Corporate Spotlights
BGCCF Participates in AT&T’s It Can Wait® Campaign
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida (BGCCF) has recommitted to safety in a big way by partnering with AT&T to show our commitment to their It Can Wait® Campaign to end texting and driving.
The initiative focuses on educating people-especially teens-about the dangers of texting and driving. The message is simple, yet vital: When it comes to texting and driving, it can wait. BGCCF will take a stand and encourage all Staff and Club members who drive to make A No Texting and Driving Pledge with the campaign in which they will promise to never text and drive.
As part of BGCCF’s ongoing efforts to help new teen drivers learn about safety on the road, Club members participate in the UPS Road Code Program, where they practice safe driving techniques on driving simulators in their Clubs. The program teaches new and future drivers safe driving techniques and methods, including not texting and driving.
There will be a special focus on the campaign throughout the summer months between Memorial Day and Labor Day-known as the 100 Deadliest Days on the road for teen drivers, and will culminate on September 19 when supporters will be encouraged to advocate for their communities to join in the movement.
To learn more about the It Can Wait Campaign, CLICK HERE.
Orlando Magic Youth Fund awards $100,000 grant to Downtown & Parramore Branches
Earlier this year, the Orlando Magic, through their Orlando Magic Youth Fund (OMYF)–a McCormick Foundation Fund, awarded BGCCF a $100,000 grant to support our Downtown and Parramore Branches.
The Orlando Magic has been supporting Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida with grants, contributions and volunteers for the past nine years. We are humbled to be one of only four organizations selected for this highest honor, and only one of 17 organizations throughout all of Central Florida that the Magic elected to support this year.
The funds will be used to support a portion of the direct service costs of program delivery at our Downtown and Parramore Branches, including staff salaries and benefits, program supplies, transportation, and field trips.
We are thankful for this partnership and know that this grant will continue to empower our Downtown and Parramore Club members to reach for success as they did in 2012, when 100% of these Clubs’ high school seniors graduate on time with future plans.
TD Charitable Foundation grants BGCCF $5,000
Bobby Roehrig, Assistant Vice President for TD Bank Orlando (center) with BGCCF’s
Alicia Hodge, Regional Development Director for Brevard County, (left) and Gary Cain, President & CPO (right).
This January, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida (BGCCF) received a $5,000 grant through the TD Charitable Foundation. The funds will be used to support the Teen Coordinator position at our Temple Terrace Branch in Brevard County. Because of the TD Charitable Foundation’s support, our Temple Terrace Branch will be able to strengthen its teen programming and help reduce high school dropout rates among the at-risk youth in Melbourne’s public housing development.
The Temple Terrace Teen Club, or T3C Program at the Temple Terrace Branch, is a safe place where teens can go outside of school hours and learn how to make positive choices for their futures by participating in the wide range of teen programs now offered there, covering topics such as character and leadership development, financial literacy, goal-setting, career exploration, job-seeking skills, computer skills and more. The Teen Coordinator makes it possible for our Temple Terrace Branch to implement these programs and assists with homework help, ACT/SAT preparation, career guidance and culinary instruction.
Thank you to TD Charitable Foundation for their generosity and dedication to our Club members, and specifically to the many teens across Brevard County whose lives will be enriched as a result of your support.
More than $10,000 was awarded to Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida (BGCCF) and the Universal Orlando Foundations Branch by the Taco Bell Foundation for Teens. The funds will support real-world experiential programs that help teens stay in school and graduate. The Universal Orlando Foundation Branch will serve approximately 50 teens through this Graduate to Go experience grant.
Teens from the local Branch will learn career preparation skills such as resume writing & interview techniques; get up close and personal look at real career & professional etiquette through job shadowing, mock interviews, and business dinners. Thank you to the Taco Bell Graduate to Go Program for their tremendous support and for helping create bright futures for our Club members. CLICK HERE to read the press release.
Seminole County Board of Directors Honor Sonia McTaggart-Anderson
On March 30, Sonia McTaggart-Anderson was honored at the Heathrow Country Club during a special luncheon hosted by her BGCCF peers. Sonia was also recognized with the “Woman & Youth” award for her incredible generosity and impact on the children of the Sanford, Florida community. Sonia’s ongoing efforts to support children’s programs span the world, specifically here in Central Florida and in Nevada, and we are fortunate to be among those who have the chance to work alongside her.
