BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF MARTIN COUNTY HOSTS STATEWIDE GATHERING OF LEADERS AT FLORIDA AREA COUNCIL EVENT

FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS OF MARTIN COUNTY AUGUST 2025

Stuart, Fla., (August 1, 2025) –

Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County (BGCMC) proudly welcomed leaders from Boys & Girls Clubs across Florida for the 2025 Florida Area Council event, held June 11–13 at the beautiful Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa. The annual convening brought together CEOs, board volunteers, and key staff from Clubs throughout the state for three days of collaboration, inspiration, and strategic planning.

The gathering was led by Dede Brooks, former BGCMC Board Chair and current Florida Area Council Chair, whose motivating remarks set the tone for the event. Brooks emphasized the importance of board engagement, regional collaboration, and amplifying the collective impact of the Boys & Girls Club Movement.

On June 12, attendees visited BGCMC’s Greater Stuart Club, which opened in Fall 2024 as the organization’s flagship location. Located on a 3.6-acre site behind the former Martin County School District headquarters, the 39,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility features a 15,000-square-foot public gymnasium, a performing arts studio, a commercial kitchen, and modern classroom spaces. In addition to serving youth, the Club now supports young adults up to age 24 through workforce credentialing and other career-focused initiatives. During a special luncheon, guests toured the facility and learned more about BGCMC’s innovative Workforce Readiness programs, Mental Health services, and creative youth development offerings.

The event also celebrated excellence across the Boys & Girls Club network. BGCMC was honored to receive two prestigious awards:

l  Elizabeth Ainslie, BGCMC Board Chair, was recognized as the Beverly Burton Board Member of the Year.

l  BGCMC’s Readers Theatre Program was named Arts & Education Program of the Year.

“We were thrilled to host our peers from across the state and share the impactful work happening here in Martin County,” said Keith Fletcher, President & CEO of BGCMC. “This event served as a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we come together to support Florida’s youth.”

Participants left reenergized and united in their commitment to shaping great futures for the children and teens they serve every day.

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