In 1989, Hobe Sound resident, Margaret “Peggy” Cole learned of a local child who was a National Merit Scholar. Remarkably, this young person had lived in 17 different foster homes in his short life. Mrs. Cole, whose late husband once served as Chairman of the Board for Boys & Girls Clubs of America, decided that he and others like him deserved to experience the benefits of a Boys & Girls Club in Hobe Sound. Peggy gathered community support and found a strong partner in Hays Clark. Hays served on the National Board of Governors of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and was honored with the Herbert Hoover Humanitarian Award, the highest tribute the Boys & Girls Club of America can bestow on a volunteer. Together, they founded the first Boys & Girls Club in Martin County. With humble beginnings in the Hobe Sound Winn-Dixie Plaza, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County began with just 165 children. It has now grown to four Clubs — in Hobe Sound, Port Salerno, Palm City, and Indiantown with thousands of members!
Times have changed and programs have grown since 1989, but the need identified by Peggy Cole and Hays Clark for affordable youth development opportunities remains strong. Today, parents agree Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County is benefiting their children and preparing them for Great Futures! For more information call 772-545-1255.