Congratulations and thank you to Sonia McTaggart-Anderson for being a champion for children and an invaluable member of our board of directors. You are helping to create great futures for children in our community!
This year’s Battle of the Brokerages Softball Tournament was another home run for BGCCF! It was an especially momentous and extra special event this year as we celebrated the co-ed tournament’s 10th Anniversary with longtime friends and fans.
The New Syd & Marianne Levy Service Center Opens in Downtown Orlando!
Syd Levy Receiving the Man & Woman and Youth Awards
This past January, we moved into our new administrative offices at the corner of E. Colonial Drive and N. Magnolia Ave., thanks to the tremendous generosity and support of our friends, Syd & Marianne Levy. Their amazing contribution enabled us to purchase our own building which now houses over 25 corporate staff members and now showcases a brand presence in downtown Orlando that will surely bring attention to our mission and overall movement.
McCree Construction & Studio 3 Design were involved in the project and helped to ensure that the new office space was a comfortable and productive one for BGCCF staff.
THANK YOU to the Levy family, our long-time friends and supporters, for all that they do for our organization and the children we serve each year! Stay tuned for more updates on our new Service Center!
Heart of Florida United Way Presents BGCCF with Generous Gift
The mood was fun and festive when United Way presented a $841,506 check to support programs that are helping local youth succeed. The grant was part of nearly $15 million that United Way is awarding this year to dozens of programs that are changing lives and community conditions.Thanks to a very generous community, Heart of Florida United Way is distributing nearly $15 million this year to local health and human service programs throughout Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties. From helping children succeed in school and mentoring at-risk teens to lifting families out of poverty and helping seniors live with dignity and independence, the programs will serve hundreds of thousands of Central Floridians in need.
Thanks to the tremendous generosity of Heart of Florida United Way and all of our contributing community partners, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida can continue serving thousands of at-risk children across our four counties. This crucial funding will help sustain and enhance life-changing youth development programs offered at each of our Clubs.
Heathrow Women’s Club and the West Sanford Branch
The Heathrow Women’s Club has been a strong supporter of the West Sanford Branch of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida since 2008.During that time, our women have given generously of their time to mentor children and organize clubs which have included cooking, knitting and choir. A new venture, the growing of a vegetable garden, will begin operation in the fall. This was made possible through the tireless efforts of Heathrow Women’s Club member, Diana Fyfe, and will be overseen by Seminole County Extension Services.
This spring, the Heathrow Women’s Club presented the West Sanford Branch with a check for $18,000. They will continue to help support the children in this organization in any way needed. Thank you to our always caring and generous friends from the Heathrow Women’s Club!
Unilever/Dove Brand Continues to Shape SMART Girls
As a part of the ongoing relationship between the Dove Self-Esteem Movement and the Tupperware Brands Branch, girls at the local Kissimmee Club can continue to benefit from the SMART Girls program. Through dynamic weekly sessions, highly participatory activities, field trips and mentoring opportunities with adult women, Club girls explore their own and societal attitudes and values as they build skills for eating right, staying physically fit, getting good health care and developing positive relationships with peers and adults.
Thanks to Dove, the SMART Girls program has enhanced the lives of our young female members and helped them to adapt to the many changes that they experience as they transition into adulthood. Challenges in life, school and home have impacted their lives, although, they are now better prepared to overcome anything society had to offer them. Thank you Dove for helping to leave a lasting impact and positive impression on every girl in the program.
FOX 35 News Personality Motivates Club Members
Michelle Burdo from FOX 35 News visited the Walt Disney World Branch and presented members with an inspiring outlook on life. Following your passion and your dreams was the message Michelle shared with the group. From personal life-struggle stories to her current role as a reporter and on-air personality, Michelle demonstrated that following your heart is not always easy. Although, hard work, determination and consistency will steer you in the right direction. At the end of the meet & greret, Michelle was made an honorary Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida member! Thank you to Michelle for taking the time to get involved in the community and at our local Club. You are helping to shape our future Central Florida leaders–one dream at a time!
