Greetings!
It is almost hard to believe that another school year is behind us. We hope you enjoy this newsletter, which provides an update of what has been happening at the Clubs. As you will see in the short video-photo show, we recently had a very special send off for our seniors. It is always hard to see them go as many have been with us for many years, but on the other side, it is very rewarding to see them embrace their futures with much enthusiasm and appreciation. Many have shared with us that they attribute their experiences at the Boys & Girls Clubs to their drive and determination, and they will carry many lessons learned with them for years to come. It is through your generosity and support we are able to continue to change kids’ lives.
While we were not able to hold any of our events this year, we excited to share that we are on par for next year starting with our three golf tournaments: Pro Am, Amateur and Nine & Shine. To learn more about the tournaments and to sign up, visit our website at www.bgcirc.org and click on the sign up button on our home page.
From all of us here at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Indian River County, we wish you a wonderful summer and look forward to seeing you back here in the fall.
With Gratitude,
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Elizabeth Thomason
Executive Director
Boys & Girls Clubs of Indian River County
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Congratulations to the
Class of 2021!
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Check out this short video-photo show (click pic above) featuring Boys & Girls Clubs of IRC 2021 Grads |
Pictured left to right: Elizabeth Thomason (Executive Director), Ashanti, Malik, Kiara, Adan, Minh, Travis and Laura Luettger (Director of Operations). Not pictured: Melanie and Ryan. |
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Hats Off To Our
2021 GRADUATES
Congratulations!
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On May 15, 2021 we celebrated our seniors with a celebratory send off. We will miss them but we're excited for their future! We know they are going to do great things and we can't wait to see! Pictured below are those who attended getting their Boys & Girls Clubs' certificate from Elizabeth Thomason, Executive Director. Not pictured are Melanie and Ryan. |
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Pictured left to right: Elizabeth Thomason (Executive Director), Ashanti, Malik, Kiara, Adan, Minh, Travis and Laura Luettger (Director of Operations). Not pictured: Melanie and Ryan. |
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We are very excited to share that we have two New-Used 2016 School Buses for our Clubs. This Saf-T-Liner bus will transport up to 77 children and is equipped with seatbelts. Saf-T-Liner is known for its reliability and safety and we could not be more pleased to provide this new transportation for our kids.
Pictured in front of the bus with big smiles under their masks is Vero Beach Club Director, Barbara Cross (front), Gardy Desrosiers, Athletic Director for all Clubs (left) and Donna Macera, Vero Beach Program Director (right).
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WELCOME AMANDA, WIL & ALLY! |
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Amanda Yeargin
Career Counselor - All Clubs
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Wil Caro
Program Director - Fellsmere
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Ally Tunink
Club Director - Fellsmere
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We are pleased to announce some exciting staff changes. Amanda Yeargin has come on board as the new Career Counselor for all three Clubs located in Fellsmere, Sebastian and Vero Beach. Wil Caro, previously the Art Specialist and Youth Development Professional at the Sebastian Club, has been promoted to the new Program Director at the Fellsmere Club. Ally Tunink has joined BGC IRC as the new Club Director at the Fellsmere Club. [READ full press release click here]
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FIRST SWIM MEET OF THE SEASON
PREFACED WITH SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER - Stephanie Akakabota
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Thank you to Jeffrey Powers, Founder of Float Hope of Indian River County, our members who swim had a special treat in April when they attended the Gifford Youth Achievement Center to listen to special guest, Stephanie Akakabotal. Stephanie is currently a senior in high school from Seminole, FL and is considered the fastest swimmer in Florida. She is also a USA All American swimmer and has qualified for this year’s Olympic Trials. She shared her achievements with the kids and told them that anyone can achieve what they believe with hard work and dedication. Heading to the University of California Berkley as a top recruit, Stephanie left a great impact on our swimmers!
