The World is Complicated.
And its been another tough year, especially for the kids. But when you support the
you turn everyday moments into great futures for the kids who need us most.
|
|
MEET THE
AMERICORPS MEMBER
OF THE MONTH
Pascual Francisco
|
Everyday AmeriCorps members and volunteers make a difference in the communities across the country and even here in Martin County.
Serving BGCMC Club members in Indiantown, Pascual was nominated by his peers because he consistently provides great guidance to his mentees, and he contributes greatly to promoting a safe and secure environment at Indiantown Middle School. When asked why he serves he says it's because he is passionate about giving back to his community in Indiantown. While serving in AmeriCorps, Pascual is also studying health and human services at Indian River State College.
|
|
If you would like to make a difference like Pascual, please consider joining the BGCMC AmeriCorps and help us build #BrightFutures for the kids that need it most.
|
|
CLUB HAPPENINGS
Our 3 Pillars for Success
|
|
|
|
Good Character
& Citizenship
|
|
|
Utilizing a peer-to-peer approach to inspire Club members in attaining a post-secondary education, Peer Forward is an exciting new program at BGCMC.
Partnering with Peer Forward a nationally recognized program with more than 20 years of experience in guiding low-income high schoolers on the path to higher education, the BGCMC Postsecondary Team, Club Directors, faculty from the Martin County School District and 24 high school juniors and seniors recently came together at the Port Salerno Club to kick off the new partnership. The group received training specific to the role they will play, and on how to launch successful postsecondary school campaigns.
Students (Peer Leaders) have already started recruiting their classmates to join the movement to become college and career ready by the time they graduate from high school. Their primary goals are to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), as well as three college, military, or vocational applications before graduation.
|
|
Building great futures for the youth of Martin County is what BGCMC is all about, and one way we’re accomplishing that is by fostering positive relationships with local law enforcement and public safety professionals. On Thursday, Nov. 11 at the Cole-Clark Club located in Hobe Sound the BGCMC hosted their first annual Law Enforcement Day.
More than 200 children from the Hobe Sound, Port Salerno and Stuart Clubs enjoyed meeting and learning from public safety and environmental protection professionals from 10 local law enforcement agencies.
In their own words, Club members reflect on the new positive impression of law enforcement due to the event.
"I did not know policemen used drones for their job. I learned how to operate drones at my club and like it. I can't wait to become a policeman to work drones." - Ridley J. (10 years old)
|
|
Chef Dan Bettencourt, Director of the BGCMC Culinary Training Program, Caitlynn Palmieri, Garden and Food Justice Coordinator along with several graduates from the culinary program, hosted a Healthy Habits Cooking Class earlier this month for 3rd grade Club members. Our culinary students teamed up and prepared a homemade honey mustard using Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and honey, as well as some sweet dipping sauces such as fruit dip and a ricotta cheese based sweet dip.
Following the demonstration, the culinary graduates engaged with Club members and shared important tips on food safety, the importance of and how to measure all the ingredients, and since we also eat with our eyes, how to present the final dish. Participating Club members went home with recipes and delicious samples to share with their families.
|
|
CLUB HAPPENINGS
What's New
|
|
Front row, L-R: Elizabeth Ainslie, William F. Whitman Jr, Nivin MacMillan, Chairperson-Elect Kathryn Parsons, Keith “Fletch” Fletcher, Chairperson Diana D. Brooks, Anne Reyes, Nancy Buck and Arati Hammond.
Top row, L-R: Michael Troy, Keith Kiley Goldstein, Lisa V. Long, Charles V. Moore, Susan Colby, J.D. Lewis III, Bonnie F. McCausland, Mark Newman, Heidi Cox, Daniel H. Zivney, Eula R. Clarke, John Davison, John R. Reese, Beth Garcia Svopa, Douglas Sherman and Denise K. Ehrich.
Not present: Anthony Anderson, Robert J. Garry, Thomas Hurley, Richard Knight, Jay O. Light, Valerie McNeely, Kate Nielsen, James Riepe, Mark E. Robitaille, Eleanor R. Seaman, Philip Schein MD, Patricia G. Warner and Carol Webb.
|
|
|
 |
New Board Members Announced
We are honored to announce three new board members of diverse background, perspectives, and expertise to the 2022 slate, and to recognize those volunteer leaders that joined the organization during the height of the pandemic.
“Always looking to the future, it’s an ongoing initiative of the Club to recruit, appoint and retain board members that are passionate about our mission and vision,” says Keith “Fletch” Fletcher, President & CEO, BGCMC.