State Farm Youth Advisory Board Celebrates it Five-Year Anniversary with BGCCF!
To help celebrate the five-year anniversary of State Farm’s Youth Advisory Board program, State Farm is pairing up with the Tupperware Brands Branch of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida for a special anniversary service-learning project.This summer, about 70 Youth Advisory Board members along with 60 Boys & Girls Club members will came together to complete construction of the new outdoor play area, which includes a soccer field. That evening, State Farm returned after a long day of hard work to take part in the Club’s Family Fitness event. YAB members toured the Club, spent time with members and participated in a variety of activities. We are grateful to State Farm and the YAB members for their generous support and hard work. Thank you!
Return to Respect Event Supports Seminole County Clubs
Seminole County board member, Karen Procell, hosted the 11th annual Return to Respect gala at the Hard Rock Live at Universal Orlando CityWalk. The comedy show, dinner and auction event paid tribute to victims and survivors of domestic violence, something Karen knows all too well with the loss of her sister to domestic violence years ago. Each year, a different nonprofit is selected to benefit from the event, and this year, BGCCF and its Seminole County Branches were thrilled to be chosen as the main beneficiary. Proceeds raised will be used to fund the Clubs’ Date SMART, SMART Girls, and Passport to Manhood programs, in order to teach members how to engage in positive, healthy relationships. This approach is aimed at educating children that they do not have to participate in the cycle of domestic violence.Thank you to Karen Procell, all of our board members, volunteers, guests and sponsors for helping to raise over $55,000 that will help educate Club members about how NOT to be a victim or an instigator of violence…perhaps how to even help save a life.
Olympic Gold Medal Gymnast & JCPenney Treat Club Members to Shopping Spree
Just in time to help meet the back to school needs of our Club members this fall, JCPenney invited several girls from the Taft Branch to take part in the official launch of their new and exclusive JCPenney clothing line, “Supergirl by Nastia.”
Named for the Olympic Gold Medal Gymnast, Nastia Liukin, the new clothing line was showcased during the members’ all-access shopping spree, generously contributed by JCPenney, and during the special meet and greet with Nastia herself.
By supporting positive afterschool programs that offer life-enriching experiences, JCPenney is helping to make a difference with our nation’s youth. Thank you to JCPenney and Natia Liukin for being positive role models, and for helping to shape our female members into “super” and smart girls of tomorrow.
Darden’s Red Lobster Lends a Helping Hand
Hundreds of Red Lobster general managers, from across the region and from Canada, gathered in Orlando for their annual conference. To help enhance the conference experience, BGCCF organized and mobilized a special volunteer project that was fully executed and completed at the conference’s hotel site.
General managers formed teams and were quickly put to work in order to accomplish the following tasks: packaging 1,000 educational back-packs, building 20 bicycles, assembling 20 picnic tables, and creating several art posters with inspirational messages to be displayed at various Clubs.Each project was approached with such care and attention. These managers knew that our Clubs and members would be benefiting from the teamwork and effort put forth. To their surprise, about 20 Club members joined them on site as the conference’s special surprise guests. Little did the each member know that they too would be surprised with the gift of a brand new bicycle! Thank you to Darden Restaurants and to their Red Lobster general managers for bringing joy to our Club members…even from a remote location!
Amway Positive Sprouts Garden
Amway, in partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) and the Green Education Foundation (GEF), graciously gifted the Universal Orlando Foundation Branch with the last of their seven “Positive Sprouts Garden” projects, as a part of their attempt to mobilize volunteers and teach youth how to start and maintain their own edible gardens across the nation.
After months of nurturing their 25×33 green space, Club members celebrated the success of their hard work on November 18 with a harvest party that included sample tastings of recipes created with ingredients from their garden-some ingredients that Club members never even knew existed before the program. Thank you to everyone who helped to make our garden a new part of our Club!
Dove Movement for Self-Esteem Comes to Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida
On October 23, 2010, over 70 SMART Girls from four different Boys & Girls Clubs across Central Florida, adorned with their “Self Worth” t-shirts, attended the Dove Self Esteem Workshop at the Tupperware Brands Branch. Kicking off the event was guest presenter, Dr. Diana Ashe, who spoke on the concept of knowing and respecting yourself, and how you can overcome any obstacles in life regardless of what may come your way-knowing it’s all in your hands is what helps to empower young girls to become confident women.
