CHILDREN FIRST ANNUAL REPORT 2020
Dear Friends, Mission Strengthening children and families by improving the quality of their lives through a comprehensive approach to development, education, health, and well-being. Vision Children First envisions a vibrant community that cherishes education, provides opportunities for children and families to grow and thrive, and encourages and empowers families in supporting their children. Children First Board of Directors as of 7/1/2021 Officers Katherine Martucci, Chair Jaqueline W. Ray, Ph.D., Vice-Chair Katrina Otchet, Secretary Keith G. Johnson, Treasurer Michael Keebaugh, Chair Emeritus Board at Large Barbara G. Benson Howard Berman Lisa Giglio Andrea Johnson Rev. Brock H. Leach Linda L. Monda Elizabeth Stamoulis Joe Stephan Michael K. Suarez Alanna Densmore, S.T.A.R. Student Leadership Philip Tavill, President & CEO Jessica Rogers, Vice President of Philanthropy Kathleen Sullivan, Vice President of Programs Commitment to Leadership In 2020, 100% of the Board of Directors philanthropically supported Children First. Policy Council 2020-2021 school year Maria Somera, Chair Vanessa Diaz-Petit, Parliamentarian Cher Gardner, Community Representative – Riverview High School Teen Parent Program Michelle Stears, Community Representative – Sarasota Housing Authority Howard Berman, Board Liaison
The year 2020 was a whirlwind of overcoming obstacles, turbulent times, and above all, resilience, in which our entire community came together in heroic fashion to help battle the villainous effects of the coronavirus on our children and families. Although we had to temporarily suspend on-campus services in the interest of everyone’s health and safety, we are proud to share that your support enabled us to be with our children and families every step of the way. We provided thousands of “Angel Bags” to our families with nutritious necessities when food insecurity was at an all-time high through weekly food distributions with our community partners. In addition to these deliveries, essential items such as infant formula, diapers and wipes, and hygiene kits helped to stabilize our families. Teachers continued to engage with children and keep them on their paths to success. Family Advocates were in constant communication with parents to help them identify and overcome the many barriers that 2020 presented. By helping us retain our entire staff of more than 200, your incredible philanthropy ensured delivery of our crucial services never stopped. When a single mother could not pay her rent and was facing homelessness, or a family of five was at risk of having their lights turned off, you were there. Having the ability to keep every employee working allowed us to provide help that many of our families never dreamed of needing. The heroism that went into this vital effort from our staff, board of directors, families, volunteers, community partners, and supporters like you, is what allowed us to reopen our classrooms for the new school year and welcome back our children and families. In 2021, Children First celebrates 60 years of commitment to mission as we celebrate Philip’s 25th anniversary as CEO. Together, we continue to successfully navigate the uncharted territory of our ultimate mission: providing the highest level of service possible to our children and families today, and for generations to come. Thank you for championing the Children First vision to encourage and empower our families by creating new opportunities for them to grow and thrive each day. We truly look forward to the future as we help our agency soar to new heights . . . and beyond! Sincerely,
Katherine Martucci
Board Chair
Philip Tavill President & CEO
“Anyone who does anything to help a child is a
E
very child needs a hero. The children and families we serve experience some of the most adverse effects of living in poverty, including homelessness, food insecurity, and lack of access to healthcare. By supporting our mission, you become the superhero for a child and their family in need so that one day, they can soar higher and farther than they ever imagined.
hero to me.” —Fred Rogers
Services for Children
With a commitment to provide every child an equal opportunity to succeed, in school and in life, we provide services to the most economically vulnerable children and families in Sarasota County. These include: • Infant and Toddler Care • Early Childhood Education • Nutrition • Healthcare Screenings • Emotional & Behavioral Support • RISE, a one-on-one literacy support and mentorship program in partnership with Emma E. Booker Elementary School
Early Head Start & Head Start
• Summer programs to prevent learning loss
Early Head Start supports family well-being through the promotion of healthy prenatal outcomes and infant and toddler development from birth to age three. Our Family Advocates are real-life heroes who work hard to ensure proper access to prenatal care for expectant mothers, and provide guidance following the child’s birth. When it is time to transition to the classroom, every child receives the opportunity to develop and learn in the highest-quality early childhood environment.
• Elaine’s Kids, a summer program for our highest-risk children
In Head Start, school readiness is promoted for at-risk children, ages three to five, by supporting families through the development of the whole child. Our Family Advocates emphasize the role of the parents as their child’s first and most important teacher. Through their work with families in setting goals and achieving self-sufficiency, children are able to join their more economically stable peers for Kindergarten, on pace and ready for success in school.
• Vocational Family Advocates
Services for Parents & Caregivers
Services are available for pregnant mothers and children, birth to five, and their parents or caregivers who are enrolled at Children First. These include: • Family Advocacy • Workforce Parent Training Program • Families First Institute
A National Program of Excellence
The National Head Start Association (NHSA) designated Children First as a national Program of Excellence, placing us in the top 1% of all Head Start and Early Head Start programs nationwide. To qualify, programs must consistently demonstrate excellence in governance, fiscal management, and, most importantly, service delivery, as well as show continuous support toward
the achievement of robust outcomes for pregnant women, at-risk children birth to five years old, families, and their communities. Children First has received this coveted recognition that is given out every three years by the NHSA for the fourth consecutive time and is one of only two agencies in the United States to be honored with this designation.
The Making of a
C
powerful
hildren First and the Sarasota Housing Authority (SHA) use the collective powers of their partnership to support vulnerable families in achieving lifelong success.
In 2006, the two organizations realized their unique potential to help the families living within the Housing Authority in achieving success. By providing early childhood education and family strengthening services at the Resident Opportunity and Self Sufficiency (ROSS) Center, parents who had been unable to afford childcare could now attend school or work while their children were receiving high-quality education from loving teachers. These two classrooms have been continuously serving our children and families for 15 years. “Our shared vision of supporting overall family wellbeing through the power of education became our mission for building a stronger community,” says SHA CEO William Russell. “As long as we work together, there is nothing we cannot accomplish for children and families.”
partnership
Not wanting to stop there, a fifth classroom on Housing Authority grounds was opened in the Janie’s Garden complex where 16 Head Start learners work to gain the confidence and skills they need for Kindergarten. “Every child is born with potential but not every child is provided opportunity. It’s critically important for those families to change their stories so the next generation can have a different opportunity and break that generational cycle of poverty,” says CEO Philip Tavill. Children First and Sarasota Housing Authority remain committed to fostering a foundation of success for our community’s most vulnerable so that all children and families, regardless of their circumstance at birth or in life, receive the same chance to learn, grow, and dream.
2019 “Glass Slipper Project” ribbon cutting and opening of 14th location
Children First and the SHA took action when they realized the growing waitlist of families in need of these services, especially those with very young children. Together, with a group of dedicated philanthropists, a previously-abandoned modular building was renovated into two new infant and toddler classrooms where some of the Housing Authority’s youngest residents are now able to thrive.
In addition to receiving high-quality early childhood education, children who attend Children First also receive comprehensive services that support their overall health and development. The circumstances in which our families live can severely limit their access to healthy foods
and proper healthcare, including mental health services. Health Services
All children enrolled at Children First receive medical, dental, developmental, and emotional/ behavioral screenings with support
from our partners and volunteers from the healthcare community. Children who require extra support can receive early intervention for diagnosed disabilities, developmental delays, and emotional or behavioral issues.
2021
The partnership between Children First and the SHA stands strong after 15 years as both agencies continue to reach new heights together
2006
Sarasota Housing Authority CEO William Russell and Children First CEO Philip Tavill at the official opening of the Ross Center
We have a team of early learning inclusion coordinators and mental health specialists who provide individualized care or refer a child to our strong network of community partners.
nearly
80,000
breakfasts, lunches, and snacks served on-site from August 2020–May 2021, and over
2,500+
food care packages distributed to our families as part of our agency’s COVID-19 support
15.5%
of the children we serve have a diagnosed disability
The Making of a
Super Staff
A Letter from Vice President of Programs Kathleen Sullivan
N
ot all heroes wear capes—some wear scrubs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Children First’s staff of more than 200 superheroes activated their superpowers and ensured continued delivery of critical services, thanks in large part to the support from our community. Amidst these challenging times, the 2020–2021 school year marked the beginning of a new 5-year grant cycle for Children First as Sarasota County’s exclusive provider of Head Start and Early Head Start services, as well as a new way of operating our program and executing our mission. Our agency pivoted in a major way to ensure the developmental progress of our children continued when we transitioned to remote services from March to July of 2020 as a response to the coronavirus. Our priority, first and foremost, was to maintain delivery of our highquality services as safely as possible. Although we are still experiencing the effects of one of the most turbulent and challenging times in history, the resilience, determination, and flexibility of our staff keeps our mission moving forward. Through our commitment to excellence, we are still nurturing children, supporting families, collaborating with community partners, and doing our best to make each day better.
