Greetings from Children First,
We are excited to share the details of our upcoming events with you!
Our 17th annual Flip Flops & Fashion Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 and our 12th annual Rockin’ Lobster Beach Party will take place on Saturday, November 2, 2024. Both events will be at the picturesque Sharky’s on the Pier, and we hope to “sea” you there!
We are also pleased to announce our 25th Anniversary Fairytale Ball: “Magic is All Around,” taking place on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Michael’s on East.
Finally, we are proud to present the Galaxy Awards, an annual event celebrating parents and caregivers for their outstanding achievements.
As a champion for Children First, you are committed to creating a community where all can thrive through the support of our comprehensive programs, including high-quality early childhood education and family strengthening services.
Together, we strive to empower our children and families who face daily challenges in meeting their basic needs. All children and families deserve a safe place to live, nutritious food to keep them healthy, and a warm, loving environment for learning. Your support of Children First is vital in ensuring these fundamental needs are met, preventing countless families from being left behind.
We thank you for your past support and ask that you join us as a sponsor for any and all of our upcoming events. In this booklet you will find all the wonderful details of each event, including the benefits you will receive as a sponsor.
It is through your generosity that a child can attend Children First each day to learn, grow, and dream. Your support also paves the way for the entire family’s well-being, providing parents with essential resources for education and employment.
Thank you for your dedication to helping provide what every child and family deserves - access to the services they need to thrive and opportunities for success!
Sincerely,
Jessica Rogers Vice President of Philanthropy
11:00AM, WEDNESDAY, OCT. 30, 2024
SHARKY’S ON THE PIER, VENICE, FL
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
SIGNATURE SPONSOR | $10,000 (tax deductible gift $7,680)
• Two tables of eight with preferred seating and table signage
• Access for 16 to VIP Bubble Bar Lounge
• Half-page ad in event program
• Gift bag for table guests
• Exclusive invitations to Children First private donor recognition events
• Special recognition from the podium
• Recognition on 1000+ printed and email event invitations*
• Listing or logo on event signage and program, in media, and on website
BEACHSIDE SPONSOR | $5,500 (tax deductible gift $4,050)
• A table of 10 with preferred seating and table signage
• Access for 10 to VIP Bubble Bar Lounge
• Half-page ad in event program
• Recognition from the podium
• Recognition on 1000+ printed and email event invitations*
Celebrate by the sea with a fabulous day of sun, fun, and fashion!
Feel the sand beneath your toes as you dine on delicious fare from Sharky’s on the Pier and enjoy the fresh gulf breeze as you watch friends and colleagues strut down the runway in the latest fashions.
Sip and shop at our “Bubble Bar” in support of mission, hear impactful stories from Children First families, and enjoy learning more about how your support makes a difference in the lives of those we serve.
This is a sell-out event, so don’t delay!
• Listing or logo on event signage and program, in media, and on website
FLIP FLOP SPONSOR | $3,000 (tax deductible gift $2,240)
• A table of eight with table signage
• Listing on the event invitation*
• Listing or logo on event signage and program, in media, and on website
SHELL SPONSOR | $1,250 (tax deductible gift $890)
• A half table of four
• Listing on event signage and program, in media, and on website
SAND SPONSOR | $500 (tax deductible gift $320)
• Two seats at the luncheon
• Listing in the luncheon program
BUBBLE BAR SPONSOR | SOLD
CENTERPIECE SPONSOR | $2,500 (tax deductible gift $2,020)
PHOTO BOOTH SPONSOR | $2,500 (tax deductible gift $2,020)
• Exclusive Sponsorship & Branding Opportunity
• Four seats at the luncheon
• Access for four to VIP Bubble Bar
• Half-page ad in event program
• Listing or logo on invitation*, event signage and program, in media and on website SCAN TO REGISTER ONLINE *Invitation deadline 08/23/2024
6:00PM, SATURDAY, NOV. 2, 2024
SHARKY’S ON THE PIER, VENICE, FL
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
SIGNATURE SPONSOR | $10,000 (tax deductible gift $7,120)
• Two tables of eight with preferred seating and table signage
• VIP dining experience with four bottles of hand-selected premium wine
• Access for 16 to VIP Lounge
• Half-page ad in event program
• Exclusive invitations to Children First private donor recognition events
• Special recognition from the podium
• Recognition on 1000+ printed and email event invitations*
• Listing or logo on event signage and program, in media, and on website
SUNSET SPONSOR | $6,000 (tax deductible gift $4,200)
• A table of 10 with preferred seating and table signage
• VIP dining experience with hand-selected premium wine
• Access for 10 to VIP Lounge
• Quarter-page ad in event program
• Recognition from the podium
• Recognition on 1000+ printed and email event invitations*
• Listing or logo on event signage and program, in media, and on website
Are you ready for a rockin’ good time?
Enjoy the easy, breezy atmosphere at our Rockin’ Lobster Beach Party as the sun sets over the Venice Fishing Pier. Kick back, relax, and indulge in all of your favorite libations in our seaside cocktail lounge.
