HOLLYWOOD — The Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Boys & Girls Club celebrated its 20th anniversary in a ballroom at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood on Sept. 6.

The celebration included an arts and crafts station, airbrush, bracelet making, airbrush tattoos, face painting and a photo booth for the tribal youth who attend the tribe’s Boys & Girls Club. Robert North, director of the tribe’s Boys & Girls Club, Vice Chairwoman/Board President Holly Tiger and Big Cypress Councilwoman Mariann Billie participated in the event.

During the celebration, the Ahfatchkee School band played a few cover songs outside of the ballroom where friends and families gathered. Other live performances during the evening included Paul Buster, Spencer Battiest and Doc Native, The Osceola Brothers and the Blues Traveler.

Miss Florida Seminole CeCe Thomas and Jr. Miss Florida Seminole Violet Osceola spoke to the attendees about the positive impacts of the tribe’s Boys and Girls Club.

Alumni and members of other Boys & Girls Clubs from around the country were also in attendance, including Toby Patrick, board member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, and Bruce LeClaire, Rosebud Sioux, CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of the Southern Ute Tribe in Colorado.

Carla Knapp, national vice president of Native Services of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, presented a special resolution acknowledging the 20 years of commitment of the Boys & Girls Club of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Knapp spoke highly about North and complimented him on his
dedication and commitment to the tribe’s Boys and Girls Club.

“When I think of Robert and what he has done, him and his wife over the last 20 years, I can stand up here and say they have provided a safe and nurturing environment where our youth build resilience.” Knapp said to the audience.

President Tiger and Councilwoman Billie emphasized to the audience the positive impacts of the Boys & Girls Club.

“The progress is truly inspiring. I know many Big Cypress community members have benefited from arts and the music program the Boys & Girls Club offers. The program allows them to express their artistic talents, and I am thrilled that we have a space for our young tribal members can receive assistance with their homework, tutoring, educational activities and promoting academic success.” Councilwoman Billie said.

“I just want to say keep doing the work that you are doing,” President Tiger said. “The kids you can see the hard work in our children, I see a difference in the children that are more well-rounded, and you guys bring that out in them and that’s important.”

North thanked the parents, Boys & Girls Club alumni, and its board members.

“We are here to provide a safe and healthy atmosphere after school and throughout the summer,” North said to the audience.

The event concluded with hit songs from Blues Traveler.