Happy Holidays From the Kids!
This Month in a Minute...

  • Ms. Elizabeth's Holiday Update
  • Jeff Powers Selected as Honored Leader
  • Kids Enjoy Harvest Festival in Sebastian
  • Athletes of the Month
  • Swimming in Fellsmere
  • Youth of the Year Competition Builds Key Leadership Skills
  • Getting Techy at Vero Club
  • Year End Giving Tax Benefits
Season's Greetings From All of Us at
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Indian River County

Greetings!
As 2020 finally ends, I think it is safe to say it has been both challenging and rewarding. With dedicated staff, a solid Covid plan and your support, we have been able to continue serving those who need us most.  

Although our numbers have declined due to Covid, we are still providing prevention programming, highlighting the perils of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, premature sexual activity and bullying. We are also focusing on the mind by collaborating with the Mental Health Association and working on coping skills. Although children are resilient, no one is immune from the effects of stress and constant change that we have seen this year. Our caring staff are here to support the kids…mind, body and soul. 

On behalf of the Boys &Girls Clubs of Indian River County, we wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday! 
With Appreciation,
Elizabeth Thomason
Executive Director
Boys & Girls Clubs of Indian River County
Jeffrey Powers - Honored Leader
Thanks to Jeff, our county's children are learning a critical life skill and how to succeed in school and life.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of IRC and Gifford Youth Achievement selected Jeffrey Powers as an Honored Leader at this year's National Philanthropy Day. Jeff is the founder and executive director of Float Hope, a nonprofit that is committed to providing year-round swimming to underserved children in Indian River County. His vision for our children is that they first learn to swim, then like to swim, and eventually love to swim as a sport and life skill. Since 2016, Jeff has been providing swimming lessons to disadvantaged youth free of charge.
We thank you so much Jeff!
Swimming - Fellsmere
As part of the Float Hope Program, swimming lessons take place in Fellsmere three days a week. They really enjoy the program and have developed a bond with their coaches.

Through continuous practice, the kids have learned the importance of staying consistent and they continue to get better each lesson. Currently, there are approximately 20 kids who participate. The Vero Club will begin swimming in January.
Harvest Festival in Sebastian!
The Harvest Festival in Sebastian was just that, very festive! The weather was perfect for the event and everyone had a great time.

The kids enjoyed a day of interactive games, delicious food and other fun activities such as face painting above their masks.
Games, Games & More Games
Apple Pie Eating Contest - YUM!
Creative Face Painting
More Pie, Oh My!
So much delicious food!
November's Athletes of the Month
Celene, Chayce, Brian and Destiny are November’s Athletes of the Month, because they worked extra hard and were great team players!

Celene is in 3rd grade and is a member of our Vero Beach Club. She really pushed herself mentally and physically to finish the Girls on the Run 5K. She really worked hard throughout the whole season and we’re really proud of her.

Chayce is in 9th grade and is a member of our Vero Beach Club. He was chosen as our MVP for both soccer and flag football.

Brian is in 5th grade and is a member of our Fellsmere Club. He was chosen as our MVP for soccer.

Destiny is in 6th grade and is a member of our Sebastian Club. She was chosen because of her continued involvement, exceptional athleticism and team spirit.
Celene - Vero Club
Chayce - Vero Club
Brian - Fellsmere Club
Destiny - Sebastian Club
'Among Us' Brings the Vero Tech Lab to Life
It's a classic version of a whodunnit mystery with an outer space twist — it's the popular game/app called "Among Us."

We dropped by Mr. Doolin's Tech Lab to find his group of 5th and 6th graders playing a LIVE version of this game, and boy was it neat!

Mr. Doolin has been at the Boys & Girls Clubs of IRC for close to 2 years and the kids just love him. Creating a LIVE version of this popular game proves just how fun and innovative he is!
Youth of the Year Competition Builds Leadership Skills
Since 1947, Youth of the Year has been Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier recognition program, celebrating the extraordinary achievements of Club members. The journey starts locally with the opportunity to progress to state, regional and nationals.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of IRC started judging for our Vero, Sebastian and Fellsmere Clubs on December 15th with the County competition taking place on January 13th. Then, on January 28th we will hold our Annual Awards Ceremony and the 2021 Youth of the Year will be announced on our Facebook page, LIVE streamed from Zoom.

To be eligible for the competition, candidates must write three essays, secure letters of recommendation, interview in front of a panel of judges, and deliver a speech in front of a large crowd of people. The winner will move on to a regional contest and potentially state and national competitions.

"The Youth of the Year program is one of the most prestigious programs in the Boys & Girls Clubs of America," said Laura Luettger, BGCIRC Director of Operations. "It's wonderful practice for their future and opens doors to many opportunities."

This year we have four Club members competing for the title of Youth of the Year and five competing for Youth of the Year Junior.

We hope you will join us on January 28th on our Facebook page to congratulate our 2021 Youth of the Year!
Meet the Youth of the Year Candidates
Chad, 17 years old
Vero Beach Club
Amaya, 17 years old
Vero Beach Club
Ashanti, 18 years old
Vero Beach Club
Alisha, 14 years old
Fellsmere Club
Meet the Youth of the Year Jr. Candidates
Gabriela, 12 years old
Vero Club
John, 11 years old
Sebastian Club
Joshua, 12 years old
Sebastian Club
Lizeth, 11 years old
Fellsmere Club
Taliyah, 11 years old
Sebastian Club
Thank you to the
Mardy Fish Foundation!
We are so grateful to have received a $10,000 grant from The Mardy Fish Foundation for our Athletic program.

Athletics are a big part of Club life and these funds will help our children stay fit, healthy and great team players.
Stay Tuned for What's Coming Up at the Clubs!
Vero Club

1729 17th Avenue
Vero Beach, FL 32960
772-299-7494
Sebastian Club

1415 Friendship Lane
Sebastian, FL 32958
772-388-4944
Fellsmere

21st South Cypress Street
Fellsmere, FL 32948
772-571-0810
You Can Help! Here's How:
Boys & Girls Clubs of Indian River County is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Because of the generosity of our local community, we are able to serve more than 1,300 Club members each year.

You can make a difference in the lives of our members in a variety of ways, including donating supplies, becoming a Business Booster, providing scholarship support, and much more. To make a difference today click here.

YEAR-END DONATIONS:
Before year-end, consider making a tax-deductible gift of stock. Click here for instructions.
We appreciate your support!
The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Indian River County is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens.