FT. LAUDERDALE – The Boys and Girls Clubs has honored Trinidad-born Sandra Bernard-Bastien as one of the 100 Outstanding Women of Broward County.
Sandra Bernard-Bastien, Director of Public Affairs & Organizational Development at the Children’s Services Council, joined 99 other distinguished women, including other Caribbean-American’s Marcia Barry-Smith, the executive Director of Bank Atlantic Foundation and Maxine Tulloch, President/CEO of Tulloch Media Communications, at a lavish dinner held at the Signature Grand on Thursday May 12th. The gala event, attended by more than 1000 distinguished guests, included a fashion show by Rene Ruiz.
Since its beginnings in 1860 in Hartford, Connecticut, the nationally acclaimed Boys and Girls Club of America (BGCA) has an outstanding track record of growth and service to the community. Today Boys & Girls Clubs of America are located in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and on U.S. military installations around the world.
In carrying out their mission “To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive caring responsible citizens” BGCA has attracted almost 5 million young people who have served through membership and community outreach in 4000 chartered club locations staffed by 51,000 trained professionals.
The 2010 “Philanthropy 400” report, The Chronicle of Philanthropy, ranked BGCA in the No. 1 position among youth organizations for the 17th consecutive year and placed it as No. 15 among all non-profit organizations.
The list of the 100 Outstanding Women of Broward County honored by this prestigious organization reads like a Who’s Who of Florida.
Marcia Barry-Smith (L) and Sandra Bernard-Bastien with Sandra’s mother, Lynn Bernard (seated)
A well known member of the community who has received numerous awards , Sandra Bernard-Bastien has earned her place on this list through an impressive career in the USA, UK and the Caribbean. She has authored three books, the latest on the rhetoric of Presidents Clinton and Obama. She serves on several boards including 211 First Call for Help, Broward County Library Advisory Board and Culture City. She was appointed to the City of Coral Springs Youth & Family Committee and Customer Involved Government Committee. By Mayoral Proclamation, May 3rd 2007 was declared Sandra Bernard-Bastien Day throughout Broward County.
Proceeds from the gala are intended for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Broward County Susan B. Anthony Recovery Center, which according to its Mission Statement, “Transforms families by providing help, hope and healing for mothers and their children to live responsible drug free lives.”
