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The Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County has been providing hope and opportunity to children for over 60 years.

Our mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens.

You can make a difference in the life of a child by investing your time or financial support at one of our clubs.

If you would like to donate your time, talent or treasure to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County, please call us at (941) 761-CLUB.

We are The Positive Place for Kids. In every community, boys and girls are left to find their own recreation and companionship in the streets.

An increasing number of children are at home with no adult care or supervision. Young people need to know that someone cares about them.

That's where the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County comes in. We currently operate 6 Clubs, serving over 2,500 children.

A recent study showed that Florida Boys & Girls Club member have lower rates of absenteeism at all grade levels, and significantly lower rates of serious criminal offenses.

Did You Know?

It costs $72,000 each year to incarcerate a juvenile, but it only costs $1,000 per year to send one kid to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County. In a time when our country is focusing on the economy, which would be the wiser investment? Now you can invest in the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County with our Improve Your Portfolio: Invest in the Life of a Child program. Certificates range from $100 to $10,000 with each range representing a different impact in club members' lives. The best part about this program is you'll receive continual information on how your donation is being put to use. Click here (pdf) for a brochure on the Improve Your Portfolio: Invest in the Life of a Child program.

TaxWatch Study of Florida Boys & Girls Clubs

Florida TaxWatch Research Institute (TaxWatch) conducted a comprehensive study of the economic impact of the Boys & Girls Clubs on local communities throughout Florida. The study showed that programs conducted by Boys & Girls Clubs have established both short and long term outcomes such as:

• providing a place where youth are both physically and emotionally safe;
• shaping the character of members' attitudes toward school (including levels of engagement and school liking);
• helping youth avoid legal trouble, and
• fostering abstinence from illegal drug, alcohol, tobacco, and other self-injuring activities

Natalie Dupoux is awarded as the 2008 Youth of the Year

Natalie Dupoux is a true example of an extraordinary youth. Natalie, age 17, has been selected as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County's 2008 Youth of the Year. Dupoux is among hundreds of local Youth of the Year winners across the country recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) for her sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community. When speaking with Natalie it's obvious she is most excited about using her Youth of the Year title as an example to younger kids in the Clubs. Her advise for the next generation of Boys & Girls Clubs kids is to "be leaders and don't be influenced by the wrong thing and the wrong people".

Upcoming Events

MAY 15, 2008

Morgan Stanley presents the Corporate Luncheon Series with Dr. Benjamin Carson

12pm

At the Bradenton Auditorium

Once teased as the dumbest kid in his class, Dr. Benjamin Carson overcame poverty, an uncontrollable temper and the mean streets of Detroit to become a world-renowned pediatric neurosurgeon.

Dr. Carson is a full professor of neurology, pediatrics, oncology and plastic surgery at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions. His medical accomplishments include performing the first successful separation of conjoined twins in 1987. Dr. Carson holds more than 40 honorary doctorate degrees and was just honored with the prestigious Spingarn Award, the highest honor bestowed by the NAACP.

For sponsorship information click here (pdf) or call (941)761-2582 extension 108.