Welcome to the February edition of the All Star Children's Foundation newsletter!
Greetings, friends!
This year at All Star Children’s Foundation, our theme is “Good to Great,” and it encapsulates both our vision and our commitment to foster care transformation. While we are always pushing the boundaries of the quality of care we provide children and families — from the evidence-based mental health services for children, to trauma-informed trainings for adults serving children, to the safe haven we provide children — we recognize this is just the starting point. Greatness is what our children, families, and community deserve.
“Good to Great” is more than just a theme; it’s a call to action. It’s about aiming for excellence for our children in foster care, embracing innovation, and leading with empathy and evidence-based practices. It’s about supporting systems that not only meet the basic needs of children but also unlock their full potential—academically, emotionally, and socially.
This year, we are doubling down on our e orts to strengthen the foster care system through expanded training for adults serving children in the system, tailored therapeutic services for children, and more partnerships with schools and community organizations. We’re launching a Specialty Trauma & Developmental Assessment Clinic which will elevate care standards, enhance our continuity of care, and deliver measurable outcomes -- improving the lives of children in our community and beyond.
We’re also deepening our relationships with supporters, partners, and community leaders. Because greatness isn’t achieved in isolation; it’s a collective e ort that requires the hearts and hands of many.
So, as we embark on this journey from “Good to Great,” I invite you to join us. Whether you’re a foster parent, a community advocate, a donor, or simply someone who cares deeply about children’s futures, there’s a place for you in this mission.
Together, let’s move beyond good. Let’s redefine what great looks like for children in foster care and create a legacy of hope and opportunity that will ripple through generations to come.
Stronger Community Partnerships helping Foster Youth thrive Together
At All Star Children’s Foundation, we know that healing happens through connection. Thanks to incredible community partnerships, we’re able to provide children in foster care with life-changing opportunities, enrichment, and support.
Expanding Access to Mental Health Support
Healing from trauma requires strong mental health support, and our partnerships with Sarasota County Schools, Family Initiative, NAMI, Centerstone, JFCS, Sarasota Health Department and others ensure that children and families have access to crucial resources. From collaborating on case management to mental health education, these partnerships help provide the care and support needed for children in foster care to heal and thrive.
Empowering Youth Through Learning & Creativity
• Safe Children Coalition leads Independent Living classes on our campus, teaching teens essential life skills.
• Upward Notes brought a “musical petting zoo,” introducing kids to the joy of playing instruments.
• Sarasota Art Museum welcomed All Star kids for a visit and led a hands-on art activity on campus.
Building a Trauma-Informed & Sustainable Community
• Catalyst, in collaboration with SRQ Strong, provides training to help local businesses become trauma-informed.
• Guardians Ad Litem receive training and support to advocate for
• Roots Academy & Sarasota County installed a compost bin in our food forest, teaching families about sustainability.
Making an Impact Through Volunteerism & Service
• Junior League of Sarasota contributes to various campus projects, ensuring children feel supported and uplifted.
Click to see a video from our visit with Upward Notes and their Musical Petting Zoo!
Congratulations to our founder Graci McGillicuddy for her induction into the Florida
Women’s Hall of Fame!
We are beyond proud to celebrate Graci’s induction into the Florida Women’s Hall of Fame!
This prestigious honor recognizes Graci’s life’s work in improving the lives of children, especially those who have been a ected by abuse and neglect. This honor recognizes her for her profound impact on our community.
Through All Star, her visionary leadership continues to shape a brighter future for children in foster care, and we are so grateful for her passion and commitment. Please join us in celebrating this special and well-deserved recognition!
The Florida Women’s Hall of Fame was created by Florida Statute in 1982 to honor women who, through their lives and e orts, made significant contributions to the improvement of life for women and all Florida citizens.
THIRD THURSDAY TOURS
2025 Dates:
MARCH 20 / APRIL 17 / MAY 15 / JUNE 19 / JULY 17 / AUG 21 / SEPT 18 / OCT 16 / NOV 20 / DEC 18
Our Third Thursday Tours o er a unique opportunity to get an up-close look at the work we do. Meet our dedicated team, learn about our innovative programs, and see firsthand how we create a nurturing environment for children.
Whether you're a long-time supporter or new to our cause, this event is perfect for anyone who wants to make a di erence in a child's life. So mark your calendars for the Third Thursday Tours @ All Star and join us for an inspiring hour that will touch your heart and leave you with a sense of hope and joy. Don't miss out on this chance to be a part of something truly special!
From donations to composting presentations
From L to R:
(a) GFWC Women’s Club of Sarasota delivers Valentines for our All Star kids; (b) Living127’s generous donation to our clubhouse; (c) All Star Specialty Trauma & Developmental Assessment Clinic sta ; (d) Doug, our Campus Caretaker, grills hot dogs at welcome party for our new campus family; (e) Members of ________ take a tour at All Star; (f) Roots Academy students educate campus families on composting and demonstrate how to use the bins they have donated; (g) PAWs, in partnership with Child Protection Center, pays a visit to children waiting for their appointments; (h) Jessica Blagdon and Graci at the Blagdon farewell party; (i) Check presentation from Coldwell Banker Realty.
Graci McGillicuddy, Board Chair
Dennis McGillicuddy, Vice Chair
Byron Shinn, Treasurer
Elaine Crouse, Secretary
Ashley Coone
Amy Farrington
Dr. Raymond Dean Hautamaki
Karen A. Holbrook, Ph.D.
Terri Klauber
Noah Riner