While our Education Department temporarily reinvented itself through the provision of at-home educational kits and weekly lesson plans to further engage parents as their child’s first teacher, our Family Services team worked with caregivers to identify needs and create safety plans. To combat the growing mental health crisis, our Comprehensive Services staff quickly implemented virtual services and were soon providing more than 100 hours of direct mental health support to our children and families each month. Our Health and Safety Committee, with input from our parent-comprised Policy Council and Board of Directors, worked tirelessly to establish a re-opening plan for the 2021–2022 school year that allowed us to resume our critical, campus-based services at all 15 of our locations. With school back in session again, children are learning from qualified teachers, eating healthy meals, and experiencing rich learning environments in their classrooms. Their parents are also receiving the support they need to get back on track with their own educational, employment, and financial goals with guidance from our Family Advocates. The motto of our agency’s Staff Wellness Committee is, “One program. One heart. We are stronger together!” In these next few pages, you will see the ultimate reflection of heroism as you read the incredible stories of Maria, Heather, and Monique and learn how the COVID-19 pandemic is just the most recent example of Children First’s dedication to making our mission possible.
“As a classroom volunteer, I have seen firsthand the incredible work that each employee consistently puts in every day for our children and families. Through some truly difficult times, they all work tirelessly alongside our community to uplift our most vulnerable. Everyone becomes a hero in his or her own way, and it is amazing to see the activation of so many “superpowers” for the greater good. Thank you for continuing to serve our children and families proudly.” —Katherine Martucci, Board Chair & Classroom Volunteer
The Making of a
M
Super Family
aria and Jorge are loving parents to bright and vivacious children David (age 5), Anna (age 3), and newest member of the family, Daniel (born Summer 2021). Originally from Mexico, the hard-working couple moved to Southwest Florida for better opportunities. After settling with family, they worked diligently to rebuild their lives, striving for self-sufficiency while facing unimaginable obstacles. They eventually began a family of their own and when their son was diagnosed with a hearing delay, the two were directed to Children First. Soon, with proper healthcare screenings and guidance from the agency’s comprehensive services staff, David received the support he needed to thrive in his classroom. He and his sister, Anna, were both able to receive a high-quality education and gain access to an array of support services to help them grow. This allowed Maria and Jorge to focus on their careers and continue their own education. Together, the pair opened their first business and were growing their client base successfully. Both enrolled in classes with the agency’s Families First Institute, learning about career readiness, financial management,
The Families First Institute strengthens our most vulnerable families. Parents learn important tools to create positive and enduring changes at home. Classes include Calendar-Based Budgeting, Career Readiness for Women, Daddy 101, English as a Second
positive parenting, and more. Maria was also elected by her fellow parents as Chair of Children First’s Policy Council, helping to lead the agency in making familybased decisions. Their lives were drastically changed when COVID-19 began impacting our community. Maria was now staying at home to care for David and Anna as Children First temporarily transitioned from physical to remote services, and with few opportunities for new clients, the family was soon struggling to keep up with bills. Their Family Advocate, Yesenia, connected the family to crucial resources for perinatal care as well as utilities and rent. This support, in addition to regular deliveries of “Angel Bags” with necessary food and supplies, helped the family get back on their feet. Maria and Jorge worked tirelessly to stabilize their business, even opening a second business to maintain their financial security. Today, David is confident and ready to move on to Kindergarten, Anna is learning new things each day in Early Head Start, and Daniel is growing and already learning to make sounds and movement. Maria and Jorge’s businesses are prospering while the super parents look to their next challenge—continuing to raise three happy and healthy super kids.
Language, Kinship Care Support Groups, Nurturing Dads, and Positive Solutions for Families. With the support of the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, we have expanded our services. This includes the addition of Vocational
Family Advocates, a Parent Training Program, and an expansion of the Families First Institute. Our goal is to help families increase the strength of parent-child relationships, family well-being, and family self-sufficiency.
I am sharing our story in the hopes that we can help other families. Because of Children First, I know that I am no longer alone and that my family’s future is brighter than ever before. Thank you for helping to save the day!
The Making of a
A
SupeR mom
lthough Heather McDonough’s path in life has been rockier than she ever expected, she credits the birth of her son, Bentley, for changing their lives for the better.
The two are building a future for themselves at Our Mother’s House, a safe and secure environment for women and their children experiencing the effects of homelessness. With her son receiving the highest-quality care and early childhood education from loving Children First staff, Heather is able to strive for self-sufficiency with guidance from her Family Advocate, Kim. “Heather is one of the most improved parents I have had the pleasure to work alongside in my time with Children First! In just one year, she obtained her GED, got her license and purchased a car, and started her associate degree with State College of Florida! She has made wonderful changes in how she handles tough situations, and she’s doing all she can to make sure Bentley receives the love and care he needs to grow,” says Kim. Heather’s family encouraged education and her mother was a college graduate, but she never thought that path would be a possibility until she became a mother herself. “My grandmother had my mom very young and was never able to go back to school, but she always encouraged us to go farther than we thought we ever could. When I had Bentley, that was all the motivation that I needed to start making positive changes.”
Our Mother’s House of Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice, Inc. provides shelter and guidance for single mothers and their children who would otherwise be homeless. Mothers work toward self-sufficiency and are required to attend life skills classes on topics
When the pandemic hit and she lost both jobs she had been working to make ends meet, Heather focused on her education. Her Family Advocate connected her to crucial resources, utilizing aide from Children First and the agency’s many community partners to support and stabilize the single mother and her young son. After transforming her bedroom into a classroom and studying hard for months, Heather earned both her GED and driver’s license. One of her proudest moments was saving enough money to purchase her first car, “Blue Beauty.” This milestone meant the pair would never have to walk to the store again, braving elements of heat and weather for the basic necessities to survive. Bentley is now a happy, thriving two-year-old with “doowop” hair and a love for all water activities. Although he has recently been diagnosed on the autism spectrum, Heather is working with Children First’s comprehensive services staff to secure the proper therapies and support he will need to continue his path to healthy development. Heather is pursuing her associate degree at SCF with the dream to open her own medical detoxification facility for women. If there’s anything she wishes she could share, it’s to be persistent and never give up. “Moms are a different kind of superhero—you look in your kid’s eyes and know you’ve got to do this for them. Then, one day, you make it past the point that you ever believed was possible. I think it’s beautiful to look back at where I used to be and look ahead to the future. I’ve accomplished great things, but I couldn’t do it alone.”
such as parenting, self-esteem, nutrition, and financial literacy. Children First partners with Catholic Charities at Our Mother’s House in Venice and St. Martha’s Preschool in Sarasota to provide an on-site Early Head Start program
for the resident children while the mothers are in school or working. The licensed and certified programs ensures the children are ready to enter Kindergarten, healthy and on-par with their socioeconomically stable peers.
I’m grateful for my Family Advocate’s support throughout our entire journey, and I owe so much of my success to Bentley for showing that true love like I’ve never known before.
The Making of a
C
Super Survivor
ancer can run, but it can’t hide from Superwoman Monique Miller.
While working as the director of an early learning center in Tampa, doctors discovered a mass wrapped around Monique’s kidney after she became pregnant with her fourth child. She was told that this disease meant undergoing intensive surgery to save both of their lives. With the encouragement of a strong support system, expert medical care, and incredible tenacity, she battled Stage III kidney cancer and delivered a healthy baby girl. Monique refused to give up despite a demanding recovery in the ICU and the operation resulting in permanent challenges. Though her life and the lives of her family were now changed forever, Monique and her husband Denford focused on their futures. They moved to North Port where they welcomed their fifth child, and another unexpected but positive change happened when they found Children First. While her newborn daughter began receiving highquality care and education from loving teachers, Monique decided to go back into the classroom herself, having a variety of experience as an educator. It was this environment with her new Children First family where she felt most like herself again.
Family well-being and parent engagement is a cornerstone of our work. It’s critical that we strengthen our parents in order to support the success of their children. Every family at Children First works with a Family Advocate (FA) to set
“Through the years, Monique has faced many challenges and even in the most difficult of circumstances she finds the strength to grow. She is a great example that anything can be accomplished with faith, strong will, and hard work,” says Yesenia Colón Morales, Family Advocate. Today, Monique serves as a Regional Coordinator, helping to oversee daily operations at four Children First sites. In addition to these critical duties and her responsibilities with her family, she is a proud business owner of two successful companies, one in cleaning and the other in real estate investment, and works as a travel business consultant licensed in the state of Florida. As a thriving mother of five and grandmother of two, Monique reflects on her gratitude for how her experiences in life have helped her to find peace. “More than just a job, Children First is truly family to me. I look forward to going to work every day knowing my daughter is excelling in her VPK classroom as her teachers prepare her for Kindergarten next year.”
and meet financial, educational, and occupational goals. Because of the high-risk population we serve, we must address the complex issues our families face and work to stabilize the family as a whole. FAs provide the support,
encouragement, and resources families need to achieve selfsufficiency. Together, they create action plans to accomplish their goals.
