Celebrating Our 30th Anniversary
Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County Timeline
As Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County proudly marks its 30th anniversary, it’s a time of celebration, reflection, and gratitude. For three decades, we have been transforming the lives of young people, fostering their potential, and empowering them to become responsible, caring, and productive citizens. By offering a safe and supportive space, we encourage our members to overcome challenges, build meaningful relationships, and develop essential life skills. Throughout our 30th year, we plan to celebrate past achievements while looking ahead to a future filled with even greater opportunities for impact.
1994:
● Official Business certificate issued
● Garden Terrace Club opens
1995:
● First school-based club opens at Northport K-8
1996:
1997:
● First Annual Chuck Hill Golf Classic
1998:
● Infinity Club & PSL clubhouse open (later named for Ken Pruitt)
1999:
● Children’s Services Council becomes a BGC partner
2000:
2001:
2002:
2003:
● SMART Moves program recognized as top 12 in the state
2004:
2005:
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2006:
● A group of six BGC of SLC employees attend BGCA’s 100th Annual National Conference
2007:
● Garden Terrace Clubhouse Executive Director, Norm Penner presented with first ever “Torch Club Award”
2008:
● First annual Steak & Stake
2009:
● Chili Cook-Off became a staple of BGC events
● Formalized Youth of the Year competition Kiki
2010:
2011:
● Chuck Hill Club opens for summer program
2012:
● Organization adopts BGCA’s formula for impact to achieve three priority outcomes: healthy lifestyles, academic success, and good character & citizenship
2013:
2014:
● 16 Clubs
● 3,207 registered members (1,390 members daily)
2015:
● Alumni & Friends launched
2016:
● Joined Year of the Teen movement
● Implemented two award-winning teen programs
○ SRQVolunteen and STAR (Students Taking Active Roles) Leadership Training
● Opened the new, state-of-the-art Tom & Debbie Shapiro Career Resource Center
2017:
● Two school-based Clubhouses open: Allapattah Flats K-8 and Northport K-8
● One new neighborhood Clubhouse was opened: Percy Peek Gym
● Chamber of Commerce, Business and Industry Award for Non-Profit Business of the Year
● Marketing and Communications (MAC) Award
2018:
● 21st Century program begins
● Dinner served at all Club locations due to Partnership with St. Lucie Public Schools and the Treasure Coast Food Bank
● Great Futures Teen Summit
2019:
● Our 20th Club opens at Forest Grove Middle School
2020:
● “The Virtual Club” was created for distance learning and connections during COVID
● The MidFlorida Event Center became home to our 2020 Summer Camp-A-Thon during COVID
● Recognized with the “Education and Career Development Program” award for “Into the Future” teens
2021:
● Opening of largest club- Westside
2022:
● Hosted first ever Breakfast with the Easter Bunny & Easter Egg Hunt
● Mobile Club opens
● Chuck Hill Food Pantry opens
● First state Youth of the Year winner, Mia Morrison
2023:
● New food pantry at Ken Pruitt installed
● First back-to-back state Youth of the Year winner, Mia Morrison
