Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties

Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties Enabling youth to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens.

Since 1970, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties have played an integral role in the Sarasota County community, providing daily programs and services to thousands of young people. The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible c

itizens. The vision is to provide a world-class Club experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who walks through our doors, with all members on track to graduate from high school with a plan for the future, demonstrating good character and citizenship, and living a healthy lifestyle.

And the 2025 Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties Youth of the Year is…📣📣📣 Ava M. from Pine View School! 🎉...
03/08/2025

And the 2025 Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties Youth of the Year is…📣📣📣

Ava M. from Pine View School! 🎉🥳🎊

In the coming months, Ava will vie for the honor of being named the 2025 State of Florida Youth of the Year!

Congratulations to this outstanding young leader and the four finalists! Each of you embodies the values of leadership, academic excellence, and healthy lifestyles and we couldn’t be more proud.

Many thanks to everyone who joined us last evening to honor these remarkable youth and cheer them on. 👏

Special thanks to our friends Coke Florida for donating a brand-new Chromebook to the winner and empowering the next generation of leaders!

Stay tuned for more photos!

🎤 And the winner is… 👀TODAY is the day! 🎉Tonight, one of these five exceptional finalists will be named the 2025 Youth o...
03/07/2025

🎤 And the winner is… 👀

TODAY is the day! 🎉Tonight, one of these five exceptional finalists will be named the 2025 Youth of the Year and earn the chance to advance to the state competition. Join us in wishing them all the best of luck! 👏👏👏

Meet Sophie B., a 2025 Youth of the Year finalist! A senior at Riverview High School, Sophie is headed to Washington Uni...
03/06/2025

Meet Sophie B., a 2025 Youth of the Year finalist! A senior at Riverview High School, Sophie is headed to Washington University (St Louis) to study Environmental Studies & Sociology with plans to become an Environmental Lawyer. 📚⚖️🌲

Sophie shared, "As a Club kid, I am intimately aware of how a single dream, with the right encouragement, can evolve into a powerful movement—one that grows far beyond the individual and transforms the world around it."

Join us in celebrating Sophie’s hard work and dedication as a 2025 Youth of the Year finalist! 🎉👏

Stay tuned as we reveal the winner at tomorrow’s Youth of the Year Celebration!

Meet Nazaria D., a 2025 Youth of the Year finalist! A senior at Sarasota High School, Nazaria is headed to Florida State...
03/05/2025

Meet Nazaria D., a 2025 Youth of the Year finalist! A senior at Sarasota High School, Nazaria is headed to Florida State University to study Biology on the Pre-Med track, with plans to become a Physician Associate. 👩‍⚕️📚.

Nazaria shared, "The Club’s focus on community has inspired me to continue volunteering and seeking ways to make a positive impact, no matter where life takes me after graduation."

Join us in celebrating Nazaria's hard work and dedication as a 2025 Youth of the Year finalist! 🎉👏

Meet Liam D., a 2025 Youth of the Year finalist! A junior at Pine View School, Liam is set to attend Boston University, ...
03/04/2025

Meet Liam D., a 2025 Youth of the Year finalist! A junior at Pine View School, Liam is set to attend Boston University, where he plans to pursue a career in mechanical engineering. 🔧📚

Liam shared 💬"The confidence and skills I gained through The Club have empowered me to embrace leadership with conviction and take on challenges I once considered beyond my reach."💬

Help us congratulate Liam on this well-earned recognition as a 2025 Youth of the Year finalist! 🎉

Meet Ava M., a 2025 Youth of the Year finalist! A senior at Pine View School, Ava will be attending the United States Mi...
03/03/2025

Meet Ava M., a 2025 Youth of the Year finalist! A senior at Pine View School, Ava will be attending the United States Military Academy at West Point, where she aspires to become a field surgeon.

Ava shared, 💬“Through the Club’s programs, I learned how to say “Yes.” Yes, to things that made me uncomfortable. Yes, to new opportunities. My Club taught me that there are incredible experiences in this world that can only happen if I am open to them.” 💬

Let’s give a big congratulations to Ava for her dedication and achievement as a 2025 Youth of the Year finalist! 🎉👏

Meet Angel V., a 2025 Youth of the Year finalist! A senior at Imagine North Port, Angel dreams of advancing his educatio...
03/02/2025

Meet Angel V., a 2025 Youth of the Year finalist! A senior at Imagine North Port, Angel dreams of advancing his education in aviation mechanics and becoming an Aviation Maintenance Technician. ✈️🔧

Angel shared, 💬"The Boys & Girls Club has been instrumental in shaping who I am today. It has taught me resilience, compassion, and the importance of community. From helping me navigate challenges to supporting my passions and future goals, The Club has been there every step of the way." 💬

Let’s cheer on Angel for his incredible achievement as a 2025 Youth of the Year finalist! 🎉

🔦We’re spotlighting each of our five finalists all week—culminating in the BIG reveal of our Youth of the Year winner this Friday! Stay tuned!