The incredible people that I work with every day have helped to shape the woman I am.
Super service to our community
I
n 2020, Children First provided comprehensive services to approximately 775 children and families. Our agency operates all program sites to best serve the families meeting the eligibility requirements for Head Start and other programs. Children from families with incomes below the poverty level, and other guidelines based on risk factors, are eligible for services. All families are then prioritized for enrollment based on individual need. Children First ranks in the
Top 1%
of 1,800 Head Start programs nationwide.
total Cumulative enrollment* early Hea d Sta rt
Hea d Sta rt
s u mm e r program
339** 228*** 436
* Based on the 2020–21 school year ** Year-Round Services *** Academic Year Services
97%
e a r ly H e a d Sta rt
H e ad Start *
92%
68%
*Children First operated all Head Start classrooms at 50-75% enrollment due to health & safety precaution adherence to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
percentage of Eligible Children Served* ea r ly Hea d Sta rt
average monthly enrollment of eligible children served
Hea d Sta rt
100%
*Reflects children on waiting list for enrollment
measurable results
63%*
of parents working or attending school
98%
of families attended at least one school activity (virtually)
* In 2020, over 175 parents lost their jobs or had their work hours reduced due toCOVID-19.
167
Children sent to kindergarten
Ready for Kindergarten
and Beyond
C
hildren First’s 2020-21 School Readiness Goals align with the Head Start Child Development and Early Learning Framework, Florida’s Early Learning and Developmental Standards, and the HighScope Curriculum COR Advantage Assessment System’s Objectives for Development and Learning. On March 18, 2020 we officially transitioned to remote services. On August 31, 2020, we re-opened our doors for limited, on-site services to our children and families in full compliance with the Sarasota County Department of Health guidelines. Our official re-opening date for on-campus services at all locations was September 8, 2020.
Communication
12+88
8 8 % m e et o r e xc eed exp e ctati o n s
infants & toddlers
preschoolers
personal/social
11+89
1+99
99% meet or exceed expectation s
89% m eet o r exc eed exp e ctati o n s
infants & toddlers
1+99
99% meet or exceed expectation s
preschoolers
Physical Development-FINE and Gross motor
7+93
93 % m eet o r e xc eed exp e ctati o n s
infants & toddlers
preschoolers
problem-solving
10+90
1+99
99% meet or exceed expectation s
90% m e et o r exc eed exp e ctati o n s
infants & toddlers
Based on end-of-school-year assessments
1+99
99% meet or exceed expectation s
preschoolers
Making our
Mission Possible A Message from Jessica Rogers, Vice President of Philanthropy
A
s we mark the fourth consecutive year of exceeding our philanthropic goals, there were many heroic highlights that helped Children First weather the storm of COVID-19. We are proud to share some of the ways that your investment in our children and families helped to make our mission possible.
March 18, 2020 was the major turning point for our agency when we transitioned to remote services. With hundreds of our parents facing job loss and reduced hours, many families were at risk of going over a financial “cliff” and losing the stability they have fought so hard for. Your superpowers prevented that from happening. Your donations of PPE and hygiene kits, as well as hot meals and assistance with housing among other incredible support, were lifelines for our families that allowed us to meet their ever-evolving needs. During the 24-hour community-wide Giving Challenge presented by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County with giving strengthened by The Patterson Foundation, and the match on top of the match provided to Children First by the COVID-19 Response Initiative of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation and the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, as well as private donors, you stood alongside more than 320 other heroes and helped to save the day, raising over $85,000 in direct support of our mission. A small group of private supporters teamed up with Paradise Grill restaurant for a two-day operation that delivered 1,700 chef-prepared meals across Sarasota County to every child and their family members enrolled at Children First. The six-year grant from Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation to enhance and expand our Family Strengthening services propelled our program to new heights in 2020 with the hiring of our new Vocational Family Advocates. The combined forces of Barancik Foundation’s key strategic investments and our expert staff was crucial in advancing the economic stability and mobility of our parents and caregivers throughout the pandemic. Through this grant, we have launched our Parent Training Program with new opportunities to receive workforce training, education, and employment.
Our entire staff, from Family and Comprehensive Services, to administration and program personnel, have been well supported. Your collective support kept our agency’s more than 200 employees working and serving our children and families on the front lines. Our collaboration with community partners allowed us to distribute more than 2,500 food care packages along with other key necessities such as hygiene kits, infant formula, and diapers. The cancelation of our three annual fundraisers would have meant a critical loss in funding for our children and families if not for the strength of our community. During our first-ever virtual gala, we were able to meet the generous matching gift totaling $150,000 from two anonymous superheroes and Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation. Our heroic partners at Bealls also stepped up with a challenge match in place of our annual fall events. Boosted by a special chance drawing from Fins at Sharky’s restaurant, and with your combined powers, we raised almost $30,000! December brought our holiday heroes, whose generosity provided gifts for every child and their family in our program, as well as a $500,000 year-end donation from an anonymous hero that is the largest one-time gift our agency has ever received from an individual. This gift also served as a buffer for our agency as Children First faced the new year of uncertainty regarding the pandemic. We know that the heart of our mission is made possible by the compassion, commitment, and inner heroism of community members like you. Thank you for your courage in standing alongside our children and families as they continue their journeys to brighter futures!
2020 Accolades SRQ Magazine ‘Best of SRQ Local’ Platinum Winner of Best Children’s Nonprofit
Long-time volunteer Tom Cook awarded the ‘Mason Dixon Award for Volunteerism’ by WEDU PBS Sarasota Chamber of Commerce ‘Small Business Awards’ Nonprofit of the Year finalist
Paradise Grill Hot Meal Distribution Supporters Jo and Stan Rutstein, Chair Emeritus Mike Keebaugh and wife Andree, Carol and Richard Kalikow, Faith and Michael Goldman, Norma and Al Cohen, Ginny and Ravi Akhoury, Ernest ‘Doc’ Werlin, and Paradise Grill owner Mary Beth Hanson collaborated to donate 1,700 hot meals to our families.
Therapy Room & Staff Resource Center Private support from Terry & Bob Lewandowski, TRUIST Wealth, and Anonymous Superheroes allowed us to completely renovate the staff resource room at our Dr. Elaine Marieb Early Learning Center in Newtown.
Named one of the Top 15 ‘Best Places to Work’ in Sarasota and Manatee counties
CEO Philip Tavill honored with the ‘Impact in Action’ award from the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce
Received a Silver ADDY Award from the Suncoast chapter of the American Advertising Federation
Top: Terry & Bob Lewandowski Bottom: Larry Parkin, Senior Vice President & Managing Director and Keith Johnson, Children First Board Director and Senior Vice President & Wealth Advisor at TRUIST
Recognized with the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.org, the world’s largest resource for non-profit information, helping to inform charitable decisions
2020 Giving Challenge
“Angel Bag” Distributions Nearly 450 families received more than 2,500 “Angel Bags” from March to July 2020 containing necessities such as food, diapers and wipes, infant formula, and hygiene kits thanks to the generosity of our community superheroes and our partners at All Faith’s Food Bank, the Boys & Girls Clubs, Girls Inc., and the Sarasota Housing Authority.
323 superheroes raised $85,010 during the 2020 Giving Challenge, hosted by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. All giving is inclusive of a 1:1 match provided by The Patterson Foundation, and a $30,000 ‘match on top of the match’ provided by the COVID-19 Response Initiative of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation and Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation.
The Making of
K
Super Supporters
athy and Tom Cook believe in the power of education and giving back to their community.
Inspired by their careers, the couple have been involved with Children First since 2007. Kathy’s background in adult-based education as well as working with children with visual and hearing impairments, and Tom’s as a former NASA computer scientist and tutor to nursing students, have made them strong advocates for accessible, high-quality education. Together, their collective impact helps to ensure the success of hundreds of children and families each year. As steadfast supporters of our award-winning Families First Institute and other initiatives such as our Raise Your Hand campaign to enhance and expand our comprehensive services, they know the education of parents, just as much as their children, is critical to overall family well-being. “When the parent and child are succeeding together, that’s how you know you are really making a difference. Giving the entire family the tools they need for success and watching their lives change is truly amazing,” says Kathy Cook. Through his volunteerism with Children First for more than eleven years, Tom was awarded the 2020 WEDU
PBS Mason Dixon Award for Volunteerism, “because just one person can make an extraordinary difference.” The children in our Purple Crayon classroom eagerly look forward to their “Mr. Tom Tuesday visits,” where you can find him reading stories, assisting our teachers with interactive activities, or helping to dish out a delicious breakfast or lunch meal. “As a male volunteer, I strive to always be a positive role model. I do whatever the teachers need help with, but also a lot of one-on-one with the kids,” says Tom. “When I first visited a classroom many years ago, a little boy ran straight up to me, grabbed onto my leg, and wouldn’t let go. From that moment on, we were hooked!” In our 60th Anniversary year, they continue to serve as key ambassadors in elevating the visibility of and engagement with the Children First mission. Their commitment to creating opportunities for those most vulnerable to grow and thrive is equal only to their enthusiasm for sharing their love of education with others. As active members of our community, Kathy and Tom are deeply involved with their church as well as other organizations like UnidosNow, where Tom serves as a mentor. In their spare time, they enjoy the hobby of glass blowing and have donated several stunning pieces of original art to our fundraising efforts.
