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ESPN Television sports analyst, author and philanthropist Dick Vitale and his wife Lorraine brought holiday cheer to 380 deserving children, ages 6 to 12, at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County Annual Holiday Party on Tuesday, December 18. The couple generously provided the organization with a $10,000 contribution to help purchase toys and gifts for the Boys & Girls Club members. “This is our favorite tradition with the Boys & Girls Club,” said Vitale. “We look forward to this each year, and are so happy to be able to provide these amazing children with joy.” Before the holiday festivities began, Club members gathered in the Dick Vitale Health and Fitness Center at the Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club where Mr. Vitale encouraged them to apply themselves in school, treat others with respect and help those in need. “Be good to people, and people will be good to you,” said Vitale. “Always remember to give back to those who need your help and kindness.” Each child was served a warm, turkey dinner thanks to Boar’s Head and participated in festive activity booths and games. They also visited with Santa and selected two special presents from the Gift Room. “This Holiday Party is such a special event for us thanks to Dick and Lorraine,” said Bill Sadlo, President/CEO at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County. “The Vitales continue to help us open the door for thousands of Boys & Girls Club members to achieve their full potential, and the Holiday Party is just one great example of how they’re empowering youth to chase their dreams.” While the Vitale family has given thousands of dollars for holiday gifts every December, they have also helped raise more than $1 million for the organization’s award-winning programs that help children, ages 6 to 18, succeed in school, become leaders and adopt healthy lifestyle habits. The Vitales have also been presenting college scholarships to deserving Boys & Girls Club members in Sarasota County since 1997, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 105 and amount of scholarship support to $105,000. The family also gives their time and energy through several motivational speaking engagements throughout the year. The organization recently honored Dick Vitale at the 13th Annual Intertape Polymer Group Leadership Breakfast on September 14 for his commitment to empower teens as leaders. For more information, visit bgcsarasota.com. ABOUT THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SARASOTA COUNTY: The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County have played an integral role in the Sarasota County community for more than 48 years, providing daily programs and services to thousands of young people. The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. The vision is to provide a world-class Club experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who walks through our doors, with all members on track to graduate from high school with a plan for the future, demonstrating good character and citizenship, and living a healthy lifestyle. For more information, visit bgcsarasota.com.