📚💻 Opportunities unlocked! A huge thank you to Coca-Cola Beverages Florida for supporting our five Youth of the Year fin...
02/28/2025

📚💻 Opportunities unlocked! A huge thank you to Coca-Cola Beverages Florida for supporting our five Youth of the Year finalists and taking the time to meet these inspiring young leaders this afternoon! Your generosity is creating opportunities for education, creativity, and succes and we are incredibly grateful for our longstanding partnership! 💻✨

Stay tuned as we will be celebrating the finalists throughout the week, leading up to next Friday’s BIG 🎆 announcement, when the Youth Of the Year winner will be announced and awarded a brand-new laptop.

February was full of creativity, challenges, and big ideas at BGCSDC! 🎨🏈 📚 From Chinese New Year and Black History Month...
02/27/2025

February was full of creativity, challenges, and big ideas at BGCSDC! 🎨🏈 📚 From Chinese New Year and Black History Month celebrations to hands-on experiments, artistic expression and inspiring discussions, Club members enthusiastically tackled new challenges and let their imaginations run wild.

➡️Check out the highlights!

🎤 And the winner is… 👀Find out NEXT FRIDAY at our Youth of the Year celebration (formerly Steak & Burger)! One inspiring...
02/26/2025

🎤 And the winner is… 👀

Find out NEXT FRIDAY at our Youth of the Year celebration (formerly Steak & Burger)! One inspiring Club teen will be named our local winner and take the next step toward the national title.

📍 Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club
🕕 6 PM | Western casual attire encouraged
🎟️ Get your tickets before they’re gone! https://ow.ly/yxRi50V76HP

☀️GREAT SUMMERS START HERE! 🌟Give your child a summer filled with discovery, creativity, and new connections. Our progra...
02/18/2025

☀️GREAT SUMMERS START HERE! 🌟

Give your child a summer filled with discovery, creativity, and new connections. Our programs for youth ages 6-18 offer hands-on activities that keep them active, engaged, and learning—all while having a blast!

📍Locations in Sarasota, Venice, North Port, and Arcadia
📅 June 2 - August 1 (Monday-Friday)
⏰ 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

📢 Register Today! 👉https://bgcsdc.org/summer-program
📞 Call 941.366.3911 for more info.

02/14/2025

What do heart rates, paper towers, and creative art have in common? They all came together for a fun and engaging Valentine’s Week at our Clubs! 💘

From hands-on STEM activities to engineering unique structures and crafting meaningful artwork, Club members blended learning, creativity, and fun—all while celebrating friendship and teamwork. ❤️🎨📊

day

Last week, we welcomed 60+ guests to the Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club for the first Opening Doors to Great Futures...
02/13/2025

Last week, we welcomed 60+ guests to the Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club for the first Opening Doors to Great Futures Dinner of 2025. Attendees got a behind-the-scenes look at the mission in action through program tours, culinary experiences, and alumae testimonials.

Special thanks to Executive Chef, Cesareo Cardenas, and the Tripletail Seafood & Spirits team for mentoring and guiding the Culinary Arts Program teens as they prepared and served an exceptional three-course meal.

✨ Want to see more from this special night? Read the full recap on our blog! https://bgcsdc.org/general/blog-post-boys-girls-clubs-of-sarasota-and-desoto-counties-hosts-first-opening-doors-to-great-futures-dinner-of-2025.html

On February 6, BGCSDC kicked off the first Opening Doors to Great Futures Dinner of 2025 at the Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club, welcoming more than 60

💡 New Year, New Goals, New Achievements!🚀The year is off to a strong start for Club members and 2025 is all about growth...
02/12/2025

💡 New Year, New Goals, New Achievements!
🚀The year is off to a strong start for Club members and 2025 is all about growth, learning, and unlocking potential. Whether they’re tackling a tricky STEM challenge, setting personal goals, or collaborating with peers, they are stepping into the future with confidence and creativity while charting a course for success.

❓If you could give one tip to younger Club members about staying focused on their goals, what would it be?

