Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and Desoto Counties to Honor Community Leaders

July 19, 2024 | Sarasota

Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties will honor Jack Cox, President and Owner of Halfacre Construction Company, and Dr. Harriet Moore, Director of Strategic Engagement at Sarasota County Schools, at the 18^th Intertape Polymer Group (IPG) Leadership Breakfast for their commitment to empowering our community’s future leaders to reach their full potential. The event will take place on Friday, September 6 from 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM at the Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club, located at 3100 Fruitville Road in Sarasota.

For nearly two decades, our community has come together at this event every September to honor individuals who have been instrumental in empowering youth to achieve great futures. This year, the two honorees are dedicated and committed to ensuring youth and families have access to community enrichment programs that provide a pathway for success after high school graduation. The Leadership Breakfast will celebrate the honorees’ dedication to supporting local teens as they develop leadership skills, explore entrepreneurial education, and continue college and career readiness.

“IPG supports the mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties as we believe that all young men and women deserve a chance to cultivate and reach their full potential,” states Pete Durette, CEO of presenting sponsor, IPG. “Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties represents a conduit of opportunity, leadership and talent, which are the fundamental building blocks for developing a strong, vibrant community in the twenty-first century.”

All proceeds from this event will benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties’ award-winning slate of Teen Programs and provide life-changing services to thousands of teens across Sarasota and DeSoto Counties.

“I am extremely humbled and honored to receive this recognition from an organization that does incredibly important work in our community,” said Cox. “Our involvement with Boys & Girls Clubs goes back many, many years and it’s truly due to their vital programming for our community’s youth. The organization’s mission to enable young people to reach their full potential and lead healthy and productive lives by providing innovative programs is something we are very proud to have a small part in helping bring to fruition.”

“I am both elated and humbled to have been chosen by Boys & Girls Clubs as an honoree for this year’s Leadership Breakfast,” said Dr. Moore. “The Club has been a part of my life since childhood and has continued to support my son, nephews, and other family members from kindergarten through high school. It has always been a safe haven in our community, fostering values, activities, and opportunities that promote lifelong growth and understanding of character, community, and giving back.  I have witnessed firsthand how the Club positively impacts and empowers our youth through programs like Students Taking Active Roles (STAR) Leadership Training and the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council. These opportunities profoundly change the trajectory of young lives. I am deeply grateful for all that Boys & Girls Clubs provides for our youngsters and their families.”

Individual tickets are $50 and can be purchased at bgcsdc.org. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Please contact Valerie Quigley, Community Engagement Manager at Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties for more information by emailing vquigley@bgcsdc.org or calling (941) 366-3911.

Thank you to our sponsors: Intertape Polymer Group, Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, Halfacre Construction Company, Preferred Shore Real Estate, Caldwell Trust Company, and Ric Smalley. Your invaluable support helps teens in Sarasota and DeSoto Counties achieve Great Futures.