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New Boys & Girls Clubs Campaign Reflects Community’s Impact on Future Leaders The campaign invites people to see their younger selves in today’s Club members and the opportunities to make a positive difference in their lives Contact Name: Sara Bealor Contact Email: sbealor@bgcsdc.org Contact Phone Number: 941-366-3911 In celebration of its 50th year as a leader in positive youth development, Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties is launching a campaign inviting people to see the difference their support is making in the continued growth and success of kids in our region. The leaders of tomorrow are at Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties today, where they have access to programs tailored to their needs and future goals. The “See Yourself Here” campaign conveys the connection between these members and people in our community through the hope, optimism and experiences they have in common. The campaign will also highlight Club alumni who continue to build upon the foundation they received during their time as members, as well as, community leaders whose generosity has resulted in greater opportunities for children to achieve greatness. “People who walk through our doors and meet our members are amazed by what they find – kids not unlike their younger selves who are building a brighter future,” said Bill Sadlo, President/CEO at Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties. “The challenges of the past year have created barriers to experiencing that impact firsthand while making our programs more important than ever. This campaign helps our organization cross those barriers and helps our community see the opportunities to invest in our members – our future leaders – as they chart their paths toward active, engaged and meaningful lives.” Since 1970, Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties has worked to empower children across the region by offering personalized, enriching opportunities for successful development. In recent years, the organization has focused on programs that prepare youth in the community to succeed in our evolving world with skills such as entrepreneurship and leadership, along with courses in coding, video production, culinary arts, carpentry and other vocations taught by certified professionals. As Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties embarks on its next 50 years, the organization has plans to achieve an even greater level of impact for young people across the region. Beyond putting resources into strengthening the Clubs’ program offerings, the organization has taken steps to expand its services through several initiatives the community can play an active role in supporting: •Louis and Gloria Flanzer Boys & Girls Club Capital Project: The project includes renovating a multi-purpose gymnasium and adding an 8,800 sq. ft. building that will have a commercial kitchen, food pantry, 21st century classrooms, office space and more, allowing the nonprofit to serve more youth in Arcadia, including teens. • Irving and Marilyn Naiditch Campus, home of the Roy McBean Boys & Girls Club Capital Project: The renovation will provide children and teens in the underserved community of Newtown with an enhanced career-training program space and increased safety measures. • North Port Expansion Strategy Project: The organization’s Board of Directors organized a task force with prominent community leaders to examine the area’s rapid growth and strategize ways in which programs and reach can be expanded. There are several ways to become a part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties’ work in shaping the leaders of tomorrow. Visit bgcsdc.org/seeyourselfhere to learn more or call 941-366-3911 to schedule a tour. ABOUT BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SARASOTA AND DESOTO COUNTIES: Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties has been a leading youth-serving organization 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 bgcsdc.org or call 941-366-3911.