Steven Binder is deeply honored to receive the 2026 Florida Area Council CARE (Children Are Reason For Excellence) Award in recognition of his work with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County and the young people they serve.
While the award highlights Binder’s vision, he accepts the honor on behalf of the Project New Step Foundation Board of Directors, as well as the donors, volunteers, and community partners who turned a shared vision into action.
What began with an opportunity to share my passion for basketball and player development through clinics at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County quickly grew into something much bigger. Through Project New Step Foundation, we were able to help provide nearly 1,500 pairs of brand-new Nike sneakers to Club kids and staff.
But the sneakers are about much more than footwear.
For a young person, having a new pair of sneakers can provide confidence, dignity, self-esteem and a feeling of belonging. Sneakers are part of everyday life — getting to school, participating in sports, playing with friends and simply feeling good about yourself.
Seeing the smiles and excitement during the sneaker celebrations throughout Martin County, Fla. reinforced something I strongly believe: no child or young person should have to go without something as basic and important as a good pair of sneakers.
This recognition also shines an important light on the needs that continue to exist within our underserved communities. There is still so much work to do, and Project New Step Foundation is committed to being there — every step of the way.
I am incredibly grateful to the leadership, staff and members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County for allowing us to be part of their community and for everything they do every day to create opportunities and brighter futures for young people.
I encourage everyone to take a moment to view the Boys & Girls Clubs Instagram post and learn more about this special recognition and the work being done to support Club members.
Thank you to everyone who has believed in Project New Step Foundation and helped us make a difference. This honor belongs to all of us.
We have much more work to do — and we’ll be there every step of the way. 💙👟