Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties (BGCSDC) is proud to announce that the 2026 Champions for Children gala, presented by the Annette J. Hagens Memorial Foundation, will honor the extraordinary legacy of Louis and Gloria Flanzer. Louis and Gloria Flanzer’s lifelong commitment to philanthropy transformed communities across the region. Deeply dedicated to serving others, they believed in the power of investing in organizations that strengthen lives, build stronger communities, and create lasting opportunities for generations to come.
The annual gala will take place at 6 p.m. on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at The Ora, located at 578 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, FL 34232.
Louis and Gloria Flanzer believed in the importance of investing in communities and creating opportunities for individuals to reach their full potential. Their commitment to this vision continues through the Louis and Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic Trust’s transformative partnership with BGCSDC. When the need for an expanded Boys & Girls Club in Arcadia was identified, the trustees of the Louis and Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic Trust mobilized to provide the lead contribution that helped create the Louis and Gloria Flanzer Boys & Girls Club. This significant investment revitalized the campus, transforming it into a safe and welcoming space where youth can learn, grow, and thrive.
More than a building, the Louis and Gloria Flanzer Boys & Girls Club represents the lasting legacy of two philanthropists who believed in the power of investing in young people and creating stronger communities for generations to come. Through their generosity, young people are finding support, encouragement, and the tools needed to build brighter futures.
The 2026 gala will feature a reception, a delicious three-course dinner catered by Michael’s On East, live auctions, raffles, impactful storytelling, and entertainment. Proceeds from the gala will support BGCSDC’s critical programs focused on academic success, leadership development, healthy lifestyles, and career readiness for thousands of youth across Sarasota and DeSoto Counties. For sponsorship opportunities, please visit bgcsdc.org/events. Individual tickets are also available for $500. For additional information, contact Valerie Knapp, Community Engagement Manager at BGCSDC, at 941-366-3911, ext. 158. To learn more or donate in lieu of attendance, please visit https://bgcsdc.org/event/cfc2026
