During our Great Futures Grand Slam Luncheon on Oct. 18, Boys & Girls Club President and CEO Megan McCarthy Beauvais honored seven individuals, companies and organizations through the 2021 Paragon Awards. The annual awards program recognizes excellence and impact on youth.
“Many nonprofits have struggled to keep pace with demand during the pandemic, but the Boys & Girls Club’s ongoing success is proof that no challenge is too big to overcome if you have support from the community.”
The 2021 Paragon Award winners include:
- Legacy Award: Terry Flynn
- Volunteer Award: John Iannuzzi
- Education Ambassador Award: Naples Children & Education Foundation
- Community Partner Award: Yamron
- Jewelers Champion Award: Windstar Club Charitable Foundation
- Business Partner Award: Boston Beer Garden
- New Business Partner Award: Main Course Hospitality
Amanda Curbelo Earns 40-Under-40 Honor
Last month, we celebrated Board Member Emma Osborne being named a 40 Under 40 honoree by Gulfshore Business. This month, we’re celebrating Resource Development Director Amanda Curbelo being named to Business Observer’s 40 Under 40 list.
Business Observer recognizes the best and brightest rising talent, business leaders and entrepreneurs from Tampa through Naples. During the past two years, Amanda has reignited a community passion for the Boys & Girls Club. It’s become THE place to work, volunteer and donate, and the Club’s 3,000 student members are the beneficiaries of her passionate leadership.
Congratulations, Amanda!
Building Self-Esteem One Girl at a Time
Years ago, the Boys & Girls Club launched a unique mentoring program in partnership with the Women’s Foundation of Collier County. The Junior Women of Initiative program helps middle school girls grow their self-esteem, confidence and personal awareness while building vital life skills necessary for future success.
Recently, members at our Nichols and Bolch campuses participated in the Dove Self-Esteem Project, a national initiative to help young people overcome body image issues and fulfill their potential by building positive body confidence and self-esteem. In addition to guided conversations with staff, student members each had opportunities to paint a canvas with their “I Am” statement to portray their strength, confidence and abilities. Talk about girl power!
Trick or Treat
Halloween again will look different in 2021, but thanks to our community partners, Boys & Girls Club members and local children will enjoy the spirit of Halloween.
Starting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, the Nichols and Bolch campuses will be transformed into Halloween headquarters for the “Lights on Afterschool Fall Festival.” The free community event includes trunk-or-treating for candy, as well as cookies, games, music and other surprises.
Our generous community partners for the Fall Festival include Panira Healthcare Clinic, Comerica Bank, Immokalee Fire Control District, Safe and Healthy Children’s Coalition, Collier County Sheriff’s Office, Soccer Pit Cobras, Collier County School District, Collier County Domestic Animal Services and Off The Hook Comedy Club. A special thanks goes to Lipman Family Farms, which helped our Bolch campus reach its goal of collecting 100 pumpkins for a pre-festival member project.
Thanksgiving Turkey Drive
The Boys & Girls Club is hoping to ease the burden many families face as we approach the holidays. This year, please consider supporting our Thanksgiving Turkey Drive, which will help provide complete holiday meals for club families.
It’s Almost Tee Time
Although every tee time is booked for our 18th FORE-the-Kids Golf Tournament, you still can support our members and programs by purchasing tickets to the cocktail party and bid on auction items.
FORE-the-Kids will be held Saturday, Nov. 6 at The Golf Club at Fiddler’s Creek. After-party tickets can be purchased through the link below and include the party, live and silent auction, music and more!
Women, Wine & A Worthy Cause
Mark your calendars for what will certainly be one of the most talked about social events of the season. Women, Wine & a Worthy Cause will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Dec. 15 at Jane’s Café on 3rd in Naples. The event will feature vibrant, professional women from all walks of life toasting to the Boys & Girls Club’s positive impact on the youth of Naples and Immokalee.
Tickets are $75 each and include networking, fine wine, great food and music. Proceeds will support Boys & Girls Club programs. Major sponsors are Naples Illustrated, Linda Dubroof-McGinnis and Jane’s Café on 3rd.