Tom was presented with the Be More Involved Mason Dixon Award for Volunteerism by Mason Dixon himself at the 15th annual WEDU Public Media Be More Awards. The WEDU Be More Awards was created by WEDU Public Media to help raise awareness for local nonprofits and their service to West Central Florida. The winning agencies are selected from a 16-county viewing area surrounding Tampa Bay. Tom Cook and Mason Dixon at the 2020 Be More Awards
Because we have always been deeply involved with education, we’ve seen firsthand the benefits of children receiving a high-quality education in a nurturing environment.
our
Super
$100,000+
Anonymous Ms. Gerri Aaron* & Mr. Marvin Albert Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Charles Barancik* Mr. John W. Bean & Ms. Alexandra Jupin Community Foundation of Sarasota County Educated Kids: Well Rested, Well Fed and Well Read Fund Mr. & Mrs. Mitchell Epstein Giving Generously is the Best Revenge Fund Gulf Coast Community Foundation Reverend & Mrs. Brock H. Leach Dr. Elaine Marieb* Mrs. Elenor Maxheim and Mr. John Maxheim* Mr. Keith Monda & Ms. Veronica Brady Ms. Linda L. Monda Office of Head Start Sarasota County Government
$50,000-$99,999 Anonymous Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Cook The Cook Family Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Sy Goldblatt Mr. & Mrs. Bob Huff McCune Family Foundation National Christian Foundation Mr. Bruce Rakay Mr. & Mrs. Richard Rivera Mr. & Mrs. Mark Sharff Vanguard Charitable Mr. & Mrs. Robert Williams
Roberta Leventhal Sudakoff Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Robert G. Lewandowski PGT Innovations Mr. & Mrs. Peter Powers Ms. Elisabeth J. Quale* Ms. Ruth Magness Rollins Mr. & Mrs. Joe Stephan Truist Foundation
Anonymous Anonymous (3) Kathleen K. Catlin Fund at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County Community Foundation of South Georgia, Inc. Louis & Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic Trust Mr. & Mrs. John R. Giglio Ms. Julie Harris Mark & Carol Hyman Fund Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Jackson Mr. & Mrs. Paul R. John The John Family Foundation Dr. & Mrs. Bart Levenson
Suncoast Credit Union Foundation Mrs. Melliss Swenson & Mr. Curtis R. Swenson* Mr. Philip Tavill Mr. & Mrs. Thomas H. Watson Mr. & Mrs. R. Elton White
$5,000-$9,999 $15,000-$24,999
American Endowment Foundation Anonymous Bank of America Client Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Matt Beall Bealls Inc. Bealls Stores Mr. & Mrs. Travis B. Brown C. Roberto Cordaro and Ariadne M. Cordaro Gift Fund of the American Endowment Foundation Mr. Tom Faessler & Ms. Susan Wood Mr. Kurt Fuxjager Maxi Fuxjager Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Gary Hendricks Mr. & Mrs. N. Richard Kalikow Mr. & Mrs. Frank Martucci The New York Community Trust Jerome & Mildred Paddock Foundation The Patterson Foundation PNC Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Skip Sack The Evalyn Sadlier Jones Foundation Harry Sudakoff Foundation, Inc. United Way Suncoast Wilson-Wood Foundation
$10,000-$14,999 $25,000-$49,999
community
Anonymous All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church Mr. Howard J. Berman Mr. Tom W. Cail, III DG Ace Hardware Fidelity Charitable Mr. & Mrs. Carlton Fisk Ms. Shirley H. Foss Mrs. Nola Hietbrink & Mr. Larry Hietbrink* Mr. & Mrs. Allen Hochfelder Mr. & Mrs. Michael Keebaugh Merrill Lynch Allen Wirtz Nobbe & Jo Bowen Nobbe Fund Mr. & Mrs. Stan Rutstein Sarasota County Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Rohn Schaefer
Dr. & Mrs. Malouf Abraham Anonymous (2) Mr. & Mrs. John M. Arnold William S. Barnickel Foundation Harold C. & Jacqueline F. Bladel Foundation Bulova Gale Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Jay D. Burchfield Mr. & Mrs. Andy Chaikovsky Mr. & Mrs. Albert Cohen Mr. & Mrs. Michael R. Collman Commonwealth Charitable Fund Mr. & Mrs. David L. Cooper Ms. Deborah L. Davidson Mr. & Mrs. George E. Davis FCCI Insurance Group Ms. Lynn L. Gale & Mr. David S. Schneider Mr. & Mrs. Alan F. Herbert Ms. Lyn Jacobson The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee Mr. & Mrs. Alan Jones Mr. William R. Jones Jones Potato Farm Ms. Ruthanne Koffman Mr. Sandy Lenhart Mr. & Mrs. Howard E. Madsen Drs. Barbara & Robert McClure Mr. & Mrs. Dick Miller Mr. & Mrs. David P. Nichols Mr. & Mrs. Scott G. Pinkerton Plantation Community Foundation, Inc. Mr. & Mrs. Tom Porter Porter Family Foundation Schwab Charitable Fund Ms. Karen L. Solem U.S. Trust Venice Yacht Club Charitable Foundation Wells Fargo, N.A. Wealth Management Group
$1,000-$4,999 Mr. & Mrs. Ravi Akhoury Ms. Mary Amundsen Appleby Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Robert Arbuckle Mr. & Mrs. David S. Band Ms. Isabel Anchin Becker
Mr. & Mrs. Leo Benatar The Benevity Community Impact Fund Mr. & Mrs. Tom Bernstein Mr. Brad Beshore Mr. & Mrs. Gene O. Bicknell Mr. & Mrs. Robert M. Black The Blackbaud Giving Fund by its Agent YourCause Ms. Irma Blumenthal Ms. Barbara W. Blumfield Mr. William J. Bolling Ms. Carol L. Butera & Dr. Par Reid Mr. & Mrs. Gary C. Butler Caldwell Trust Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Campbell Car Credit Catalist Realty Mr. & Mrs. Jim Chapman Charities Aid Foundation of America Ms. Nicole F. Christie Ms. Jane T. Conner Mr. & Mrs. Carl Cooper Ms. Laurel Corriveau Council of School Supervisors and Administrators Mr. & Mrs. David Crawford Cumberland Advisors Ms. Margaret d’Albert Mr. & Mrs. Dan Dannheisser, III Mr. & Mrs. Peter deLisser Mr. & Mrs. Alex Dell Designing Daughters of Sarasota Inc Desoto Moulton Insurance Mr. & Mrs. William Duffey Edward Jones Enterprise Holdings Foundation Fifth Third Bank First Presbyterian Church Hilda & Ben Flink Charitable Fund Florida Blue Florida Insurance Trust Florida Winefest & Auction Fontana Consulting Friendly Associates at the Plantation Golf & Country Club Mr. & Mrs. Jason T. Fromer Frontstream Mr. & Mrs. James E. Gardner, Jr. Dr. & Mrs. Ryan S. Glasser Richard W. and Helen R. Golden Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County* Richard W. and Helen R. Golden Restricted Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County* Mr. & Mrs. Michael D. Goldman Gran Paradiso at the West Villages Annette J. Hagens Memorial Foundation Mrs. Carol Hallinger Mr. & Mrs. Peter Hayes Ms. Candice Henry Ms. Lauren Henry IBM Corporation—Matching Grants Program Ms. Kathleen V. Iott IslandWalk at the West Villages Mr. & Mrs. Keith Johnson Ms. Barbara A. Jones Mr. & Mrs. Paul E. Jones Mr. & Mrs. Bill Jordan Mrs. Manda Jordan Mr. & Mrs. Richard Kaleida Kenny Insurance Mr. Ernest R. Kretzmer Dr. Diana Lager Mr. & Mrs. Jim LaPinska Mr. & Mrs. Philip M. Lieberher Lilly Pulitzer Mr. & Mrs. William L. Little