The girls also participated in three groups sessions throughout the day, including the “Be Activity.” This gave our female members a moment to reflect about themselves and jot down their idea of self worth, such as to “Be Powerful” and confident in their own skin.To conclude the event, members hosted the SMART Girls Supersession with Ms. Corporate America, Shanta Barton-Stubbs, and presented a Self Worth Fashion Show.
Our female members were impacted with everything they received and learned from the workshop… hearts were filled and lives where changed! Thank you to the Dove Movement for Self-Esteem for helping our girls to see and value their inner beauty.
Clubs Celebrate End of Summer Program with Spirited Events
The end of summer program means so much to Club members, staff, parents and supporters. It is a time for each Club to highlight the culmination of hard work, time, talent and learning. At the Walt Disney World Branch, members showcased the arts and culture from around the word with the help of international cast members from Walt Disney World’s EPCOT Center. Cirque du Monde worked with members again this year on creative entertainment performances. Now, school is back in session and another chapter of Club life begins, but no one will forget the fun time and the new experiences had during the summer of 2010!
Walmart Foundation Offers Bright Spot Reading Room at Universal Orlando Branch
The Universal Orlando Foundation Branch of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida has received a $10,000 grant to launch a new reading initiative that promotes both educational and leisure reading for adolescents. The Walmart Foundation’s Bright Spot for Reading initiative for adolescent readers will help create a reading center, provide training for staff and encourage relationships to ensure the success of young members.
In total, 53 members are participating in the program and the Universal Orlando Foundation Club’s core youth development programs, including the education and career development program, will greatly benefit from the new grant. In addition, the internal Torch and Keystone Clubs will greatly benefit from the gift. Thank you to the Walmart Foundation and to Boys & Girls Clubs of America for helping to improve the quality of life for our Club members!
KaBOOM! and Walt Disney World Resort Help to Build Playground
The Walt Disney World Branch can now enjoy a playground to call their own. Thanks to the hard work of many local volunteers, KaBOOM! and the backing and support of Walt Disney World Resort, the Club has a safe and fun place for members to play. The playground design stemmed from the imaginations of local Club member and will greatly benefit the Pine Hills community. Thank you to everyone for helping to make our dream playground a dream come true!
Taco Bell Foundation for Teens Grant Helps Local Club Members
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida and its Universal Orlando Foundation Branch is being recognized with a $10,000 grant from the Taco Bell Foundation for Teens to fund real world experience programs that help encourage them to stay in school and consider future career possibilities. As one of 250 organizations to receive a portion of the $1.8 million grant from the Foundation, the Universal Orlando Foundation Branch will host a career-oriented teen summit at the University of Phoenix in Orlando, Florida with workshops based on popular television reality shows focused on education.The Club will also embark on College tours including visits to Florida State and FAMU.Thank you to the Taco Bell Foundation for Teens for believing as well as investing in our Club members. With your help, our teens have the potential to become the best and brightest community leaders of tomorrow!
Universal Orlando Foundation Branch Receives Culinary Program Support!
The Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau Inc. recently presented a check for $12,500, from its 14th Annual Membership Golf Tournament, to Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida. The tournament was title sponsored by GES Global Experience Specialists and was held on April 19, 2010 at Orlando’s Waldorf Astoria Golf Club.The funds raised will go to benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida and their Universal Orlando Foundation Branch’s Club Cafe Culinary Arts Program, which exposes youngsters to the culinary arts while teaching them work and life skills. Thank you to our friends at the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau Inc. and to everyone who took part in the golf tournament for your generous gift.
Club Members “Shine On” Thanks to Disney Gift
Walt Disney World Resort and its prize patrol presented BGCCF board chair Robert Utsey with a $100,000 Disney Helping Kids Shine Grant this spring to aid in our efforts of serving children in need across Central Florida. Many thanks to Disney for helping us to continue providing life-changing youth development programs to children in need across Central Florida.
