocket launches to space innovation and astronaut training, inspiration was all around. Thank you to MODS for igniting curiosity and making this special field trip out of this world! Investing in the next generation of innovators begins with moments like these. Bowling For Kids Recap Our “Bowling For Kids” event at Sparez Bowling was a huge success. With great music and an awesome turnout from our supporters and community, as well as auction and raffles/prizes, we appreciate your support. Thank you to everyone involved in making this possible to help support our Marti Huizenga BGC in Hollywood, FL. RELIVE THE FUN Sip & Shop Soiree Recap Thank you to everyone who joined us for the BGCBC Sip & Shop Soirée — a fun-filled day of fashion and fun! From unique local vendors to sparkling sips and incredible supporters, this event brought our community together in style — all to support the mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County. Your presence and generosity help us provide life-changing programs for thousands of youth and teens across Broward County. Cheers to making a difference—one soirée at a time! And huge shoutout to Nicole Fratarcangeli for hosting and opening her beautiful home up to us all. Role Models Who Inspire” Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) / Sheriff Gregory Tony, Ph.D. Through our “Role Models Who Inspire”, we’re proud to welcome our dedicated law enforcement Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) / Gregory Tony, Ph.D. to our Clubs — sharing their stories, wisdom, and real-life experiences. These interactions light the path for our youth, showing the power of service, integrity, and leadership. Thank you to our Board Member Thomas Godart for all your support! To be our next “Role Model,” contact: Anith Benjamin, Director of Teen Initiatives at abenjamin@bgcbc.org https://bgcbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/CARVER-BEN-VIDEO.mp4 Carver Ranches Club, Youth of the Year, Broward Center for Performing Arts Our Carver Ranches Club, Youth of the Year, Ben performed at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts spotlight show. This opportunity allowed him to be a part of the vocal ensemble structured for grades 6-12 –specializing in solos, duets and group numbers. Want to become more involved with our teens? Contact: Anith Benjamin, Director of Teen Initiatives at abenjamin@bgcbc.org BGCA National Conference in San Diego We had such a great week in San Diego connecting, learning, and celebrating impact at the BGCA National Conference! We are truly so grateful to be surrounded by passionate changemakers dedicated to building great futures for our youth. And special shoutout to the new BGCA Inductees! Your stories and living proof of our mission have inspired us in so many ways. An Immersive Art Experience- South Florida PBS/Da Vinci Huge thanks to South Florida PBS for providing 40 of our Club members from our Thomas D. Stephanis and Jim & Jan Moran Clubs the chance to explore Da Vinci – An Immersive Art Experience! From flying machines to the Mona Lisa, our youth were inspired to see how art and science spark big dreams and bold ideas. Experiences like this make a lasting impact. Celebrating Juneteenth At Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County, we believe in creating a world where every young person can grow up great. Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19, honors the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people in the U.S. learned they were free—two years after slavery had officially ended. Juneteenth is a time to celebrate freedom, equality, and progress. At our Clubs, we use this day to learn more about history, stand up for what’s right, and support one another as leaders and friends. Together, we build a future where every voice is heard, and every youth belongs. LEARN MORE Walmart Roundup Support BGCBC! Round up to the nearest dollar at checkout next time you shop at Walmart! JOIN THE CAUSE June Work Anniversaries Please join us to congratulate our Boys and Girls Clubs of Broward County June Work Anniversaries! These individuals have shown dedication, disposition, and passion in all they do for BGCBC. Thank you, Happy Anniversary! Chris Cleveland Shaping Futures since 2003 Rashad TroutmanShaping Futures since 2003 Tywon JonesShaping Futures since 2010 Brandon McCallShaping Futures since 2010 Slatraevius HunterShaping Futures since 2021 Jamie GallardoShaping Futures since 2022 Kahlil JacquesShaping Futures since 2023 La’Porsha HopeShaping Futures since 2024 Molena MacduffShaping Futures since 2024 Robyn AltmanShaping Futures since 2024 Zakirah ArchableShaping Futuressince 2024 SUPPORT OUR MISSION
Bowling for Kids Recap
Bowling for Kids: Sold-Out Success for our Youth! Our Bowling for Kids event was a great success, bringing our communitytogether for a fun day while raising valuable funds for the Marti HuizengaBoys & Girls Club. Proceeds will support programs aligned with ourorganization’s Four Pillars of Impact: Academic Success, Character &Leadership, Health & Well-being, and Life & Workforce Readiness.These programs provide homework help, tutoring, mentoring, wellnessactivities, and career development opportunities-ensuring that everyClub member and teen have the resources and support they need tothrive both in and out of the classroom. A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated board members, staff, sponsors,supporters, and guests for making this event unforgettable. We can’t wait to see you all again! View Gallery
Thank You, Ross, for Raising $56K+ and Inspiring Others!
Thank you, Ross, for raising $56,308 for our Power Hour program through your “Help Local Kids Thrive” mission! Keep It Going
