Clearwater for Youth to Honor Angelo Dundee at Celebrity Banquet

Clearwater may be known as spring home of the Phillies, but for nearly 40 years it has also been the home of Clearwater for Youth (CFY), the non-profit dedicated to helping youth through sports.  CFY’s upcoming 37^th Annual Celebrity Banquet will honor the International Boxing Hall of Famer, Angelo Dundee.  The banquet, being one of CFY’s most important charity benefits, will raise needed funds to continue supporting athletic programs where children from all levels of society can play sports, ensuring no child is turned away due to financial concerns.  The banquet will be held on Saturday, February 27^th at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort in Clearwater.

Angelo Dundee, the legendary American boxing cornerman, is best known for his work with Muhammad Ali as well as 15 world-boxing champions, including Sugar Ray Leonard and George Foreman.  Among Dundee will be other celebrity sports figures at the banquet as well as support by the Blue Jays, Phillies and the Rays.

Each year at the event, boys and girls are awarded youth scholarships.  One past recipient, who went onto play Division 1 Soccer in the US Military Academy, stated how, through CFY’s help, the ability to play soccer taught her respect, honesty and friendship - virtues true to the mission of CFY.

“CFY has been supported by many people and organizations, as well as local and national sports teams and celebrities,” said Brian Aungst, CFY’s Board of Trustees’ Chairman and former Mayor of Clearwater.  “Our goal is to continue to develop an organization that will support youth through our nationally recognized sports programs.”

For more information about Clearwater for Youth, visit http://www.clearwaterforyouth.org/ or call 727-793-2696.

About Clearwater for Youth:

Clearwater for Youth (CFY) was incorporated as a not-for-profit, tax-deductible organization, in 1972, to help its community youth reach their fullest potential through enriching and productive activities.  Thousands of children and dedicated volunteers have participated in a variety of CFY sports activities throughout the years.  The focus of CFY has always been supporting programs that encourage character building, sportsmanship and teamwork.  At one time, CFY was in charge of a myriad of programs that boys and girls participated in such as football, cheerleading, baseball, softball, soccer, basketball, karate, golf and more.  Today, to help ensure that no child is turned away due to financial concerns, CFY encourages youth sports in the community by offering scholarship opportunities, grants and matching funds to youth programs and participants in need.  CFY’s mission has never wavered nor has their philosophy, “building character through sports.”  CFY believes today as it did over 35 years ago that there is no better investment than an investment in our youth, the leaders of tomorrow.  CFY’s Annual Sports Celebrity Banquet has been graced by many well-known local and national celebrities, including Joe DiMaggio, Mike Alstott and Tom Lasorda.  To find out more or to help, visit http://www.clearwaterforyouth.org/