SARASOTA, FL (October 6, 2021) – Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties will honor Steven and Marjolaine Townsend at the annual Champions for Children Gala on Saturday, November 20, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. Steven and Marjolaine believe that education is the key to unlocking a world of possibilities for our youth. Their humble beginnings have led to their philanthropic passion for equipping the next generation of leaders.
Presented by the Annette J. Hagens Memorial Foundation, all proceeds from the event will ensure youth across Sarasota and DeSoto Counties have access to award-winning programs that foster academic success, strong character and leadership, healthy lifestyles, and career readiness. Champions for Children will take place at the Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club at 3100 Fruitville Road in Sarasota.
Steven and Marjolaine Townsend have been making post-secondary education more accessible since 1999 when they established their first college scholarship fund in Connecticut. Both were the first members of their respective families to attend college, so education has always been a priority to them throughout their lives. The Steven & Marjolaine Townsend Scholarship Fund was established in 2018 in collaboration with Take Stock in Children of Sarasota in hopes that it would empower students to pursue their dreams and ultimately grow into a position where they can give back and help others do the same one day. Since its inception, the Fund has awarded 32 Townsend Scholars with post-secondary scholarships.
The gala will feature an outdoor cocktail hour, award presentation and reception, a three-course gourmet dinner curated by Chef Paul Mattison and Mattison’s Catering, dancing, and a live and silent auction.
Individual tickets are available for $350 per person. Sponsorships are also available starting at $3,500. Tickets and sponsorships can be purchased online at bgcsdc.org. For more information, call Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties at 941-366-3911.
ABOUT BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SARASOTA AND DESOTO COUNTIES: Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties have played an integral role in the lives of local youth for more than 50 years, providing daily programs and services to thousands of young people. The mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. The vision is to provide a world-class Club experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who walks through our doors, with all members on track to graduate from high school with a plan for the future, demonstrating good character and citizenship, and living a healthy lifestyle. For more information, visit www.bgcsdc.org or call 941-366-3911.