Bill Sadlo, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties stands with honorees Harriet Moore, director of Strategic Engagement at Sarasota County Schools and Jack Cox, president and owner of Halfacre Construction.
Photo by Ian Swaby
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The Annual Intertape Polymer Group Leadership Breakfast packed the gym at the facility of Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties on Sept. 6, during the event's 18th year.
The community had turned out extensively to watch as Harriet Moore, director of strategic engagement at Sarasota County Schools and Jack Cox, president and owner of the Lakewood Ranch-based company Halfacre Construction, were honored for their support of local youth.
The event also saw former senator Lisa Carlton serving as an emcee, while closing out the ceremony was the 2020 Boys & Girls Clubs Florida Youth of the Year Margo Andrich, a University of Florida and Pine View School graduate.
“We feel it's an obligation to continue to give back to the community, and we're involved with all levels of organizations, but youth programs is what we're especially geared towards," Cox said in a video played at the event, mentioning the "awesome organization" of Boys & Girls Clubs and calling it "pretty incredible" to be recognized.
Moore, who has a doctorate in educational leadership, was honored for her ability to "coach train, and mobilize educators and community members."
“It's a great honor to be recognized by the community,” Moore said. “I'm a village kid; I'm a product of the village, I'm a native of Sarasota, and so many people in this room have a part in who I am today, including the Boys & Girls Clubs."
Proceeds from the event will directly support the teen programs at Boys & Girls Clubs.
Harriet Moore's (second from left) family attended the event including her mother Estrella Moore-Thomas, sister Cynthia Hudson and pastor Reverend Dr. R. Smith IIII.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Jim Price talks with Nolan Weggs.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Isabelle Ball and her friend Michelle Young both attended the ceremony.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Meghan Cox, 17, attends the ceremony with her father, Halfacre President and owner Jack Cox, who was being honored for his contributions to the community's youth.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Bill Sadlo, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties, offers a speech.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Valerie Padur, Rich Tyson, Valerie Jones, Paul Bachmann, Robert Milligan, Javi Vargas, Olga Ovchiyan, Frank Padur and Brian Chapman belong to the company Preferred SHORE Real Estate, an event sponsor.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Former Senator Lisa Carlton served as a co-emcee.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Boys & Girls Clubs Kaitlyn Perez applauds during the ceremony.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Former Senator Lisa Carlton stands behind Boys & Girls Clubs member Leyra O., a junior at Sarasota Military Academy, as she recites the pledge of allegiance.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Alvin L., a junior at Florida Virtual High School, is applauded by former Senator Lisa Carlton as he gives a speech.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Boys & Girls Clubs member Nazaria D., a senior at Sarasota High School, offers a speech.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Harriet Moore, director of Strategic Engagement at Sarasota County Schools, offers a speech.
Photo by Ian Swaby
John B., a senior at Pine View School, presents the award to Jack Cox, president and owner of Halfacre Construction.
Photo by Ian Swaby
2020 Boys & Girls Clubs Florida Youth of the Year Margo Andrich offered a closing speech. “I am forever grateful to be a club kid," she said. "That's because the moment you walk through those two doors, you are welcomed so completely, without any pretense and exactly where you are. Combine that with access to mentorship and opportunity, and you have a cohort of young people from every walk of life, ready to leave the world better than they entered it."
Photo by Ian Swaby
Bill Sadlo, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties stands with honorees Harriet Moore, director of Strategic Engagement at Sarasota County Schools and Jack Cox, president and owner of Halfacre Construction.
Ian Swaby is the Sarasota neighbors writer for the Observer. Ian is a Florida State University graduate of Editing, Writing, and Media and previously worked in the publishing industry in the Cayman Islands.