2022 appointments include: Anthony Anderson, Eula R. Clarke and Keith Kiley Goldstein.
2021 appointments included: Elizabeth Ainslie, Nancy Buck, Beth Garcia Svopa, Arati Hammond, Richard Knight, J.D. Lewis, Mark Newman, and Dan Zivney.
In addition to these newest members, the BGCMC would like to acknowledge Charles V. Moore for his exceptional service to the Club with the title of Emeritus Board Member.
|
|
|
|
Merry & Bright
For the second year in a row Operation Merry & Bright will deliver smiles and backpacks stuffed to the top of necessities, treats and healthy food for Club members to share with their families over the winter break.
Knowing many children depend on the Clubs for healthy, reliable meals and snacks, BGCMC is working hard to ensure that every child- especially those that need it most, will be fed while the Clubs are closed for the holidays. The food supply is carefully assembled to last throughout the winter break while the Clubs are closed. Items will include, fresh fruit and vegetables, healthy pantry items, prepared meals, and snacks. Plus, each child will also receive a new backpack with a wrapped toy, a grade-appropriate book, and essential care items such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, comb and a mask.
None of this would be possible without the support from our community. Please consider supporting Operation Merry & Bright and help us wrap up this year for those who need us the most. To learn more or to donate click here. |
|
|
|
Mariner Sands Country Club, Charity Week
|
|
L-R: Jack Flanagan, Mariner Sands Charity Week President accepting the award on behalf of Robert Kung and Mariner Sands Charity Week, Michelle King, Association of Fundraising Professionals Board Member. |
|
We all know Mariner Sands Country Club as the quiet community tucked between Federal Highway and A1A in southern Martin County, but did you know that each year since 2012 they host a weeklong charity event? Their mission is simple, to provide support to local charities that serve people in need of food, clothing, or even on occasion a roof over their head.
Each year they seek out organizations that have a proven track record, so it no coincidence that for more than 10 years Boys & Girls Club of Martin County has been a beneficiary.
It all started when Robert (Bob) Kung and his wife Rosalia agreed to co-chair Charity Week in 2012. He saw the need to ensure the continuity of Charity Week and created an organizational structure to provide for the longevity of the event and its mission. He served as Charity Week’s President in 2014 and 2015 and remined on the Board until April of this year.
Sadly, Bob lost his battle with cancer in August of this year. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and the many people and organizations he touched in the community. He spent untold hours working to improve the lives of so many and his efforts made a significant impact.
On National Philanthropy Day, November 18 at Harbour Ridge Yacht and Country Club, Mariner Sands Charity Week and Bob Kung were honored for their selfless work when they were bestowed the prestigious Outstanding Group Supporting Philanthropy Award by a discerning panel from the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
“We dedicate this tribute to the memory of Bob Kung.” Said Jack Flanagan, Mariner Sands Charity Week President, while accepting the award on behalf of Mariner Sands Charity Week and Bob Kung.
Committed to BGCMC, over the years Mariner Sands Charity Week has granted more than $120,000 through their annual week-long event and steadily has increased their commitment to the youth of Martin County.
|
|
Did you know that when you shop at smile.amazon.com Amazon will donate 0.5% of eligible purchases to BGCMC as your favorite charitable organization—no fees, no extra cost.
It’s easy, just follow these three simple steps when shopping online for your wish list.
It’s easy, just follow these three simple steps when shopping online for your wish list.
2. Sign in or create an account
3. Select Boys & Girls Club Martin County as your charitable organization
You can even bookmark Smile.Amazon.com or save it as your favorite website and support BGCMC every time you shop! Thank you for thinking of us while you make somebody’s Holiday wish come true.
You can bookmark Smile.Amazon.com or save it as your favorite website and support BGCMC every time you shop!
|
|
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County
For 30 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County has provided award-winning programs designed to guide and inspire young people ages 5-18 to learn, grow and mature in route to becoming successful adults. Each of the four Clubs and satellite Clubs enjoy strong partnerships with local schools and communities. Such cohesion ensures that Boys & Girls Clubs’ programs complement and enrich the curriculum our members learn in class as well as remain attuned to the challenges and opportunities they face on a day-to-day basis. The Clubs offer opportunities for fun, fitness, arts & culture, games of strategy, S.T.E.A.M. activities, robotics & technology, and certified teacher work with Club members on everything from tutoring and homework help to specialized project-based learning that prepares them for Bright Futures!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
