We're in this together
I hope this message finds you safe and well. Our heartfelt thoughts are with the community and all those affected and currently struggling in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. Our organization has served this area for over 50 years. During that time, we have weathered many storms but this is certainly the most consequential.
Our primary objective is always the safety of our young people. We are working hard to continue to serve local families with their well-being remaining paramount. We are in this with you. At this time, we are making check-in calls to our Club families and working with community partners to assess damages and immediate needs.
With schools being closed and people returning to work, we understand this is a crucial time for local families. Our mission is to serve those who need us most and our dedicated staff has been working around the clock to provide hurricane relief. In response, we will be opening three of our Clubs for operations beginning today.
The following Clubs will be open full service starting today, Tuesday, October 4 from 8 am to 6 pm. Please understand that due to staffing and safety issues, we can only open to current Club members at this time.
• Lee Wetherington Club | 3100 Fruitville Road | Sarasota, Fl | 34237
• Roy McBean Club | 1790 21st Street | Sarasota, Fl | 34234
• Robert and Joan Lee Club | 920 Gulf Coast Boulevard | Venice, Fl | 34285
*A nutritious lunch will be provided at all locations.
In addition, we are working closely with community leaders and local foundations to facilitate relief and direct resources. We have partnered with All Faith’s Food Bank to host food pantries throughout Sarasota and DeSoto counties. The first food pantry site will be at our Roy McBean Club this Wednesday, October 5 from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm. All community members are welcome.
Additionally, our Gene Matthews Club in North Port experienced extensive damage and will remain closed until that damage can be addressed. In Arcadia, home of our Louis and Gloria Flanzer Club, the community is struggling with many challenges after the storm, including significant flooding.
We will continue to provide updates about Club openings and community resources as new information becomes available. In the meantime, we encourage you to follow our social media channels for additional updates.
My heart is with everyone during this difficult time. Please know we are working hard to do everything we can to support our local youth and get all of our facilities back to being fully operational as soon as safely possible.
Sincerely,
Bill Sadlo, President/CEO
For additional information and to support our Club members, visit bgcsdc.org
