Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties (BGCSDC) is proud to announce that Alvin L., a 17-year-old Club member and senior at Florida Virtual School, has been honored with the Youth in Philanthropy Award at the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Southwest Florida Chapter’s National Philanthropy Day Celebration, held on November 4, 2025. 

The AFP National Philanthropy Day Celebration brings together nonprofit organizations, donors, and community leaders to recognize the individuals and groups making extraordinary contributions to the spirit of giving across Southwest Florida. This award recognizes outstanding contributions by youth within an organization that embody philanthropy through leadership, service, and community impact.

AFP’s recognition highlights Alvin’s dedication to service and leadership, as well as the impact of the organization’s programs. He has participated in multiple Club programs focused on advocacy, college and career preparation, entrepreneurship, leadership, and more. As of recent, Alvin has become a full-voting member on the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors through The Club’s Students Taking Active Roles (STAR) Leadership Training Program, which empowers high school students to learn about civic engagement and take part in shaping their community.

He was also selected to serve on Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s 2025 National Keystone Conference Steering Committee, where he played a lead role in planning this annual conference, where thousands of teens worldwide came together in Chicago for four days of skill-building workshops, team activities, service projects, and celebrations of teen engagement and empowerment. 

Building on these experiences, Alvin was also one of six teens who participated in The Club’s Cultural Immersion Program this summer, where he traveled to the Republic of Georgia to volunteer at a youth-serving organization while gaining a global perspective, developing leadership skills, and gaining a global perspective to bring back to his local community. Alvin continues to use his voice to advocate for youth leadership and share the perspective of his generation.

 “Alvin embodies the mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs, to empower young people to reach their full potential,” said Suriya Khong, Vice President of Teen Initiatives at Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties. “Alvin’s journey and tremendous efforts reflects the heart of who he is and what’s at the heart of our mission.” 

BGCSDC isthrilled to honor and recognize Alvin alongside other outstanding community leaders and organizations who make philanthropy a driving force for positive change in our community.