Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida

?? Yesterday's BGCCF Annual Meeting was truly unforgettable! We celebrated incredible partnerships and milestones, and we're grateful to everyone who attended. ?? ?? We officially welcomed our newest Governance Board members: Nisha Brice, Tadar Muhammad, MBA, Ted J., Dena Jalbert, Andrew M. Gluck, Karen Wankelman, Neal Hagglund, Donna Kirtland, MBA, CFRE, and Christina Hartfield, CFP?. ?? We also recognized some amazing service milestones: Jason Kirk and Dennis Lemma for five years of service ?? Vivek Desai and Brock Nicholas for ten years of service ?? And the incredible Russ Salerno for 55 years of service! ?? Additionally, we honored some outstanding individuals and organizations: ?? Rookie of the Year: John Quigley ?? Board Member of the Year: Jim Etscorn ?? Stealthy Support: Jacqui Bradley ?? Media Maestro: Lisa Bell ?? Corporate Partnership Award: KPMG (Christoffer Ekebergh) ?? Individual Volunteer: Dr. L. Trenton S. Marsh, Ph.D. ?? Brand Champions: Rocket Chimp (Randy Chase & Matt Stewart) & Lamar Advertising Company (Matt Howard) ?? We celebrated staff service milestones ranging from five to 25 years, and our President and CEO Jamie Merrill virtually awarded the President's Award to the very deserving Anna Dieuveuil, who could not attend in person as she was busy supporting her Club youth. ?? The evening ended with an incredible dance performance by our talented Club dancers! ?? We're so thankful for everyone who helps build brighter futures through BGCCF. Let's keep shining! ?? #BGCCF #AnnualMeeting #CommunitySupport #YouthEmpowerment #PartnershipsMatter #GreatFuturesStartHere

As we follow the yellow brick road to?Club Oz, we invite you to be part of an unforgettable night that will change the lives of 12,000 youth! ?? Celebrate the Children?is just around the corner, happening on?April 4, 2025. This enchanting evening promises captivating entertainment, delightful food, and sparkling decor inspired by the Emerald City. ??? By sponsoring this event, you'll not only contribute to vital funds for our Club programming but also enjoy a fabulous night of fun and networking. Your support will help provide caring mentors, transformative programs, and welcoming facilities for those who need it most. Don't miss out!?Sponsorship opportunities are limited. Learn more and join us as a partner TODAY: https://bgccf.org/ctc/

This week, our CEO Jamie Merrill and VP of Marketing & Community Relations Dani Moritz joined more than 300 leaders from Boys & Girls Clubs across the nation for the National Days of Advocacy on Capitol Hill. Together, we connected with our representatives and senators to champion the impactful work of our organization, highlighting our commitment to fostering academic success, workforce readiness, and youth well-being. We extend special thanks to the offices of Rep. Darren Soto,?Rep. Cory Mills (Cory M.),?Rep. Daniel Webster,?Rep. Maxwell Frost (Maxwell F.), and?Sen. Ashley Moody for their time and support. We're proud that #GreatFuturesStartHere and grateful for the incredible support of our elected officials. Let's continue to advocate for the future of our youth! #NDOA #Advocacy

We're thrilled to announce a generous multi-year investment from the Harvey & Carol Massey Foundation to support our arts programming at Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida! ?????? This incredible support will allow us to continue nurturing creativity and self-expression in our young members. We're deeply grateful to the Massey Foundation and Massey Services, Inc. for believing in our kids and recognizing the vital role arts education plays in their development. Thank you, Harvey & Carol Massey Foundation, for investing in our children's futures through the power of the arts. Your support is helping shape the next generation of creative, confident, and successful individuals! #ArtsEducation #YouthDevelopment #CommunitySupport #GreatFuturesStartHere

