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Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County to honor Tom and Debbie Shapiro at its annual Champions for Children gala on November 23 Contact Name: Sara Bealor Contact Email: sbealor@bgcsarasota.com Contact Phone Number: 941-366-3911 Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County will honor Tom and Debbie Shapiro at its annual Champions for Children gala on Saturday, November 23, 2019. The couple’s demonstrated passion and commitment to empower children and teens through transformative programs has played an instrumental role in helping the organization grow as a leader in youth development. Since Tom joined the Board of Directors in 2007, the Shapiros’ dedication to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County’s mission has paved the way for innovative programs and life-changing opportunities for youth. Perhaps the couple’s most notable initiative at the organization is the Tom & Debbie Shapiro Career Resource Center, which is a state-of-the-art facility that opened in 2016 and offers workforce development opportunities for teens such as vocational training, college and career prep, leadership development and entrepreneurial training. Additionally, Tom is serving as the Vice Chair of Special Projects as the organization prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2020 and embark on a variety of strategic programmatic and capital initiatives. Presented by the Annette J. Hagens Memorial Foundation, Champions for Children will take place at the Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club at 3100 Fruitville Road in Sarasota and begin at 6 p.m. The gala will feature a reception, three-course gourmet meal by Chef Paul Mattison and Mattison’s Catering, a live and silent auction, and live performances by Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County members. Event proceeds will be matched up to $70,000 by the Annette J. Hagens Memorial Foundation and support the organization’s enriching programs that help thousands of local youth excel in school, become leaders, adopt healthy habits and create plans for success after high school graduation. Individual tickets are available for $350 per person. Sponsorships are also available starting at $3,500. Guests are encouraged to dress in cocktail attire. To purchase tickets or learn more, visit bgcsarasota.com or call 941-366-3911. ABOUT THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SARASOTA COUNTY: Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County has been a leading youth-serving organization in Sarasota County and its surrounding area since 1970, and provides enriching after-school and summer programs to thousands of youth, ages 6 to 18, in Sarasota, Venice, North Port and Arcadia. The organization’s mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need services the most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. The programs are designed to empower youth to excel in school, become leaders, adopt healthy habits and create plans for success after high school graduation. For more information, visit bgcsarasota.com or call 941-366-3911.