Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast was part of the unveiling of Clearwater Beach’s newest masterpiece….The Gallery at Sandpearl.

A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held on Thursday, February 18, 2010 at 10:00AM in which the new gallery showcasing the work on many Florida artists was opened.  Mr. Stuart Arp, General Manager for the Sandpearl Resort welcomed guests, political officials and invited Carl Lavender, President/CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast to speak about the importance of partnerships in our community.

As part of The Gallery at Sandpearl’s Grand Opening, several artists volunteered their talent and time to paint a mural (along with all of our North Greenwood Club Members, of course) at the North Greenwood Boys & Girls Club in Clearwater on Wednesday, February 17, 2010.  Our kids, staff and the artists had a blast and the wall mural is truly a work of art!

“The experience was so amazing!  I am so truly impressed with your organization and the wonderful children and teens we were so blessed to work with that day.  The boys and girls were so appreciative, but we continue to feel that we owe the thanks to them for the making such an impact on our lives” said Lisa Marie Potts, of HG Art Consultants in Orlando. 

Thank you Sandpearl for including Boys & Girls Clubs in the Gallery Grand Opening and thank you Lisa, Chris and Star sharing your talents with our kids & Club!

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation today announced it is providing more than $2.8 million in unrestricted funding to 14 nonprofits in Florida communities to address critical issues through the bank’s Neighborhood Excellence Initiative (NEI). Since introducing the program in 2004, Bank of America has invested $18 million throughout the state to help nonprofits increase their long-term viability and most recently to help sustain them in this challenging economic environment. 

Each organization, named “2009 Neighborhood Builders®,” will receive $200,000 in unrestricted grant funding and participate in Bank of America’s Neighborhood Excellence Leadership Program® with other nonprofit leaders from 45 communities across the country and London.

“Nonprofit and community leaders are instrumental in providing critical neighborhood services, and Bank of America is proud to support their work through the Neighborhood Excellence Initiative and other lending, investing and community development programs that align with our overall corporate social responsibility efforts,” said Mike Fields, Florida market president at Bank of America. “Not only does this program recognize some of the truly stand-out organizations and leaders in Florida, but it also offers valuable unrestricted financial support and professional development opportunities – critical to the long-term success of our communities."

Matthew Morton, While studying for a DPhil in Social Intervention and Organizational Behavior at Oxford University, has been named as the 2009 Shine International Student of the Year. Matthew learned he was the winner at a fantastic award ceremony in London presented by Moira Stewart and Nihal Arthanyake, in which all 12 finalists received recognition and praise for their exceptional achievements.  Please take some time to see Matt speak about his experience over in the U.K.

The judges felt that Matthew’s outstanding contribution to the community together with his ongoing work for the European Commission marked him out as a clear winner. Since coming to the UK from the USA, Matthew has helped found an organization called Youth Development Project - or YDP, that provides assistance and encouragement to young people, in an area of multiple-deprivation just outside Oxford. As well as volunteering for this group on an ongoing basis, Matthew has also set-up a youth leadership forum, between Albanian and British youth- leaders, through which both parties can share their knowledge and experiences.

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast announced a new unique partnership with the Clearwater Veterans Alliance (CVA) in an American Flag Education Series. Part of this series includes veterans and youth working together to promote patriotism in our community.  The CVA has donated flags to all Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast throughout Pinellas County with A.D. Morgan Corporation of Tampa generously donating their services for all installations.  David & Carrie Jolly sponsored the first flag pole in tribute to Wilson E. Richbourg – United States Navy Reserve and Lawson E. Jolly, Sr. – United States Army.  A Flagpole Dedication Ceremony was recently held at the Royal Theatre Arts Academy Boys & Girls Club to announce the America Flag Education Program in conjunction with the dedication ceremony on Friday, June 12, 2009. 

Youth performed and eloquent speeches were given by Honorable Mayor Baker of St. Petersburg, Bob Swick President of the CVA, Gunny Davide Macon and Carl R. Lavender Jr. President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast.  A dedication ceremony is planned at all of our clubs locations with the next being at the North Greenwood Club on August 7, 2009 at 10:00am.

On April 16, 2009, Bank of America announced that Asia Williams, a junior at Pinellas County Center for the Arts at Gibbs High School, and Kemoi Brown, a senior at Life Skills Center of Pinellas County, were named Student Leaders, local winners of the Neighborhood Excellence Initiative (NEI) awards. Five high school juniors and seniors in 45 markets participate in a leadership summit in Washington, DC and a paid internship with a local nonprofit/charitable organization.

As Student Leaders, they will participate in an all-expense paid week-long Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. during the week of July 19 - 24, 2009. This leadership development program, directed by the Close Up Foundation, the nation’s leading civic education provider, will provide valuable perspective on civic, social and business partnerships within the community. The winners will have the opportunity to meet students from all over the country and develop a better understanding of different beliefs, making new friends in the process. Asia and Kemoi will intern at the Royal Theatre Arts Academy, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast.

Alyssa Johnson, 15 was selected as a recipient of the 'Dr. Mac J. Williams Sr. Salute to Academic Excellence Award'.

Alyssa has been an active club member since arriving in Florida almost three years ago. She was instrumental in the success of the 'Summer Rhythms' Project, which culminated in a wonderful display of dedication, talent and desire during the final performance at Ruth Eckerd Hall last summer. Alyssa, along with Jessica Krause (YOY candidate) and her twin sister, Danielle, are currently the driving force on the Teen Council at North Greenwood.

Alyssa continues to strive towards excellence in education while giving of herself as a 'Leader in Training' and doing whatever she can to add value to this dynamic programming.

CLEARWATER – On Monday, February 23, 2009, the Curtis McGee Pro-Am will get underway in conjunction with the 5th Annual Sheriff Jim Coat’s Clearwater Open to raise funds for the Boys & Girls Club of the Suncoast. The Pro-Amateur will include 28 mixed doubles pairs consisting of 28 professional female tennis players and 28 male amateur players, and will be held at the Henry L. McMullen Tennis Complex in Clearwater,.

Participating in this year’s line-up of entertainment at the Curtis McGee Pro-Am will be renowned Jazz artist Eric Darius, R&B sensation Tyesha Williams along with special guest appearances by NFL Players. In addition to this, there will be two books signings held by Kathy Woods author of “Playing Tennis Over 50,” and Ken Emery author of “Create the Life You Deserve” motivational book.