Supporters of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Indian River County visited one of three places where the magic happens during the 20th annual Angel Dinner, held at the Vero Beach facility.
There are also club facilities in Sebastian and Fellsmere.
Guests braved the elements to socialize with club members during the cocktail hour, chatting about the many activities the children enjoy thanks to their support. Later, in the gymnasium, they dined on a buffet dinner by Elizabeth Kennedy & Co. at tables set with train engine smokestacks that highlighted the “Back on Track” theme of the event.
Event chair Nancy Lynch and ‘co-conductor’ Jaquan Pledger commented that the last Angel dinner took place in March 2020, two weeks before the world shut down. Pledger, a club member from age 9 until graduating from high school two years ago, has since acquired a real estate license, sold his first house, and is working toward a business degree.
“The Boys & Girls Club helped me to become the person I am today. I am very grateful to everyone here,” said Pledger, before thanking all the sponsors, particularly presenting sponsor John’s Island Real Estate.
Elizabeth Thomason, BGC executive director, introduced Chad, the Vero Beach Youth of the Year; Lizeth, the Fellsmere Club Junior Youth of the Year; and Elana, the Vero Club Junior Youth of the Year, who led the Pledge of Allegiance, Club Code and prayer, respectively.
The night was a bittersweet one for Thomason, who has resigned after 12 years to become the foundation director for Treasure Coast Community Health, and who was lauded for her stellar leadership of the organization.
“This is the first time we’ve ever hosted an Angels dinner on our home turf, and it feels great,” said Bob Bauchman, board co-chair with Bill Grealis.
Commenting that they reduced the number of children by 60 percent during COVID to stay open safely, he said they are slowly adding more children as they find additional qualified staff.
“It has been difficult, but the board and administration are working closely together to achieve our goal of returning to pre-pandemic numbers,” said Bauchman.
Before introducing Emmanuel Salas, a Fellsmere Club member and their inspirational Youth of the Year, Thomason explained that the designation recognizes the clubs’ best and brightest and is the highest honor a member can attain.
“Candidates are judged on their service to home and family, moral character, community service, school leadership and service, academic performance, service to Boys & Girls Club, life goals, a written essay and public speaking ability,” said Thomason.
Salas was born in Mexico, where he was raised by his grandmother for 11 years before moving here to be with his parents and siblings.
“In 2016, I arrived in the United States, and back then I wouldn’t have been able to say a word to you in English,” said Salas. Shy and insecure in school because of difficulties communicating, he joined the club a year later and, over time, said its cultural diversity made him more confident and secure.
“The club helped me learn about what I could do for myself and the community,” said Salas, who began volunteering within the club and elsewhere. He is a member of the National Honor Society, a Student Council senior class officer, enrolled in the International Baccalaureate program and plans to attend the University of Central Florida.
“Life is not easy and standing here is an accomplishment that I would never have done if it were not for the people that believed in me, did not give up on me, and still have not given up on me,” said Salas.
For more information, visit BGCIRC.org.
Photos by Mary Schenkel
