Thrive Highlights from a Summer of Empowering Teens
- sheri79
- Sep 5
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 7
Our team had an impactful summer of empowering teens through our open summer programs and our TAC leadership training. Here is a recap.
The month of June boasted our biggest Summer PopUps yet. Summer PopUps 2025 marked the 9th year of our beloved summer program that brings recreation and education together for teens to safely engage with mentors and peers. During three evenings in June, 206 teens signed up for the topic of their choice from dozens of options. Two Summer PopUps nights were held in Downtown Clermont and one night took place in Groveland at Lake David Park.
The success of Summer PopUps is thanks to a community-wide effort. We are grateful for the municipalities and businesses that provide venue space for teens to learn and grow. Our 2025 Summer PopUps were supported by over 30 volunteer instructors leading 27 different workshops or activities. Afterwards, students enjoyed dinner, music and exciting raffles!
The majority of this year’s attendees are residents of South Lake County, however, we also had students from Orange, Osceola, Polk, Sumter and Marion Counties participate.
Thrive’s Summer PopUps bring recreational, educational, and social opportunities never before available in our community for teens.
After Summer PopUps wrapped up in June, we enjoyed mixing and mingling with our past supporters and meeting new friends through two summer fundraisers.
Thrive’s Summer Garden Party was held at Sunshine Book Co. on June 22nd. The Summer Garden Party featured raffles, a photo station, Gourmet Snacks & Mocktails, Author’s table, and a plant sale. Big thanks to all who donated their time, talent and treasure. We raised $900! Thank you Beth Merrick, Marianne Hunnel, Kristine Walsworth, Mary LaChuisa, Annelisa Weekes, Lindsay Parks, Tracy Durrance, Jay Cruz, Kendall Lewin, Chris McDonald, and Hannah Hart! Plus, a BIG shout out to Clermont Party Rentals, Cherrylake and Sunshine Book Co.
An Afternoon at the Pub was held at The Friar Tuck British Pub on July 20. With 10% of food sales donated to Thrive plus prize wheel and other donations at the event, Thrive raised $700! Thank you to Steven and Demi Miller, Mary LaChiusa, and Music Man.
$400 of the funds raised have been earmarked to establish Thrive’s Education Scholarships for Leaders and will be given to one male and one female 2026 HS graduate in South Lake County showing exemplary leadership through service to the local community. The remaining $1,200 raised will be deployed for food and other expenses related to Thrive’s Fall Adulting Programs.
Another summer highlight was that Thrive Clermont was the selected Charity for Uncle Matt’s Organic Giveback program during April, May, and June of this year. On July 25th Thrive’s leadership team got the opportunity to attend Uncle Matt’s Organic company luncheon to receive the donation check. We are incredibly grateful for the $12,723 donation, which is one of our largest single donations ever received!
Here is a link to a Clermont Sun article about Uncle Matt’s Organic and their innovative giving strategy, why they chose Thrive Clermont, and how we plan to invest the funds.
Each August brings new students into the Teen Advisor Council Leadership Program
Thrive held the annual onboarding event for the Fall Teen Advisory Council (TAC). These students, ranging from grades 8-12, will support key program needs for our Fall teen events, programs and fundraisers. The fifteen Fall TAC members represent six different schools; public, private, homeschooled, and FLVS.
From planning and task execution for programs, to creating graphics and writing and producing promotional videos, these teens grow their skills under professional mentors, while earning volunteer hours. Through weekly zooms and monthly in person meetings, TAC members learn how to contribute their thoughts and ideas which shape the foundational thinking around Thrive’s programs. By fostering the growth of this group of young leaders Thrive’s educational programs stay relevant and appealing.
Thrive’s Adulting Programs Coming this Fall
Thrive’s Adulting Programs this fall will offer the opportunity for teens to connect with Personal Coaches, Trade Employers and Schools, and financial & automotive professionals. Thrive’s vibrant and varied options aimed to empower our region’s diverse teen community!
· September 20 - Parent Workshop on Teen Mental Health at Florida Blue
· September 29 - Find Your Fit Workshop at Community Foundation of South Lake
· October 22 - Work in the Trades Event at Nathaniel Community Gymnasium
· November 11 - Personal Finance Workshop at the National Training Center
Registration for all Fall events is now OPEN at www.thriveclermont.org
Fall Fundraisers! We hope to see you
· September 19 – Thrive PopUp Fundraiser at Downtown Clermont Wine Stroll
· October 11 – Thrive PopUp Fundraiser at Downtown Clermont Wine Stroll
· December 2-13 – Twelve Days of Empowering Teens: Thrive’s Online Auction
· December 13 – Thrive’s Ice Cream Social Fundraiser at Clermont Historic Village
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