My Experience with the Boys & Girls Club of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties
Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club: A Place of Opportunity
Dedicated in 2004, the Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club is the largest facility of its kind within the Sarasota and DeSoto Counties system, offering Club members a place to build friendships, improve academics, and develop essential life skills. This incredible space features a computer lab, art room, commercial kitchen, swimming pool, gymnasium, playground, rock climbing wall, and more. Every child receives a snack during out-of-school time, ensuring they are fueled and ready to thrive.
Beyond that, the Club is home to one of Sarasota County’s top destinations for teens—The Club—where young members participate in leadership programs, service projects, entrepreneurial training, vocational skills, and college and career prep. Situated alongside the Tom & Debbie Shapiro Career Resource Center, this campus is truly a launchpad for bright futures.
How It All Started
Back when we lived in New York, we made it a point to donate cookies to the Boys & Girls Clubs because we wanted to make a difference in our local community. When we moved to Sarasota, I knew I wanted to continue that tradition. I reached out to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties to see how we could support their mission, and I was met with overwhelming gratitude and enthusiasm.
Almost immediately, we coordinated a donation—a full pallet of cookies—so that every club in the area would have cookies available whenever they needed them. Many of these kids don’t have access to simple luxuries like cookies, especially premium cookies like ours. This allows them to celebrate special occasions or simply enjoy a small moment of happiness. A little cookie truly goes a long way.
Beyond donating cookies, I hope to do more. I am currently working on some ideas to develop a baking and entrepreneurial after-school program for the kids. I want to share my passion for baking while also helping them understand the business side of it—teaching them skills that could one day turn into opportunities.
A Club Like No Other
I have worked with several Boys & Girls Clubs in the past, but this one completely blew me away. The clubs are exceptionally well-run, and the kids? They are kind, polite, and wise beyond their years. They are happy and cared for. When I walked through the doors, I was welcomed like family—and I imagine that’s exactly how these kids feel every day.
It’s truly their home away from home, a place where they feel accepted, loved, and empowered to grow. The impact of this Club extends far beyond academics; it’s shaping them into confident, capable individuals ready to take on the world.
A Night to Remember
I was honored to attend the 2025 Youth of the Year Celebration at the Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club, where the organization recognized the incredible achievements of its inspiring teen members. The event was nothing short of magical—a testament to the hard work and dedication of these young leaders and the community that supports them.
I was also thrilled to see this special event featured in the Observer, highlighting the amazing work being done at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties. Seeing the community come together to celebrate these remarkable young individuals was truly heartwarming.
At Feed Your Soul, we believe in giving back, in supporting the next generation, and in using our passion for baking to make a difference. We take pride in our process, our facility, our team, our products, and most importantly, our mission to give back. We bake integrity into everything we do—and being part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties has been one of the most rewarding experiences yet.