Pictured: Bill Sadlo (center) with Dr. Helene Lotman (left) and SRQ Magazine Managing Editor, Barbie Heit. 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 our annual Good Hero Philanthropic Award recipients at the SB2: Philanthropic Agenda Luncheon and Good Hero Philanthropic Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, March 7th at Michael’s on East in Sarasota. We are pleased to feature each of the ten honorees in our Wednesday Philanthropic edition of SRQ Daily.

Today we recognize Bill Sadlo, President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties. Bill has held many positions but has always maintained the motto that we all do better when we come together. Over his 35 years with this organization, his number one priority is, and always will be, creating a safe place for local youth to go outside of school. Under his guidance, the organization is always working to be the best place for all local youth to attend where they feel included, empowered and supported to engage in the programs, ideas and skills they feel passionate about. Bill was himself a Club member growing up in Sarasota. He saw firsthand all that the Club could offer a young person and he credits the Boys & Girls Club with many of the values he still holds today. After he earned his Bachelor of Education, Bill returned to the Club to give back to the younger Club members until he could find a teaching position. He joined the organization during the summer of 1987 as the Athletic Director. Being able to experience the rewards of giving back to the next generation helped him realize very quickly this was what he wanted to do with his life. This year marks Bill’s 35th year with the organization and his commitment to the youth of our area has grown exponentially. He takes his message of collaboration beyond the programs and culture of the Club and instills it in the staff and Board culture. When longtime staff members were asked about Bill’s leadership, the common thread was that it was never about him. One senior staff member shared, “the type of leader he is should be the goal for all leaders.” He serves this area tirelessly and we can think of no person more deserving of the Good Hero Award.

Pictured: Bill Sadlo (center) with Dr. Helene Lotman (left) and SRQ Magazine Managing Editor, Barbie Heit. Photo by Wyatt Kostygan.