Mr. & Mrs. Gerald R. Lublin Mr. & Mrs. Vincent Maisto Mr. & Mrs. Graeme G. Malloch Mr. & Mrs. William F. Martin Dr. & Mrs. Noel Maun Mr. & Mrs. John Meyer The Midvale Foundation Mr. & Mrs. David Miller Mr. & Mrs. John Mousseau MSC Foundation Inc. Mr. Harold G. Munter Mr. & Mrs. Sean Natarajan National Financial Services LLC National Philanthropic Trust Mr. & Mrs. Roger Navarro Mr. & Mrs. David Nitschke Ms. Joy P. Norwood Mr. & Mrs. Mitch Olan Dr. & Mrs. Edwin M. Ortiz Mr. & Mrs. Matt Otchet Mr. & Mrs. Dale Ozimek Mr. & Mrs. Mike Pachota Paderewski & Dannheisser, P.A. Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Patterson Mrs. Charlotte Perret Peterson-Lager Education Fund Mr. & Mrs. Roger Pettingell Ms. Vickie Pinsky & Mr. James Naber PNC Wealth Management Publix Super Markets Charities Dr. Jacqueline W. Ray & Mr. Lacy Ray RE Crawford Construction LLC Mr. & Mrs. Robert Reck Mrs. Barbara J. Robinson Jessica & Michael Rogers Ms. Ida J. Roggio Mr. Robert S. Roggio Mr. & Mrs. Jim Rolfes Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Rollins Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch Rotary Club of Sarasota Bay Mr. Michael Roth The Rubin Charitable Foundation, Inc. Mr. Mike Rutstein Mr. Samuel Samelson & Mrs. Susan J. Samelson* Sarasota Kiwanis Foundation, Inc. Michael Saunders & Company Mr. & Mrs. Robert E. Schaub Ms. Christine Schlesinger & Mr. David Kotok Mr. & Mrs. William M. Seider Mr. & Mrs. David Shapiro Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Shoucair Mr. & Mrs. Ted J. Simon Mr. & Mrs. Irwin Singer Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Smith Mrs. Margaret J. Springer Mr. & Mrs. Bayne Stevenson Ms. Frances E. Storey Strikeforce Communications LLC Ms. Kathleen Sullivan & Mr. Lance Bergman Suncoast Charities For Children, Inc. Mr. & Mrs. Douglas C. Sutter Sutter Roofing Co. of Florida Mr. & Mrs. James Tarsy Dr. & Mrs. Fred Tavill Mr. & Mrs. Nick Theisen TheZenith Mr. & Mrs. William G. Townsend Ms. Janet Trojak Truist Mr. James L. Turner Ms. Linda Turner & Mr. Lance S. Thompson Mr. & Mrs. Paul Vegliante Wallace Welch & Willingham Inc Mr. Ernest Werlin & Ms. Cindy Yelton Werlin Family Foundation Mr. & Mrs. David Wertheimer Mr. & Mrs. Ted Wishnie
$500-$999
Anonymous Mr. & Mrs. Joshua Abel Ms. Noreen M. Ackerman AIG Retirement Services/VALIC Ms. Stacie Baer Mr. Paul Barbero Mr. & Mrs. James Barrett Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Beck Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Bettley Ms. Karen Bradley Mr. & Mrs. Bob Brakel Mrs. Carole Carey Ms. Laura Carnevale Louis L. Carpenter Endowment Fund Mr. Albert M. Cenci & Ms. Cynthia Salomone Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Charlotte J.E. Charlotte Construction Corp. Ms. Deborah Cohen Mrs. Robin Cole Mr. Neal Colton Mrs. Arthur F. Cook, Jr. Ms. Samie Corirossi Crisco Inc Mr. & Mrs. Joshua Drew, CPA Mr. & Mrs. Rodney A. Erickson Mr. Stephen Fillette First Congregational United Church of Christ Ms. Eleonore W. Freihofer & Mr. Dennis Walsh Mr. & Mrs. Don Friedrich Ms. Christine Gahagan Mr. & Mrs. Larry Garberding Ms. Carolyn Garvey & Mr. David Evans Mr. Steven Gompertz Mr. & Mrs. David Gorin Ms. Adrienne Gould-Choquette & Mr. Scott Choquette Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Grablin Maxwell E. Grablin Memorial Fund Mr. Trevor Grech Mr. & Mrs. Glenn Greenbaum The Hargreaves Family Charitable Foundation, Inc. Mr. & Mrs. John A. Harris Mr. & Mrs. Timothy J. Hazlett Ms. Danielle Henry Mr. & Mrs. Alfred Hofstadter Mr. & Mrs. Tom Hopkins Dr. & Mrs. Richard Horak Mr. & Mrs. Roger Howard Hy-Tech Power Equipment The Jelks Family Foundation, Inc. Mr. Alfred G. Jensen Mr. & Mrs. Jason Johnson Dr. & Mrs. Mark Johnson Kendra Scott—University Town Center Mr. & Mrs. Mark D. Ketchum Dr. & Mrs. Joshua Kim Mr. & Mrs. David Koffman Dr. & Mrs. Phil Kotler Dr. Maureen Maguire & Dr. Doug Kuperman Ms. Frances Lambert Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Ling Manatee Community Foundation Ms. Jean M. Martin Ms. Jan McClure Mr. Shawn McGill Mr. & Mrs. Massoud Mobarekeh Dr. & Mrs. Frederick Moffat Ms. Marie Monsky National Council of Jewish Women Out Of Door Academy
Mr. & Mrs. David Pilkington Ms. Shirley Schwartz Pollack Mr. & Mrs. Erik C. Popham Mr. & Mrs. David Preston Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Renko Resource One Mr. & Mrs. Coyn Richardson Mr. David Rothgaber Mr. & Mrs. Philip Sblendorio Ms. Marcia Schaberg Mr. & Mrs. Barry Shapiro Ms. Sandra K. Stuart & Mr. D. Michael Murray Mr. & Mrs. Michael Suarez Mr. & Mrs. Stephen F. Sutter Mrs. Karen Turner UBS Financial Services Mr. Nicholas Urrutia Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary #8118 Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Watson Whole Foods Market Ms. Debbie Wholey Mr. Thomas Zahn
$100-$499
Anonymous (5) Mr. & Mrs. Martin Abrahams Ms. Evan Ackerman Ms. Francoise Adamyk Mrs. Mary K. Aidlin Ms. Pamela Akins Mr. & Mrs. Barry M. Alpert Ms. Margaret Ames Mrs. Constance Drew Anderson Mr. & Mrs. James Andrus Atlas Insurance Agency Mr. & Mrs. Steven R. Ayers Mrs. Janet Azzoni Mr. & Mrs. Charles D. Bailey, Jr. Ms. Patricia A. Balint Bank of America Employee Giving Campaign Mrs. Ruth A. Barker Ms. Lucy Baruch Ms. Susan F. Beane Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Beckstein Ms. Maryalice Beinert Ms. Barbara Bell Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Bell Ms. Janet Bell-Wehr Bender, Bender & Chandler PA Mr. & Mrs. Edward W. Benzo Mr. & Mrs. Elmer G. Berkel Ms. Doris Berkey Ms. Cathy M. Bishop Ms. Kimberly Bleach Mr. Stephen Bloom Ms. Annette Bogusz Dr. David A. Bowles, D.D.S. Dr. Ruth Brandwein Mr. & Mrs. Matt Bretoi Mr. & Mrs. Ken Brinker Ms. Helen Brown Mr. Robert Brown & Ms. Rosemary Eure Mr. & Mrs. Joe Brownstein Ms. Maureen Buchholz Ms. Michelle Bundy Mrs. Margaret B. Bunta Mr. & Mrs. John Buzilow Ms. Lee-Hayes Byron
