On Wednesday, December 11th, over 400 community leaders, supporters, and alumni gathered at the Pepin Hospitality Center for the 2024 Great Futures Breakfast. Hosted by Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay, the event celebrated nearly a century of empowering youth and highlighted the transformative impact of the organization on the community.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay has been a vital part of the community fabric since 1926, when the Tampa Rotary Club established the first Club—the West Tampa Boys Club. After two decades of successful operation, the Rotarians recognized the need for expansion, paving the way for the growth of an organization dedicated to serving young men and women.

Today, Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay operates 30 locations across Hillsborough and Pasco counties, including Clubs, Community Hubs, and Schools. These locations serve thousands of young people, providing a safe environment where they can learn, grow, and thrive. Most recently, the organization merged with Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast, which serves kids and teens in Pinellas County.

Since 2012, the Great Futures Breakfast has been one of the organization’s premier fundraising events, raising over $1.3 million annually to support the Clubs’ critical programs and services. This year’s event continued that tradition, offering a morning filled with powerful stories, heartfelt messages, and a shared commitment to investing in the next generation.

Key moments included:

• Fred McGriff, Major League Baseball Hall of Famer and Boys & Girls Club Hall of Famer, delivering an inspiring keynote address. Reflecting on his journey, McGriff said, “At the end of the day, I’m just a kid from the Boys Club. You never know who’s going to be the next Fred McGriff.”
• Freddy Williams, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay and the Suncoast, highlighting the organization’s mission to provide safe spaces for over 3,000 youth daily across 42 Club locations.
• The 2023 Youth of the Year, Jordan Maxwell, sharing a personal story of resilience and achievement, showcasing the life-changing opportunities provided by the Clubs.
• Former Chief Judge F. Dennis Alvarez, a longtime supporter and recipient of the Community Hero award, emphasizing the importance of the Clubs in shaping the futures of Tampa Bay’s youth.

Breakfast Co-Sponsor Casey Gonzmart Jr. introduced keynote speaker Fred McGriff, commending the Boys & Girls Clubs for their unwavering commitment to empowering young people. The event also brought together hundreds of professionals, leaders, and philanthropists, united in their dedication to building a brighter future for Tampa Bay’s youth.

From its humble beginnings in 1926 to its expansive reach today,- Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay has remained steadfast in its mission to empower youth, support families, and inspire communities. Through innovative programs and a commitment to fostering a sense of belonging, the organization continues to be a cornerstone for youth development in the region.

The Great Futures Breakfast not only celebrated the remarkable legacy of Boys & Girls Clubs but also served as a call to action for continued support. As Fred McGriff reminded attendees, “It’s important to continue to invest your time and energy to support the young kids.”

For nearly 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay has been creating opportunities and shaping futures. To learn more about their work and how to get involved, visit bgctampa.org.