The following day, our swimmers competed in their first swim meet of the year with GYAC at the North County Aquatic Center in Sebastian. Parents, families and friends were all invited and Jeffrey treated everyone to some good eats and sweet tea following the meet.
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We are so proud of these girls from our Sebastian and Vero Beach Clubs! For eight weeks a group of members followed the Girls of the Run (GOTR) curriculum and practiced with Assistant Athletic Director Hannah. GOTR's mission is to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running.
Over the course of the program, they worked their way up to a 5K run. The program ended with a culminating event and they rocked it! Thank you to all who supported and cheered them!
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SPECIAL GUESTS POPPED IN FOR A LITTLE DODGEBALL COMPETITION. |
"Today we played several "Dodgeball" games with our youths at the Vero Beach Boys & Girls Clubs of Indian River County. The kids were excited and of course they won a few games too! Kids ranged from Kindergarten to High School. We would like to thank the Vero Beach Boys & Girls Clubs of Indian River County for their continued Community Partnership." ~ Vero Beach Police Department
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NEXT UP IN SPORTS
TENNIS ANYONE!?
Tennis lessons through the Mardy Fish Foundation: June 5 - July 29, T & TH from 8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
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Summer Swimming!
This summer, swimming practice will take place on M, W & F for Fellsmere and Sebastian members and T & TH for Vero Beach at the North County pool.
Athletic Director Gardy will also be keeping the kids busy with many other various activities and games!
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MEMBER RECOGNITION AWARDS |
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Every year we celebrate our Members who go above and beyond and who are extraordinary role models to their peers. We would like to congratulate all our Members who won a Member Recognition Award for school year 2020-21. There are 7 categories: Most Club Spirit, Most Creative, National Fine Arts, Programming, Civic Engagement and Athletic Performance. Pictured below for each of our Clubs (Fellsmere, Sebastian and Vero Beach) are the members who worked really hard this year and exceeded expectations. Each received recognition in front of their peers, a Visa gift card and a delicious cupcake. Way to go kids!
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FELLSMERE CLUB
EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
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SEBASTIAN CLUB
EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
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VERO BEACH CLUB
EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
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Jorge Naranjo
OVERALL EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
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SPRING BREAK SPRUNG WITH LOTS OF FUN! |
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Spring Break was full of fun activities for our kids. Each day was a different educational and entertaining theme. Their activities included art and science projects, making jewelry, cooking, playing board games, dressing up as their favorite Disney character, and on the last day they were splishing and splashing their way through water day. |
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During Spring Break our Teens had a full week of getting to experience the process of looking for a job, as well as learning what it takes to land a job. They started with a job fair where some local businesses came by to answer their questions; they worked on resumes and cover letters; and they went on mock interviews. As you can see, they polished up nicely and were ready to get hired! |
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We like to celebrate Earth Day every day at the Clubs, but it is nice to have that one special day to stop and think about the impact we are having by the choices we make. Some of our kids volunteered at Sebastian's Earth Day Celebration while others participated in projects. The Torch Club did an awesome job of designing a plant holder. Ten days after completion their plants were happy and thriving! |
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Pictured above, Earth Day Celebration at Sebastian's Riverview Park. |
Finished project. Job well done! |
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TORCH CLUB BUILDS
HANGING PLANT HOLDER
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☀️ This summer the kids will be keeping busy with lots of activities including athletics, interactive educational games and field trips! We hope you have a fabulous and fun summer too!
⛳ SIGN UP FOR GOLF!
We hope you will partake in one of our three golf tournaments this November. The Pro Am will take place on November 8, 2021 at Riomar Country Club and the Amateur and Nine & Shine will take place on November 15, 2021 at Bent Pine Golf Club. For full details, click the button below.
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We appreciate your support!
The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Indian River County is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens.
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Your support helps fund after school programs and educational services to the youth of Indian River County. When each child steps foot into the Boys & Girls Club, they are in a safe and positive environment where they are given the resources to realize their full potential. Every donation helps us build a stronger community together. |
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