As we celebrate the ongoing efforts to strengthen our community, we're reminded of the importance of collaboration and leadership. Recently, the Downtown Orlando Partnership announced that Jamie Merrill, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida, has been elected to their Board of Directors. ?? This recognition is not only a testament to Jamie's exceptional leadership, but it also highlights the deep integration of Boys & Girls Clubs within our vibrant Central Florida community. As we continue to foster growth, opportunity, and positive change, this appointment underscores the impact we're making together. We're proud to be part of a network that values collaboration and mutual support, and we look forward to continuing our mission to empower the next generation of leaders. Thank you, Jamie, for representing us so well, and thank you to the Downtown Orlando Partnership for this honor!? ? #GreatFuturesStartHere #DowntownOrlandoPartnership #Orlando

When Ci’Miya was just 7 years old, she faced a profound loss with the passing of her older brother. But instead of succumbing to darkness, she discovered hope at Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida. "The Club was filled with bright colors, laughter, art, and friends who made me feel like I belonged," she said. "It wasn’t just a building; it was a lifeline, a place where I could be a kid again." Today, Ci’Miya channels her experiences into supporting others, guiding them through their own challenges. She describes helping others as her passion and finds purpose in making a positive impact on their lives ??. We are deeply inspired by Ci’Miya and all of this year’s Kiwanis Club of Orlando Foundation Youth of the Year finalists. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience and support ??. #GreatFuturesStartHere #Inspiration #Leadership

Our Club youth are changing the world! We are delighted to announce that Annabel, a valued member of our Walt Disney World Clubhouse community, has been recognized as this year's?Heart of Florida United Way Change Maker Junior. ?? Annabel's dedication to giving back and her commitment to important causes such as mental health advocacy and combating food insecurity are truly commendable. Her wisdom and passion beyond her years are an inspiration to us all. We are proud to have Annabel as part of our community and look forward to seeing the positive impact she will continue to make. We'd also like to extend a congrats to all of last night's Change Maker honorees. Congratulations to: ? Ken Robinson, Dr. Phillips Charities ? Kate Wilson, Wells Fargo ? Marty Rubin, Smart City Networks ? Heather Wilkie, LMHC, Zebra Youth ? Bill Daniel, Boone High School ? Marilyn King, Grace Medical Home ? Malika H., MENTOR Florida ? Britt J., Christian HELP As Jeff Hayward reminded us last night, when we LIVE UNITED we can do anything! #GreatFuturesStartHere #LiveUnited #ChangeMaker #MentalHealthAwareness #FoodInsecurity #CommunityLeadership

From soaring kites to high-flying drones, our members at the Bradley-Otis Family Branch had an unforgettable day exploring the science of flight! Through hands-on STEM activities, they sparked curiosity, built problem-solving skills, and discovered how creativity and science go hand in hand. Days like Fly High Friday aren’t just fun—they’re building blocks for bright futures! ?????? #GreatFuturesStartHere #STEMeducation #CareerReadiness #FlyHighFriday

?? We are beyond proud to celebrate our very own LaVell Monger-Harris, M.Ed., Development Officer for Osceola County at Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida (BGCCF), for receiving the Lieutenant Lloyd Burton Jr. Service Award from Osceola County Government! ???? Beyond his work with BGCCF, LaVell is a successful entrepreneur and devoted public servant in Osceola County. LaVell, your passion continues to inspire us all. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor! #GreatFuturesStartHere #CommunityLeader #MentorshipMatters #OsceolaCounty #Leadership

Our 2025 Kiwanis Club of Orlando Foundation Youth of the Year finalists are truly inspiring! ???? Meet Ericka, a remarkable junior at our Walt Disney World Clubhouse, who has been part of the Club for an impressive 12 years. Ericka is a dedicated advocate for mental health, literacy, and is a valued member of our Rockstar Robotics team and Youth Arts Initiative dance program, among other pursuits. Despite facing significant challenges, including a house fire that left her temporarily homeless, Ericka remains a beacon of resilience. "During this challenging period, the Club became more than a refuge; it became my safe space," she said. "The staff's unwavering support and encouragement helped me cope with the emotional toll of the loss and uncertainty. Their guidance taught me to approach adversity with courage and optimism, shaping my perseverance through life's challenges." We are deeply grateful to have Ericka as part of our Club family, and her presence enriches us all. Keep shining, Ericka! ?? #GreatFuturesStartHere #YouthOfTheYear #Inspiration #Leadership