UPS Road Code Brings Safe Driving to Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida Teens
This past February, UPS, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida and local Orlando officials presented the UPS Road CodeSM, a comprehensive teen safe driving course that incorporates UPS’s world-class safe-driving methods, including the latest interactive tools originally developed to train UPS’s newest generation of drivers, at our Walt Disney World Branch.UPS and Boys & Girls Clubs of America joined forces to prevent the leading cause of adolescent deaths in America, by teaching teens to drive more safely. Despite this fact, teens in Orlando often are not getting the driving skills they need to stay safe behind the wheel.
The UPS Foundation has given $1.5 million to this cause nationally and is supplying driving experts to serve as volunteer instructors.NASCAR Driver David Ragan and Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings were on hand to discuss the importance of safe driving with local teens at the Walt Disney World Branch. Recently, driving simulator and UPS facilitators have been present at the Club in order to help teen members fine tune their skills. Thank you UPS and Boys & Girls Clubs of America for keeping our teens safe in the Club and on the road.
Ross Stores, Inc. Support Orange, Osceola and Seminole County Clubs and Power Hour Program
Committed to helping youth excel academically and graduate from high school, Ross Stores has generously awarded our Eatonville, Tupperware Brands and West Sanford Branches $18,700 to help upgrade and enhance each Club’s Power Hour Program, as well as purchase important educational materials and tools needed to operate the growing program. Another goal is to create a culture of learning within the Clubs. Funds also allowed us to send two staff members to a national Power Hour training at the Boys & Girls Clubs of America offices in Atlanta in early February 2011.
A part of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida’s Education and Career Development core program area, Power Hour is a comprehensive and interactive homework help and tutoring program designed to raise the academic proficiency of Club members ages 6-18. Thank you to Ross Stores, Inc. for supporting the academic needs of our Club members!
Orlando Magic’s Dwight Howard Gives Back
Known not only for his skills on the basket ball court but for his support of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida, Dwight Howard donated $20,000 to our Walt Disney World Branch including a $5,000 shopping spree at the Mall at Milennia’s Finish Line Athletic Store for a few lucky Club members. The donation came as a part of Dwight’s DeVos Community Enrichment Award where the DeVos foundation grants funds to the award recipient to dispense to the charities of his choice. Thank you to Dwight Howard for choosing Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida and for your continued generosity and support. Go Magic!
SunTrust Florida Gives Back to the Local Community:
Boys & Girls Clubs of America board member Ken Griffey Jr. accepted a generous donation from SunTrust Florida President and CEO, Tom Kuntz, on behalf of five Boys & Girls Clubs chapters across the State of Florida, including Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida. We are grateful for this much needed $10,000 gift that will go directly to supporting our programs and Club members. Thank you SunTrust Florida!
Samsung & Bennetts Make a Club Connection:
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida was the second stop on a nationwide Samsung Electronics bus tour that was kicked-off Super Bowl weekend. Members had the chance to board the specially designed RV showroom, as well as tour our guests through one of our local Clubs. Thank you to our new friends at Samsung Electronics and Bennetts Business Systems for their kind product donation!
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida Junior Golf Camp! Thanks to a generous grant from our friends at Florida Sports Foundation and the sale of the Florida Golf License Plate, 60 Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida members from our East Altamonte Branch had the unique opportunity to participate in a two-week Junior Golf camp this winter-the first week devoted to Club members 8-10 years-old and the second week reserved for members ages 11-14.The special two-week golf camp, led by Andy Crabtree, assistant men’s golf coach at The University of Tulsa, allowed both male and female Club members to experience personalized golf instruction, hands-on learning on the green at Links at 434 and the chance to appreciate something new and exciting in the world of sports & fitness-one of Boys & Girls Clubs’ five core youth development areas.
As a special treat, the East Altamonte Branch was also gifted with 20 sets of golf clubs and bags to help the Club continue its newfound interest in golf.The camp provided our youth with more than just an introduction to the game of golf; it also gave them the opportunity to enjoy something they may not otherwise have had the chance to experience in their lives. To learn more about Florida Sports Foundation and how you can support other junior golf programs aimed at helping disadvantaged youth across the state of Florida through the purchase of a golf license plate, please click on the license plate below or call 1-877-golf tag.
