Steve Townsend Honored at SRQ's Good Hero Luncheon

The Giving Coast

Pictured: (l-r) Executive Publisher of SRQ Magazine, Wes Roberts with Steve Townsend. Photo by Wyatt Kostygan.

Each year, SRQ Media invites the community to nominate individuals with hearts of giving who have made a significant impact with local nonprofit organizations — from volunteers and board members to individual staff members and donors. This year, attendees were thrilled to be together as we recognized these individuals at our annual Giving Coast and Good Hero Awards luncheon and panel discussion on Tuesday, January 28 at Michael’s on East in Sarasota. In the coming weeks, we are happy to feature each of the ten honorees in our Wednesday Philanthropic edition of SRQ Daily.

The first Good Hero we are recognizing is Steve Townsend, Board Member of Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties. Growing up with a single mother and juggling work, school and sports, Townsend learned the value of perseverance and hard work early in life. These experiences drive his passion for helping young people succeed. As a first-generation college graduate, he understands the transformative power of education and is committed to making it accessible to the next generation. His dedication to education, youth development and philanthropy has profoundly impacted Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties. In addition to his personal support, he has served as the Foundation Board of Directors Chair for the past year. Townsend has established two-year scholarships at local colleges for students who demonstrate dedication to education and personal development. These scholarships ensure that Club members have access to an associate's degree, vocational school or the ability to finish their general requirements at a four-year university debt-free. This is transformative for many members as they are seeking to be first-generation post-secondary graduates. Together with his wife, Marjolaine, Townsend has provided a pathway forward for 81 Club youth through the Townsend Scholarship. The impact of his work is best captured through the words of Club members: Thank you, Mr. Townsend, for believing in my future and giving me the opportunity to excel at college. This scholarship has opened doors for me that I never thought possible. Your generosity has changed my life, and I am so grateful for this chance to pursue my education. Because of you, I know I can achieve my goals. Being a Townsend Scholar means the world to me. This scholarship will help me pursue my degree and make my family proud. 

Pictured: (l-r) Executive Publisher of SRQ Magazine, Wes Roberts with Steve Townsend. Photo by Wyatt Kostygan.

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