Ms. Carol B. Camiener Mr. & Mrs. James R. Chandler, III Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Chase Ms. Susan Christy Ms. Tara Clifford Mr. William Coleman & Mrs. Audrey Coleman* Ms. Beth Collins Comcast Ms. Janice Cook Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Cooper Ms. Stacey Copeland Costco Wholesale Corporation Mrs. Susan Courter Ms. Claire Courtney Mr. & Mrs. Warren Coville Ms. Dawn Craig Ms. Suzanne Crandall Ms. Louise S. Dailey Ms. Dawnmarie Daniels-Carsky Ms. Happy Davison Ms. Irina Debnath Delta Zeta Sorority BradentonSarasota Alumnae Chapter Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Densmore Mr. Anthony DeSantis Mr. Anthony J. Diodati Mrs. Barbara L. Dixon Ms. Valerie Donahue Mr. & Mrs. Robert Donnelly Ms. Charmaine Downie & Mr. Carl Battle Mr. & Mrs. Fred Dudash Mr. & Mrs. David Dunn-Rankin Ms. Ann Durloo Mr. & Mrs. Joseph B. Dzialo Mr. & Mrs. Rich Eggener Mr. Kenneth Elder Ms. Margaret Elin Ms. Anna Lee Ernst & Mr. Joseph R. Byers Mr. & Mrs. Richard Fedelem The Florida Center for Early Childhood Ms. Beverly J. Ford Ms. Judith Francis Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Franson Mr. & Mrs. Rudy Fraraccio Freeman Orthodontics Mr. Gilbert Friend-Jones Mr. & Mrs. David Frostad Ms. Margaret Gayle Mr. & Mrs. Richard J. Gerrity Mrs. Andrea Ginsky & Mr. David Mullins Mr. & Mrs. Michael Goldman Mr. & Mrs. Edward Graham Mr. & Mrs. Jules Green Mr. & Mrs. Edwin Grinberg Dr. Arthur M. Guilford Mr. Steven Haber Ms. Linda S. Hagen Mr. & Mrs. Charles Hamilton Mr. Cameron Harcourt Ms. Susie Harris Ms. Talbot C. Harris Ms. Lyn Haycock Dr. & Mrs. Richard H. Heibel Mrs. Ruth E. Herrman Ms. Deborah Hill Mr. & Mrs. Scott Hochfelder Mayor & Mrs. John W. Holic Ms. Latonda Horne Ms. Norhala Houck Johnny Hunter Marketing & Consulting DBA Tempo News Inc. Ms. Astrid Hurlbut Ms. Maggie Hutter Mr. Daniel Idzik & Mrs. Kathleen Osborne Idzik
Mr. & Mrs. J. Stephen Iltis Iltis Lending Group, Inc Ms. Sue Jacobson Ms. Gertrude H. Jacoby Miss Allyne Jacocks Ms. Connie Johnson Mr. & Mrs. Don Johnson Ms. Susan K. Johnson Ms. Vonda Johnson Mr. & Mrs. William Johnston Dr. Linda T. Jones Ms. Laurie Jordan The Junior League of Sarasota, Inc. Ms. Sarabeth Kalajian Mr. Max Kalikow Mrs. Barbara R. Katz Ms. Susan Keating Mr. & Mrs. Robert Keller Mr. & Mrs. W. John Kerwin Mr. & Mrs. Robert A. Kimbrough Mrs. Samantha Kingsley Mr. & Mrs. Michael Klauber Mr. & Mrs. Philip L. Kleinschmidt Mr. John Knowles & Ms. Cathy Nenadovic Ms. Helen Krueger Mr. & Mrs. Peter Kulla Ms. Carole Laskowski Ms. Eileen K. Lazaroff Ms. Joan H. Levine & Mr. Larry Singer Ms. H. Lee Levins Ms. Lois Lewis Mr. & Mrs. Robert W. Lewis The Libertore Fund for Children, Inc. Ms. Christine Lindsay Ms. Vanessa Lloyd-Zammett Mr. & Mrs. Jordan Loeb Ms. Jean Loeffler Lori-Nan Mihaley, PA Mr. & Mrs. Alan G. Loring Ms. Stephanie R. Louis Mr. & Mrs. David Lyons Mr. & Mrs. Vytas Maceikonis Ms. Grace Mahoney Maintenance Too Paper Co. Ms. Kimberley Mancini Mrs. Jaime Marco Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Markus Dr. Jeanne Marlowe Mr. & Mrs. Dick Matson Ms. Margaret McCurry Ms. Mary Anne McKay H Gladstone & Betty Pritchard McKeon Charitable Trust Ms. Tina McLean Mr. & Mrs. Paul R. Meese Ms. Lori-Nan Mihaley Dr. Michael Milam & Dr. Cathy Milam Mr. Larry Milas & Ms. Gail Goldrath Mrs. Laura Miller Dr. George & Mrs. Clara Mims Ms. Carol B. Mitchell Dr. & Mrs. David L. Mobley Ms. Anne Moffitt The Monia Joblin Trust Dr. & Mrs. Randall C. Morgan, Jr. Dr. & Mrs. William R. Morgan Mrs. Sigrid Moriece Mr. Stanley Muessle Ms. Patricia Murphy Ms. Eugenia Murray-McGinnis & Mr. Kevin McGinnis Ms. Elaine Myers Dr. & Mrs. Donald Negroski Ms. Kelley Nellius Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s
Mr. Raymond N. Noveck Ms. Joan Olson Mr. & Mrs. Maurice Opstal Mr. & Mrs. Michael O’Rourke Mr. & Mrs. Michael Otchet Paint Nail Bar Ms. Susan M. Palmer Mr. & Mrs. Edward Papish Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan Patella William Penn Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Scott Petersen Philanthropy Management, Inc. Ms. Renee Phinney & Mr. Glen Rieth Ms. Mary Powers-Boss Mr. & Mrs. Barry L. Pratt Ms. Kari Queen Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Radcliffe Raymond James & Associates, Inc. Mr. Dennis Rees & Ms. Felice Schulaner Mrs. Tere Reis Odile L. Robertson Fund at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County* Mrs. Ruth Robinson Ms. Susan Robinson Ms. Cynthia H. Rogers Ms. Judy Rosenblum & Mr. Larry Willets Mr. & Mrs. Matthew Rosenzweig Mrs. Nancy Roucher Mr. & Mrs. David A. Rubin Mr. William Russell Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Russo Ms. Nancy Ryder Mr. & Mrs. Troy Sacco Ms. Susan N. Sanderson Mr. Todd Sandhoff Dr. Charlotte P. Scarbrough Mr. & Mrs. Mark Schlossberg Mr. & Mrs. Brad Schuchat Ms. Melissa Kotler Schwartz Mr. & Mrs. Reuben L. Seltzer Mr. & Mrs. Jim Sequeira Dr. & Mrs. Myron Serling Mr. & Mrs. Ted Shapero Pastor & Mrs. Howard Sherman Mr. & Mrs. Robert W. Sherwood Ms. Betsy C. Shindlebower Ms. Susan Siegal Ms. Mary Silverzweig Ms. Alyssa Simons Mr. & Mrs. Michael J. Simons Mr. & Mrs. Jack F. Sloan Ms. Beth Smith Ms. Susan Smith Ms. Nancy Solar Dr. & Mrs. Issam D. Soussou Mr. & Mrs. Bob Spitzer Mr. & Mrs. George Spoll Ms. Donna Springel Ms. Kathleen A. Stanke-Gricius Ms. Shannon H. Staub Ms. Ellen Steinwachs Mr. & Mrs. Jerry M. Stone Ms. Barbara A. Strauss Ms. Caroline D. Strickland Mr. John Strickland Mr. & Mrs. Samuel R. Strickland Mrs. Cynthia A. Stuhley Ms. Gail D. Sunray Mr. & Mrs. Brad Sutter Ms. Ina Gay Swain Ms. Marcia Jean Taub & Mr. Peter Swain Taub Mrs. Anthony Tavill Ms. JoAnn Tomer Dr. & Mrs. Jeff Torine Mr. & Mrs. Bart Tryon Mr. & Mrs. Michael J. Valentino
Dr. Henriette van Eck & Mr. Martin Poretsky Ms. Elizabeth Vaughan Dr. & Mrs. Paul Vesco Ms. Mary Jo G. Vieira Mr. & Mrs. Ulrich Wagner Ms. Jean E. Ward Mrs. Jean Weiller Dr. Dana Weinkle & Dr. Susan Weinkle Dr. & Mrs. Charles Weiss Dr. & Mrs. William I. Weiss The Welcome Club of Sarasota, Inc. Mr. & Mrs. Stephen A. Wenke Mr. Bruce Wertheimer Ms. Sarah Wertheimer & Mr. Adam Negroski Mr. & Mrs. Chad Westrick Mr. & Mrs. Jerrold A. Wexler Ms. Karen R. Williams Mr. & Mrs. Tom R. Williams Mrs. Nancy C. Winans & Mr. David R. Winans, Jr.* Ms. Cathy Winkler Mr. & Mrs. David Winkler Dr. & Mrs. Roy Witherington Mr. & Mrs. George Yanizeski Ms. Kaitlin Yelle Mrs. MaryAnne C. Young
Up to $100
Anonymous (2) Mr. & Mrs. Martin H. Adams Mr. Kwame J. Alexander Ms. Dianne Allard Ms. Susan Allard Mr. & Mrs. Bill Altman Mr. & Mrs. Taylor Anderson Mr. & Mrs. Jack Baker Mr. Joseph A. Bao Ms. Donna Barcomb Ms. Marie Basso-Thompson Ms. Maria A. Bauer Mr. & Mrs. Eugene Walton Beacham Ms. Sara Bealor Ms. Sara Beinert Mr. Bob Benzo Ms. Kim Blake Mr. Samuel Blumenstein Ms. Kathleen Brabazon Mrs. Terry Brackett Mr. & Mrs. Ernest V. Brandt Ms. Valerie Brunger Ms. Alisha Buckman Ms. Cheryl Buick Ms. Maria P. Buitrago Ms. Susanna Byler Ms. Lee Byron Ms. Tiffany Caldwell Mrs. Gloria J. Callender Mr. Phillip Cane Ms. Rosemary Cannon Ms. Kellene Carpenter Mrs. Kathryn A. Carr Ms. Alexandra Chau Ms. Cynthia Chiumento Ms. Lauren Ciuba Ms. Caroline Clark Ms. Laura Colon Ms. Yesenia Colon-Morales Ms. Breanne L. Conley Ms. Samantha Cordaro
