Members of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Indian River County President’s Circle were thanked at a reception Monday night, held at the beautiful Orchid Island Beach Club. The sponsorship of this influential group is vital to the success of the organization and the annual reception offers a way to recognize that support, give them an update on the past year’s undertakings, and review plans for the future.
Board and President’s Circle members mingled over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres before a brief presentation by Board Chairman Jay McNamara and Boys and Girls Clubs President/CEO Ronnie Hewett who highlighted the year’s major accomplishments. As a result of their core Education Program, 85% of club members either improved or maintained their grades, and an impressive 87% of club members finish their homework before leaving the club for home, affording them more time to interact with their families. Through a program geared towards older kids, than 500 teens participated in 9,000 hours of service with 50 local agencies as part of the Youth Volunteer Corps program.
Looking forward, plans are underway to celebrate the Clubs’ 10th anniversary with two new clubhouses. The club in Vero Beach is scheduled to open in September, 2010, and in Fellsmere, programs are scheduled to begin in June, 2010. The new buildings will allow an increase in 30% over the current 2,000 children served.
The evening closed with eight Boys & Girls Clubs members taking the stage for a “Because of Your Support” presentation. They shared individual accomplishments such as that of 2009 Youth of the Year Johntavious Metilus, who plans on attending college; six years ago he hadn’t even thought college would be an option. In concluding their presentation, the children all donned sunglasses, again thanking President’s Club Members for affording them “A Bright Future.” {igallery 87}
