FORT MYERS, Fla. (Feb. 24, 2013) – The 8th Annual Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County’s Evening with the Red Sox Dinner and Auction raised more than $90,000.

“This year we had the largest turnout with more than 310 in attendance,” said Jim Larkin, general manager Crowne Plaza Hotel Fort Myers and chairperson for the event. “We are very thankful to all of our sponsors and guests who have helped the Boys & Girls Clubs to give our ‘at risk’ youth a safe place for them and a supporting role in their lives.”

For the first time, the event was held at JetBlue Park at Fenway South, the Red Sox’s 106-acre Spring Training and Player Development Complex, located at 11500 Daniels Parkway. Red Sox players were in attendance signing autographs including infielders Dustin Pedroia and Mike Napoli, pitcher Joel Hanrahan and new manager John Farrell.

Returning as presenting sponsor was Ted Todd Insurance. Additional sponsors included the Red Sox Foundation, CVS Caremark, Coca Cola, JetBlue Airlines, Suncoast Beverage and the Crowne Plaza, the event’s previous host site.

The evening included a cocktail reception with complimentary beer and wine, autograph signings, silent and live auctions and hors d’oeuvres. Red Sox Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Sam Kennedy served as the evening’s guest speaker.

A highlight of the auction included the Ultimate Fenway Red Sox Experience featuring a trip for four to Boston with airfare on JetBlue Airlines, three nights accommodations, seats for four at two Red Sox games and a stadium tour. Additional auction items include vacation trips, sports memorabilia and more.

Now in its 39th year of providing quality youth programs in Lee County, the Boys & Girls Clubs will use the funds raised to provide over 30,000 hours of service to more than 420 young people in our community. Over 1,300 youth demonstrated academic success, character and leadership and healthy lifestyles last year from the agency’s programs.

“These youth rely on the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County to provide a safe place to explore their interests and learn valuable life skills,” said Shannon Lane, Director of Operations for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Lee County. “This cannot be accomplished without the generous support of businesses and individuals in our community.”

The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs is to inspire and enable young people to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. Membership dues are $10.00 per school year so that all children can have access to our programs. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County relies upon the philanthropic support of individuals, corporations and foundations in order to sustain and grow its services.

For more information, contact Shannon Lane at 239-334-1886 or slane@bgclc.net.

Dustin Pedrioa, John Farrell, Joel Hanrahan, Mike Napoli

Ginny and Randy Henderson

Jodi and Cecil Pendergrass

Pam and Jerry Blackwell with Lori Wilson

Mary, Jim and Katie Larkin

Amanda Libby, Mary Larkin, Maria Frank, and Katie Larkin

Diana and Alison Morris with Bob Goodman and Debbie Haas