💻 2025 is a year of possibilities! See how Club members are already taking on new challenges and reaching for success https://ow.ly/hgwI50UX5Rx

Huge shoutout to Club member and Youth Advocate, Ava M., for representing us and Boys & Girls Clubs of America at The Ad...
02/11/2025

Huge shoutout to Club member and Youth Advocate, Ava M., for representing us and Boys & Girls Clubs of America at The Advocacy Conference in Fort Lauderdale! 🙌 She took the stage during “Your Grassroots Program Would Be Nothing Without Your Advocates!,” sharing how real stories and grassroots action drive real change. 💡🔥
Her passion and leadership highlight the incredible power of youth advocacy. She’s amplifying voices, inspiring change, and creating lasting impact. We’re so proud of Ava for standing up, speaking out, and leading the way! 💙💪

Great leaders create great futures! 🌟 Congratulations to Foundation Board Chair, Steve Townsend for being honored with t...
02/10/2025

Great leaders create great futures! 🌟 Congratulations to Foundation Board Chair, Steve Townsend for being honored with the Good Hero Award by SRQ Magazine for his unwavering commitment to empowering youth. Join us in celebrating his well-earned recognition! 👏👏👏👏

🔎Read more at SRQ Media: https://www.srqmagazine.com/srq-daily/2025-02-05/26046_Steve-Townsend-Honored-at-SRQ%27s-Good-Hero-Luncheon

🔎Read more on our Blog: https://bgcsdc.org/general/bgcsdc-foundation-board-chair-steve-townsend-wins-good-hero-award.html

Give Back While You Shop! 🛍️💙The annual Rossdressforless  in-store fundraiser kicks off tomorrow! Support Boys & Girls C...
02/07/2025

Give Back While You Shop! 🛍️💙

The annual Rossdressforless in-store fundraiser kicks off tomorrow! Support Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties by visiting your local store and donating at the register! Your support will help provide essential homework help 📚 to local youth through Power Hour. Every dollar counts!

✨ Will you be stopping by to support great futures? Drop a 💙 in the comments!

🎊Huge Congratulations to Leonela! 🎊Our very own Leonela Tase Sueiro, BGCSDC Workforce Programs Specialist and Club Alumn...
02/06/2025

🎊Huge Congratulations to Leonela! 🎊

Our very own Leonela Tase Sueiro, BGCSDC Workforce Programs Specialist and Club Alumna, was on Suncoast View this morning with Kirsten Russell from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and absolutely crushed it! 🙌 They discussed the scholarship Leonela received and the incredible opportunities it provided, as well as the launch of CF scholarship applications for students under 24.

🎥Check Out the Full Segment Here ➡️ https://ow.ly/BffY50UVcF6

Address

Sarasota, FL

Opening Hours

Monday 7:30am - 6pm
Tuesday 7:30am - 6pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 6pm
Thursday 7:30am - 6pm
Friday 7:30am - 6pm

Telephone

+19413663911

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties:

Videos

Share

Our Story

The primary goal of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County is to provide a safe, structured, and supervised environment where children between the ages of 6 and 18 years old can learn, play and grow into their full potential after school and during the summer. During the course of one year, our organization will touch the lives of more than 5,100 youth, exposing them to new opportunities to help them excel in school, become leaders, live healthy lifestyles and create plans for success after high school graduation. We operate five Clubs in Sarasota County including the Lee Wetherington Club on Fruitville Road in Sarasota; the Roy McBean Club on 21st Street in the Newtown; the Robert and Joan Lee Club on Gulfcoast Boulevard in Venice; the Gene Matthews Club on South Biscayne Drive in North Port; and the Newtown Estates Park Boys & Girls Club on Newtown Boulevard in Newtown, as well as, the Louis and Gloria Flanzer Boys & Girls Club in DeSoto County, which is located on School Ave in Arcadia.

We offer a wide variety of educational, developmental recreational opportunities for children, as well as, leadership, service, vocational and entrepreneurial training for teens. Our slate of programs focus on five core disciplines including Character and Leadership Development, Education and Career Development, Health and Life Skills, the Arts, and Sports, Fitness, and Recreation. Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County welcomes all young people, regardless of their financial circumstances. For prices of Club membership, please contact the Club in which you are interested in: Lee Wetherington Club (Sarasota): 941-366-3911 Roy McBean Club (Newtown): 941-953-9549 Newtown Estates Park Club (Newtown): 941-358-2878 Robert and Joan Lee Club (Venice): 941-485-7050 Gene Matthews Club (North Port): 941-423-4405 Louis and Gloria Flanzer Club (Arcadia): 941-366-3911

For more information, visit www.bgcsarasota.com.