- March 12, 2025
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Jarrish Jones, Travis McDowell, Geoffrey Gilot, and Isaiah Smith from Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties greet guests.
Photo by Janet CombsIda Munsey, Kim Hinkle, Nick Hinkle, and Marian Siegel worked the registration table.
Photo by Janet CombsMike Doyle, Robyn Sadlo, Leonela Tase Sueiro, Yolanda Mancha and Kat Carver
Photo by Janet CombsMarvin Austin, Trip Knapp, Drew Martinez, Travis McDowell and Jay Dictor
Photo by Janet CombsLee Wetherington with President and CEO, Bill Sadlo
Photo by Janet CombsJoe and Dara Brooks, Ken Freeman, Nazaria D., and Patricia Freeman
Lisa Torres, Jon Swift and Bill North
Photo by Janet CombsRandy Wilson, Cheril McGinnis and Pete Fleischmann
Photo by Janet CombsPast President Mack Reid and Joe Formella
Photo by Janet CombsBoys & Girls Club of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties held its Steak and Burger Youth of the Year Celebration on March 1.
Photo by Janet CombsA 1976 graduate of Sarasota High, alumnus Mike Alexander joined the club in 1973, Kevin Carpenter (standing with hat), and at the age of 10, Rico Boeras joined the club in 1970.
Photo by Janet CombsMitch Martin with Karin and Kevin Kiernan
Elijah Lefkowitz and Jami Aguayo
Rob Guzzo, Jakela Cantrell and Taylor Turner
Photo by Janet CombsTom Edwards, Erin Minor and John Walsh
Photo by Janet CombsAshton Horiuchi and Leonela Tase Sueiro
The Gecko's Fruitville Road served up food for 300 guests, and the catering team includes Jessica Jones, Forrest Driscoll and Jade Bond
Photo by Janet CombsGecko's Fruitville Road catering team served 300 guests and include Fiona Farrell, Amy Leithauser, James Veldhouse, Arrica Dallas and Lindsay Sanchez
Photo by Janet CombsMykayla G. addresses the guests.
Photo by Janet CombsBianca D. won Youth of the Year and now moves on to the Florida Sate Championships.
Photo by Janet CombsPresident and CEO Bill Sadlo addresses the guests.
Photo by Janet CombsKim and Curt Artis, with nominee Cephora M. (middle)
Photo by Janet CombsRoger Ralph, Richie Bancells, Elaine Ralph and Carol Bancells
Photo by Janet CombsJudy Kozlowski and Beth Cannata
Debbie Shapiro with Steve and Cheryl Shapiro
Suriya Khong, Mirian Graddick-Weir and Michael Weir
Photo by Janet CombsElizabeth Topp, Patricia Ciavardone and Christina Fredericks
Photo by Janet CombsMeghan Serrano, Yolanda Mancha and Valerie Quigley
Photo by Janet CombsNate Brown of Phase IV Entertainment kept people on their dancing feet with his music.
Photo by Janet CombsSarasota Artist and personality Michael White provides drawings with his Sharpie markers.
Photo by Janet CombsMichael White, Dr. Rose Baez and Rafael Robles
Photo by Janet CombsEd and Traci Doughty are thrilled with their artwork provided by Sarasota artist and personality, Michael White.
Photo by Janet CombsCenterpieces included western themed decked out canning jars filled with ice breaking questions that were used for guests and children to interact with each other.
Photo by Janet CombsUnder the starry Sarasota skies on a night made for camping, or just a good old fashioned barbecue, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties celebrated five young female finalists who exemplify the clubs' mission in the Youth of the Year competition.
Ashley V., of Venice High School; Ava M. and Nishalle U., of Pine View School; Sierra M., of Riverview High School; and Bianca D., of North Port High School, were featured on large video screens telling their stories of how the clubs have changed their lives, and what their futures look like.
The organization's annual Steak and Burger Event was another sold-out affair as over 300 people gathered under the pavilion located on the Lee Wetherington campus on March 1. Dressed in Western theme, guests mingled and enjoyed appetizers and music. With the Fruitville Road Gecko's catering team in place, the fare consisted of all the typical barbecue fixins.
As the winner of the Youth of the Year award, Bianca D. will go on to compete in the state competition. She said she plans to study psychology and theology with hopes of being a family therapist and preacher.
"The relationships, lessons, and opportunities that Boys & Girls Club has bestowed upon me, changed my life and ignited my passion for service," she said. "I am committed to showing my gratitude by uplifting communities like those impacted by the club, enabling others to discover the power of their voices.”
Proceeds from the event will give Boys & Girls Club members greater opportunities to excel in school, become leaders, live healthy lifestyles and plan for success after high school graduation.
