FORT MYERS, Fla. (Dec. 5, 2013) – The Ninth Annual Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County’s Evening with the Red Sox dinner and auction is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 24, 2014.
“Last year, we had the largest turnout with more than 310 in attendance,” said Jim Larkin, general manager of the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Fort Myers and chairperson for the event. “With the Red Sox winning the 2013 World Series, we are hoping to increase attendance this year and funds raised for our local at-risk youth.”
For the second consecutive year, the event will be held at JetBlue Park at Fenway South, the Red Sox’s 106-acre Spring Training and Player Development Complex, located at 11500 Fenway South Drive in Fort Myers. Once again, Red Sox players will be in attendance signing autographs along with Red Sox Manager and American League Manager of the Year runner-up John Farrell as the event’s special-guest speaker. Last year’s event included autograph signings with Red Sox players Dustin Pedroia and Mike Napoli as well as Farrell.
Returning as presenting sponsor for 2014 is Ted Todd Insurance. Additional sponsorships and tables are now available from $1,250 to $10,000. Donations for auction items are also being accepted.
The evening begins at 5:30 and includes a cocktail reception with hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine, silent and live auctions, autograph signings and dinner.
In 2014, the BGCLC will celebrate 40 years of providing quality youth programs in Lee County. Funds raised during the event provide more than 30,000 hours of service to more than 420 young people in the community. Last year, more than 1,300 youth demonstrated academic success, character and leadership and healthy lifestyles 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, chief professional officer for the BGCLC. “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. The BGCLC strives to provide a safe, world-class Club experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who walks through its doors. The organization envisions all of its members graduating high school with a plan for the future, demonstrating good character and citizenship, and living a healthy lifestyle.
Clubs are located in communities with the greatest need where similar services are limited or nonexistent. Membership dues are $10 per school year so that all children can have access to its programs. The BGCLC 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.