Mr. & Mrs. Michael P. Corley Mr. & Mrs. Jon Cotler Ms. Kathleen Coty Mrs. Phyllis D. Courter Ms. Carolyn Cowan Ms. Kaelyn J. Crissey Sconberg Ms. Brigette Davis Mr. Dwight Davis Ms. Lori Davis Mr. Scott DeChant Ms. Tammy DelaBruere Ms. Tracy Dodge Ms. Shelly Dorfman Ms. Jean H. Douglass Mr. & Mrs. Scott Dunlap Mrs. Penelope Durham Mr. & Mrs. John M. Ehlen Dr. & Mrs. Richard C. Elliott Mrs. Catherine Ellis Ms. Stacy Elwart Mrs. Shon A. Ewens Mr. & Mrs. Rick Exline Mr. Larry Face Ms. Deanna Farnsworth Ms. Mildred A. Fetske Ms. Peggy Filock Mrs. Lynette Foote Ms. Clara Fornshell Ms. Marilyn Frankel Ms. Lonnetta Gaines Mrs. Kathryn Gervais Ms. Hermione E. Gilpin Ms. Katty Gonzalez Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Grambo Mr. Harold G. Green Dr. & Mrs. Richard J. Greenspan Ms. Judith Grossman Mrs. Patricia Gualdoni-Hodson & Mr. Kenny Hodson Mr. & Mrs. Mike Gustow Mrs. Brenda Haag Mr. & Mrs. Seymour Haftel Ms. Bonnie J. Hamilton Ms. Mary Beth Hansen Mr. & Mrs. Richard Happy Ms. Susan S. Harris Mr. Thomas Harris Ms. Wendy Harris Mr. & Mrs. Trevor Harvey Ms. Marlene M. Hauck Ms. Janalee M. Heinemann Ms. Linda Herrera Ms. Yu Ya Hersey Ms. Joyce Hersh Mr. John Hinshaw Mr. Jack Holdstein Ms. Jeanne Holpp Ms. Dee Y. Homer Ms. Kacie Hull Ms. Ruth Humphrey Mr. Benjamin Isaacson Ms. Sheryl Isenstein Dr. Anila Jain Ms. Deborah Jernigan Mr. & Mrs. Robert Johns Ms. Iris Johnson Ms. Juanita Johnson Ms. Jill Johnston Mr. & Mrs. Michael C. Jones Mrs. Beverly Joutras Mr. & Mrs. Martin J. Kabcenell Rabbi & Mrs. Peter E. Kasdan Mr. & Mrs. Gary Kearney Ms. Linda Kern Ms. Martha Kesler Ms. Sara Knapp* Mr. & Mrs. David W. Koors Ms. Kimberly Kopacz Ms. Carolyn Koppel Mr. Tana Kroll
Mrs. Carolyn Krook Miss Susan Lagg-May Mrs. Bridget Lammers Ms. Michele Lamourt Ms. Marilyn Lapidus Mr. & Mrs. Fred Lasky Ms. Therese Lavin Mrs. Charlotte Lee Ms. Christine M. Lee Ms. Gale Lew Mr. & Mrs. Dan Lewandowski Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Lichtman Ms. Linda F. Joffe & Mr. Lowell Lakritz Mr. Richard Lobo Mr. David Loss Mr. & Mrs. Adrian Lotherington Ms. Janet H. Lovelace Ms. Joan Lowery Mrs. Andrea Lowes Mr. Bart Lowther Mr. & Mrs. Altom Maglio Ms. Susan Malkasian Ms. Yolanda Mancha Mrs. Anita L. Mannings Ms. Monica Marino Ms. Ruth Marino Ms. Susan Marro Ms. Carol Marshall Mrs. Stella M. Mason Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Matthews Ms. Patricia H. McAuliffe Ms. Kathleen McEachran Mr. & Mrs. Matt McHugh Mrs. Lydia M. McIntire Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey McKee Mrs. Betty Lou McLuckey Mrs. Louise Melehan Mrs. Celestria Meyers Ms. Kelly Ann Miller Ms. Melissa Miller Mrs. Jean Ann Mitchell Mrs. Meredith Mitchell Ms. Maria Morcillo Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Morgan Ms. Marilyn P. Morgan Dr. & Mrs. William Morgan Mr. & Mrs. Ray Morton Ms. Viviana Murphy Ms. Paula Murray & Mr. Frank Filipanits Ms. Sara Myers Ms. Barbara Norman Mr. & Mrs. Jamie Ochiltree, III Ms. Laura Odley Mr. & Mrs. David G. Owen Ms. Linda A. Page Ms. Karen Pariser Ms. Dorinda M. Persicketti Ms. Alecia Pettit Mr. & Mrs. David E. Pike Ms. Sharon Pind Pine View School, Internal Fund Ms. Sandy Poston Mr. & Mrs. Greg Pufahl Mrs. Erin Quevillon Ms. Cindy Rapean Mrs. Tracey Reid Mr. Rande Robbins Ms. Barbara Rogers
Mrs. Sharon W. Rolle Ms. Donna Rose Mrs. Sydell Rosen Mr. & Mrs. Ira Rosner Mrs. Mickie Rumaner & Mr. Herbert Bauer* Ms. Renee Ryckman & Mr. Brent Alexander Ms. Barbara A. Sallee Mrs. Norma Schatz Ms. Denise Schiller & Mr. Jerry Fine Ms. Rebecca Schwartz Ms. Karen Scovill Mrs. Mildred Seitman Ms. Ann Sensenbrenner Mrs. Renee E. Sensenbrenner Ms. Gail Shaivitz Miss Jane Shaw Dr. & Mrs. Michael Shroder Mr. David Sides Mr. David E. Sieg Mr. & Mrs. Marc Singer Mr. & Mrs. Fredric D. Sirasky Mr. & Mrs. Jay Smith Ms. Mette Soderberg Mr. & Mrs. Doug Staley Mr. & Mrs. Maynard Stringer SunTrust United Way Campaign Ms. Geraldine Swormstedt Target Corporation Ms. Gina E. Taylor Ms. Roberta Tengerdy Tikvah Ms. Deborah Trice Ms. Christina Unkel Ms. Susan Updyke Ms. Maria Valenzuela Ms. Elizabeth Van Riper Ms. Maryela Aponte Vazquez Ms. Concetta Vermette Ms. Daisy Vu Ms. Barbara Wall-Magee Ms. Mary C. Ward Ms. Linda M. Watterworth Ms. Megan Wenger Mr. & Mrs. John Westerberg Mr. Jerry Whiles & Ms. Judi Bell Ms. Sylvia Whitman Ms. Mya Widmyer Ms. Andria Williams Ms. Carla Williams Ms. Katressa Wilson Ms. Katarzyna Wojdyla Ms. Dale M. Wolfson Ms. Jane Yoder Mr. Vicente Zequeira
Facility Partners In-Kind
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice City of Sarasota First Presbyterian Church Sarasota Housing Authority The School Board of Sarasota County Suncoast Foundation, Inc. Suncoast Charities for Children, Inc.
Gifts received between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020 *Deceased Raise Your Hand Supporter
Circles of Support Generation GIV is Children First’s premier giving circle for business professionals. Its mission is to empower professionals in furthering their leadership and philanthropic potential through collective social investing, group engagement, and educational activities that enhance the programs provided to the community by our agency. During the height of the pandemic, Generation GIV helped our agency to answer the direct needs of our families during a stressful and uncertain time. Their support of our Crisis Fund helped a single mother’s two young children when they were in critical need of dental care that was impacting their daily lives. The group also purchased car seats for the safe transportation of our children. Thank you for your compassionate support during these unprecedented challenges and life-altering events!
Generation GIV North
Generation GIV South
CHAMPIONS Nicole Christie Adrienne & Keith Johnson Caitlin* & Abe Kozma
CHAMPIONS Katrina & Matt Otchet LEADERS Kerry & Joseph Bettley Amanda & Jason Johnson Karen & Mark Johnson Cherie & Roger Navarro Camilla & Erik Popham
LEADERS Krystel & Matt Beall Kelly & Joshua Drew Shawn McGill Nicholas Urrutia ADVOCATES Sarah Wertheimer Kaitlin Yelle SUPPORTERS Jessica & Jonathan Patella
ADVOCATES Adrienne Gould-Choquette & Scott Choquette Lindsay & Chad Westrick *Deceased
Circle of Friends Children First’s Circle of Friends is comprised of key supporters who have made investments into our mission, children, and families of more than $25,000. In cumulative numbers, the combined circles on the wall represent nearly $22MM in gifts to Children First over the past 22 years. Thank you for your commitment to providing our children and families with the life-changing services they need to ensure their success for generations to come.
