Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County honors the Weiller family

It was hard to not have a smile on your face while walking into the Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club on Saturday, Nov. 19. Children met every gala attendee by the valet stand and greeted them with a handshake and a warm “Welcome to the Boys & Girls Club!”  before escorting them to the check-in table. Some were even lucky enough to get a hug before parting ways.

The evening began with a cocktail hour during which club members served hors d'oeuvres. Guests were then ushered into the gymnasium, which was transformed into a colorful sea of blues and greens. There, attendees were welcomed by Chairman Jaime DiDomenico, whose eyes got misty when speaking about honoree Ted Weiller who died Nov. 17, just two days before the event.

Attendees also heard from President/CEO Bill Sadlo and 2016 Youth of the Year Rickey Tedesco, who served as Master of Ceremonies for the evening.

Funds raised through the “Once in a Blue Moon”-themed gala benefited Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County, but the evening was also a chance to honor Ned, Babe, Ted, Jean, Peter and Linda Weiller for their decades of service and support to the organization.