Central Orange Coast Boys & Girls Club Receives Prestigious Award

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — Robert Santana, CEO for Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, was awarded the BGCA Blue Spirit Award and Pacific Regional CEO of the year during the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Pacific Regional Celebration in October.

The Blue Spirit Award is the highest honor bestowed by BGCA to a local club professional in a region, according to the group. The award recognizes leaders who have demonstrated what it truly means to be a community leader and have gone above and beyond.

"Robert has been making a real difference and impact for youth in Orange County since he first interacted with the Club in 2005," a spokesperson for the group tells Patch. "He started as a volunteer and within three years became CEO where he now oversees the operation of 66 sites, including four Club sites and 62 partner school sites."

During the spring of 2020, Clubs struggled with moving forward and assuring safety for their kids during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Under Robert’s leadership, BGC of Central OC created a strategic reopening plan to keep kids and staff safe, including emergency childcare for frontline workers," they said.

With the successful results of these new operating procedures, Robert shared best practices with BGCA locations across the country, helping other Clubs to reopen their doors safely throughout the pandemic.

Santana discussed his award, and what it means to him to have received it.

“We don’t do the work we do for recognition, we do it because we are fortunate to have a positive influence on our youth,” Santana said. “Our kids need us more than ever and the Boys & Girls Clubs are here for them before, during and after the pandemic.”

For more information on BGC of Central OC, please visit www.boysandgirlsclub.com.