Founders and $2,000,000 & Up
Community Foundation of Sarasota County Gulf Coast Community Foundation Helen R. Payne Day Nursery (Newtown Day Nursery) Founder Junior League of Sarasota (Junior Welfare League of Sarasota) Founder United Way Suncoast
$1,000,000–$2,000,000 Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation Giving Generously is the Best Revenge Fund Dr. Elaine Marieb Linda L. Monda The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation
$500,000–$1,000,000
Gerri Aaron & Marvin Albert Tom & Kathy Cook Educated Kids: Well Rested, Well Fed, And Well Read Helios Education Foundation Brock & Julie Leach Roberta Leventhal Sudakoff Foundation Keith Monda Allen Wirtz Nobbe & Jo Bowen Nobbe Fund The James D. White Sr. Family Foundation Kristine White-Blackwell
$250,000–$500,000
Anonymous John W. Bean & Alexandra Jupin Gerry Daniel, in loving memory of Ruth Daniel The Epstein Family Stephanie & Allen Hochfelder Mark & Carol Hyman Fund Frank & Katherine Martucci Elenor & John Maxheim Violet K. Stecher Suncoast Charities For Children, Inc. Suncoast Foundation
$100,000–$250,000
Anonymous (6) Harold C. & Jacqueline F. Bladel Foundation Children First Staff Connecting Fathers & Families Fund The Cook Family Foundation FCCI Insurance Group John & Lisa Giglio Bob & Lynne Huff The Jones & Crane Show 107.9 WSRZ The Jackson Family Joan & Bart Levenson McCune Family Foundation Jerome & Mildred Paddock Foundation PGT Innovations Rakay Family Foundation The Dick & Leslie Rivera Family Foundation Mr. & Mrs. O. Wayne Rollins Eluned & Edward Russell Charitable Foundation Stan & Jo Rutstein Sarasota County Foundation Gaye & Jack Schwarz | Schwarz Family Foundation Mark & Maggie Sharff Joe & Nora Stephan The Harry Sudakoff Foundation United Way of South Sarasota County Leslie & Margaret Weller Fund Bob & Lin Williams Wilson-Wood Foundation
$50,000–$100,000
Anonymous Bank of America Client Foundation Travis & Kathy Brown Kathleen K. Catlin Foundation Amy & Jim Chapman Bernard & Mildred Doyle Charitable Trust Hilda & Ben Flink Charitable Fund Florida Winefest & Auction Sy & Shelley Goldblatt Larry & Nola Hietbrink Jones Potato Farm Alan & Leslie Jones Carol & N. Richard Kalikow Keating Family Foundation
Mr. Mike & Andrée Keebaugh Sarah Greer Mayer Fund The Patterson Foundation The PepsiCo Foundation Peter & Joanne Powers Publix Super Markets Charities George J. & Alice Pugh Donor Advised Fund Linda Rhault Jim & Jackie Rolfes Magness Cash Rollins & Eve Rose Rollins Gail & Skip Sack The Evalyn Sadlier Jones Foundation Karen Solem, in Loving Memory of Charles Forman Anne O. Swain Toulmin Foundation Truist Foundation Tom & Gwen Watson Elton & Gordie White PNC Foundation
$25,000–$50,000
Anonymous (3) In Memory of Gerri Aaron All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church Anderson & Brannan Families The Harold Carnegie Apisdorf & June E. Apisdorf Charitable Foundation Krystel & Matt Beall Marilyn Berman Bob and Hope Black Fund Tom W. Cail, III Comcast Foundation Community Grant Fund of Port Charlotte & Venice Jean & Jeff Cooper Debbie Davidson Diane & George Davis Jean DeLynn Desoto Moulton LLC Dickinson & Gibbons, P.A. Attorneys at Law Frank E. Duckwall Foundation Carlton & Linda Fisk The Louis & Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic Trust Dr. Shirley Ford
Shirley Foss Freedom Boat Club Maxi Fuxjager Foundation Ryan & Wendy Glasser Steven Gompertz Annette J. Hagens Memorial Foundation Carol Hallinger Julie A. Harris Kathy & Gary Hendricks Alan & Connie Herbert The John Family Foundation Richard & Michele Kaleida Lisa Kates The Kates Foundation Leon Family Donor Advised Fund Bob & Terry Lewandowski Bob F. Lexow The Libertore Fund for Children David & Susan Macrae Macrae Family Foundation MBA Insurors The Northern Trust Company Mitch & Lisa Olan Erik & Camilla Popham Pay It Forward Fund Plantation Community Foundation Elisabeth Quale Rotary Club of Sarasota Betty Schoenbaum Shafie Charitable Foundation David & Robin Shapiro Shapiro Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh STRIKEFORCE Communications Suncoast Credit Union SunTrust Foundation Curt & Melliss Swenson Joyce & Fred Tavill Philip Tavill Zenith Insurance Company Pinkerton Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors LLC The Eric Wishnie Memorial Fund
Ways you can help
save the day
Volunteer
Children First volunteers come from many backgrounds, each bringing a unique set of skills to our program. We are grateful for everyone who continued to virtually and remotely support our children, families, and mission throughout the year! Ways you can lend a hand: Remote Volunteering: make something special at home and virtually share your creativity
934
superheroes saved the day by raising over
$3.1MM
Babies Rock: shower our little ones with love
in 2020.
Teacher’s Pet: assist teachers in the classroom Office Buddy: help our office staff “behind the scenes” FUNdraising: pitch in at one of our fundraising events Families First Institute: lend a hand by helping facilitate our courses for families Special Events: help as needed at family and community engagement events
302 20,287
Children First Forever
With a planned gift to our Legacy Society, you can give every child the opportunity to dream big and achieve his or her full potential. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of the children and families we serve for generations to come. There are many ways to create your legacy: • Bequest • Living Trust • Life Insurance • Real Estate
volunteers provided
hours of service valued at
$161,101
To make a commitment to the future of Children First, and the future of our community, please contact Jessica Rogers, Vice President of Philanthropy: jrogers@ childrenfirst.net or 941-953-3877 ext. 1115.
of Head Start match funding
Give for the Greater Good
$1,500
prevents the “summer slide” for our children by offering summer programming
$5,000
provides additional mental health support for parents and families
$8,000
strengthens families with a class focused on topics critical to their success, such as parenting, career and personal growth, or budgeting
$10,000
supports a classroom for a full year of educational programs, nutrition, healthcare assessments, and their families with support services
Statement of Activities and Changes in Net Assets Year Ended December 31, 2020
WITHOUT DONOR restrictions
WITH DONOR RestrictIONS 2020
Operating Support and Revenue Federal grant revenue $7,770,627 - $7,770,627 Contract revenue 908,502 - 908,502 Contributions and other 3,404,659 - 3,404,659 In-kind contributions 716,037 - 716,037 Special events —net of direct expenses of $21,788 (5,993) - (5,993) Interest and investment income 4,712 1,306 6,018 Total operating support and revenue Operating Expenses Head Start Early Head Start Early Childhood Education Families First Initiative Other grants Supporting Services: Management and general Fundraising Total operating expenses
12,798,544
1,306
12,799,850
3,730,576 5,467,026 1,505,823 95,669 949,463
- - - - -
3,730,576 5,467,026 1,505,823 95,669 949,463
610,973 859,111
- -
610,973 859,111
13,218,641
-
13,218,641
Change in net assets before other changes (420,097)
1,306 (418,791)
Other Changes: Income (Expense) Forgiveness of debt: PPP Loan Other income
1,607,600 2,139
- -
Total other changes
1,609,739
- 1,609,739
Change in net assets
1,189,642
1,306 1,190,948
Net assets, beginning of year
5,397,544
93,544
5, 491,088
$6,587,186
$94,850
$6,682,036
61 Net assets, end of year
Co ntract Re ven u e
$7,770,627
$908,502
Con tr ib u tion s + Ot her *
$3,409,371
A dmin i st rat ion
$610,973
Expen s e s By Fu n ction
Re venue S o urce s
$13,218,641
$12,798,544
*Interest income included
P r ogr a m
$11, 748,557
89+56
Federal Awards
In- K in d
$716,037
1,607,600 2,139
F u n dra i s in g
$859,111
+7275
NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE
1961
PAID
2021
CHILDREN FIRST
MANASOTA, FL PERMIT #307
C ELEBRATING 6 0 YEARS
1723 N. Orange Ave | Sarasota, FL 34234
S av e t h e D at e !
SATURDAY, APRIL 9 , 2 0 2 2
Children First has multiple locations throughout Sarasota County, to be easily accessible for children and families in need. Dr. Elaine Marieb Early Learning Center 1723 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota, FL 34234 Alta Vista Elementary 1050 S. Euclid Ave., Sarasota, FL 34237 Linnie E. Dalbeck EHS Center 2036 Oak St., Sarasota, FL 34237 Emma E. Booker Elementary 2350 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Way Sarasota, FL 34234 Helen R. Payne Annex 1742 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Way Sarasota, FL 34234
Helen R. Payne Center 1729 33rd St., Sarasota, FL 34234 North Port Campus 6926 Children Way, North Port, FL 34287 R.O.S.S. Center 1912 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota, FL 34234 Venice Main Campus 800 Gulf Coast Blvd., Venice, FL 34285 ChildCare Community Partners Catholic Charities • Our Mother’s House • St. Martha’s Early Learning Center Sarasota Housing Authority • Janie’s Garden • R.O.S.S. Center School Board of Sarasota County • North Port High Teen Parent Program • Riverview High Teen Parent Program
www.childrenfirst.net | 941.953.3877 This report was created with the support of Artefact Design, Palm Printing, and Pedro Castellano Photography Document supported by the Department of Health & Human Services