Marti Huizenga - Beloved Board Member & Friend

Earlier this month, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County (BGCBC) lost a beloved longtime supporter, friend and advocate of our youth, Marti Huizenga.  Marti joined the BGCBC family in 1979, taking an active role in the BGCBC’s Women Division, and quickly became involved in various special events and initiatives throughout our organization. 

When Marti joined the BGCBC family, the organization consisted of only 3 Clubs serving 3,000 boys (boys only at that time) in the community each year.  Through Marti’s tenure, she witnessed and actively participated in the growth of the BGCBC where we currently have 12 Clubs serving over 12,500 youth. Marti also played a vital role in the BOYS Clubs of Broward County becoming The Boys & GIRLS Clubs of Broward County.  In 1988, Marti became a member of the Corporate Board and oversaw the initiative to include services for girls, an important step forward in our organization’s history which became official in 1990.

Marti & Wayne with members of the Marti Huizenga Boys & Girls Club	Marti with Alan Goldberg

Not only was Marti an influential member of the Women’s Division, she also was our Keynote Speaker at volunteer and staff events.  Marti and Wayne opened up their family’s home to host fundraising events and they participated in various fundraising committees.  Marti used her sphere of influence to attract celebrities, donors and community leaders all to benefit at-risk youth of BGCBC. 

Always willing to do more and serve in any capacity, Marti led the Corporate Board as Board Chair from 1994 – 1997.  During her term as Board Chair, BGCBC embarked on a $20 million capital campaign with General Capital Campaign Chairpersons, Jim and Jan Moran, along with Rick Case.  The campaign raised funds for building upgrades, retro- fitting our existing Clubs to welcome in girls and oversaw the expansion of several new Club locations.  Marti’s involvement was instrumental in increasing our ability to serve and impact more youth in the Broward County community.  In 1992, shortly after our 5^th Club was built, the Hollywood Club was appropriately named the “Marti Huizenga Boys & Girls Club” to commemorate her tremendous impact on our youth and our organization.

Marti with Jim and Jan Moran at the Groundbreaking of the Jim & Jan Moran Boys & Girls Club	Rita, Raquel, Ryan and Rick Case with Marti

Today, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County is the 5^th largest Boys & Girls Clubs organization in the country.  It is without a doubt in part due to the efforts of Marti Huizenga and her husband Wayne. 

Marti and Wayne are both members of the Lifetime Giving Society and Dream Makers Society, which recognizes lifelong donors who have contributed in excess of one million dollars.  Their dedication has touched every area of our organization, along with countless lives, adult and young people alike. Today, the Boys & Girls Clubs Administrative Office Campus is respectively named “The H. Wayne & Marti Huizenga Campus.”

Marti & Wayne with Brian Quail, BGCBC’s President/CEO	Marti & Wayne at the Annual Hollywood Welcomes the Stars Fundraiser for the Marti Huizenga Club

“Marti's love, devotion, leadership and commitment to our mission have made the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County what it is today. We will truly miss her spirited passion for our mission and the children we serve.” said Brian Quail, BGCBC’s President/CEO.