Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay hosts Club Alumnus, Alex Rodriguez at the 2018 Great Futures Breakfast

TAMPA – (December 4, 2018) – The Boys & Girls Club of Tampa Bay’s 2018 Great Futures Breakfast drew a capacity crowd and some big names, most notably Lou Piniella, Gary Sheffield and Alex Rodriguez, to Amalie Arena. The morning began with co-chairs Lisa DeBartolo and Bob Greis welcoming the crowd of over 800 guests to hear about the work of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay and the impact to over 19,000 youth in Hillsborough and Pasco County. 

While guests enjoyed breakfast, they heard from 2018 Youth of the Year, Stephen Faison who addressed the crowd about his experiences as a Club member and his plans for use of the scholarships received through his selection as Youth of the Year. The Star Diva step team from Wilbert Davis Belmont Heights Club entertained the crowd and then the guest of honor, Alex Rodriguez spoke about how attending the Club as a youth impacted his life. Alex who was a member of Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade as a child said “The Boys & Girls Club was more than a place to go after school. It was the place that taught me respect, positive thinking and teamwork. I wish for every kid who steps in those doors the same experience and impact the Club has had on me as a child and as an adult.” 

Other morning highlights included Hal Steinbrenner and Sheriff Chad Chronister speaking of their involvement and connection to Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay and the impact the organization has on youth. Sheriff Chad Chronister said “The Boys & Girls Clubs provide a nurturing environment for at risk children and through the programs offered, they will learn the skills necessary to achieve success in life and flourish within our community.” 

CEO & President of Boys & Girls Club of Tampa Bay, Chris Letsos remarked “the morning was a celebration not only highlighting the talents of our young people but the generosity and philanthropy of our community. We are extremely fortunate to have the support of so many community leaders and business owners behind our effort to produce caring, responsible citizens.”

About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay
Since 1926, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay has been a positive force in the community; enabling young people to become productive, responsible and caring citizens through structured programming, safe learning environments and dedicated staff. With a focus on three core priority outcomes – Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles, and Improving Character & Leadership, Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay provides opportunities to build new skills that raise a Club Member’s belief that he or she can succeed and receive recognition for personal, social and academic accomplishments. With multiple Clubs and Middle School sites throughout Hillsborough and Pasco County, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay makes futures great for more than 19,000 young people each year.