At our Blue Water Open VIP Sponsor Party on Thursday evening, our master of ceremonies Mike Natale, had Phil Barnes, the Director of Resource Development of the Boys and Girls Club of Sebastian, come on up and talk to us about what the Exchange Club of Sebastian means to the Boys and Girls Club. Here is text from his speech, straight from his heart:
“By now I think everyone in this room probably knows at least one person from the Exchange Club of Sebastian. Exchange Club members work year-round to support local children, prevent child abuse and make our community a better place to line in. In my mind, they’re like a team of superheroes.
Since 2005, the Exchange Club of Sebastian has donated just under $90,000 to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Indian River County. The Exchange Club has also supported many other youth-serving programs which do amazing things in our community. Among them are, Youth Guidance, Castle, the Rad Kids program which is run through the Police Department. There are so many more that I could name.
By supporting the Blue Water Open, you are joining with this team of super heroes. You are giving children a safe, positive place to go afterschool and during the summer. You are also providing kids the tools they need to succeed in school and in life. You’re providing caring mentors and renowned programs to help children who are sometimes victims of child abuse, poverty and other tough circumstances.
Next October, the Exchange Club of Sebastian will host the Junior Blue Water Open. Our Boys and Girls Club members LOVE this event. They learn how to fish, have fun, eat delicious barbecue and bond with caring adults. For many of our kids, its their first time fishing, and they leave hooked!. Hopefully, not literally.
In closing, thank you for supporting the Blue Water Open. You are extending a helping hand to the children in our community who need it most. You are broadening their horizons and helping them to succeed both in school and in life.”
All the members of our Sebastian Exchange Club want to thank you, Phil, for taking the time to come and share your thoughts with us.
When we say it’s for the kids, we aren’t kidding!!
Exchange Club of Sebastian