With lobster and delectable fare from Fins at Sharky’s, scrumptious s’mores, upbeat live music, and impactful testimonials from Children First families, this exclusive beachside experience is not to be missed!
BEACHSIDE SPONSOR | $3,500 (tax deductible gift $2,100)
• A table of eight with table signage
• Tableside wine
• Listing on the event invitation*
• Listing on event signage and program, in media, and on website
TAIL SPONSOR | $1,750 (tax deductible gift $1,150)
• A half table of four
• Listing in event program, media, and on website
CLAW SPONSOR | $750 (tax deductible gift $450)
• Two seats • Listing in the event program
VIP LOUNGE SPONSOR | $5,000 (tax deductible gift $4,400)
ROCKIN’ BAND SPONSOR | $5,000 (tax deductible gift $4,400)
PHOTO BOOTH SPONSOR | $5,000 (tax deductible gift $4,400)
Exclusive Sponsorship & Branding Opportunity
A half table of four
Access for four to VIP Lounge
Half-page ad in event program
Listing or logo on invitation*, event signage
•and program, in media and on website SCAN TO REGISTER ONLINE
*Invitation deadline 08/23/2024
6:00PM, SATURDAY,
APRIL 5, 2025
Never be afraid to shoot for the stars!
MICHAEL’S ON EAST BALLROOM
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
DIAMOND SPONSOR | $25,000 (tax deductible gift $20,000)
• Brighter Future named classroom 2024–2025
• Two tables of 10 with preferred seating and table signage
• VIP dining experience with four bottles of hand-selected premium wine
• Full-page ad in gala program
• Exclusive invitations to Children First private donor recognition events
• Special recognition from the podium
• Recognition on 3000+ printed and email event invitations*
• Listing or logo on event signage and program, in media, and on website
PLATINUM SPONSOR | $15,000 (tax deductible gift $12,700)
• A table of 10 with preferred seating and table signage
• VIP dining experience with hand-selected premium wine
• Half-page ad in gala program
• Exclusive invitations to Children First private donor recognition events
• Special recognition from the podium
• Recognition on 3000+ printed and email event invitations*
• Listing on event signage and program, in media, and on website
At Children First’s 25th Anniversary Fairytale Ball: Magic is All Around, enjoy a timeless experience like never before. Step into a world of imagination and phantasmic wonder where sorcerer’s magic brings fairytales to life. Learn about your collective impact on our children and families through heartfelt stories and enjoy a delectable dinner and libations from Michael’s On East.
Join us for an unforgettable evening of enchantment as we celebrate 25 years of making dreams come true!
GOLD SPONSOR | $7,500 (tax deductible gift $5,700)
• A table of eight with table signage
• Tableside wine
• Recognition from the podium
• Listing on event invitation*
• Listing on event signage and program, in media, and on website
SILVER SPONSOR | $3,000 (tax deductible gift $2,100)
• A half table of four
• Listing on event signage and program, in media, and on website
BRONZE SPONSOR | $1,500 (tax deductible gift $1,100)
• Two seats • Listing in the event program
SIGNATURE DRINK SPONSOR | $5,000 (tax deductible gift $4,200)
PHOTO BOOTH SPONSOR | $5,000 (tax deductible gift $4,200)
CENTERPIECE SPONSOR | $5,000 (tax deductible gift $4,200)
• Exclusive sponsorship & branding opportunity
• A half table of four
• Half page ad in event program
• Listing or logo on invitation*, event signage and program, in media and on website
*Invitation deadline 01/24/2025 SCAN TO REGISTER ONLINE
Let’s light up the night!
Support a one-of-a-kind cosmic event honoring our superstar parents and caregivers for their outstanding achievements as they enjoy an evening of celebration at the 2025 Galaxy Awards!
Together, we empower our children and families to reach for the stars and go Out of This World!
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
GALAXY AWARD SPONSOR | $5,000 (tax deductible gift $4,780)
• Listing or logo on award certificate presented to parent(s)
• Table at event (with 4 seats)
• Two tickets to one our exclusive fall events
• Opportunity to provide branded giveaway item at event
• Full-page ad in event program
• Listing or logo in event program*
• Opportunity to speak from podium
• Donor story in May 2025 Children First E-Newsletter with click through link
• Sponsor recognition post on social media
LUMINARY SPONSOR | $2,750 (tax deductible gift $2,640)
• Table at event (with 2 seats)
• Opportunity to provide branded giveaway item at event
• Half-page ad in event program
• Listing or logo in event program*
• Special recognition from the podium
• Recognition and logo in May 2025 Children First E-Newsletter with click through link
• Sponsor recognition post on social media
REACH FOR THE STARS SPONSOR | $1,500
•Opportunity to provide branded giveaway item for event
•Quarter-page ad in event program
•Listing or logo in event program*
•Recognition from the podium
•Listing in May 2025 Children First E-Newsletter with click through link
•Sponsor recognition post on social media
THE FUTURE’S BRIGHT SPONSOR | $500
• Opportunity to provide branded giveaway item for event
• Listing or logo in event program*
• Listing in May 2025 Children First E-Newsletter
• Sponsor recognition post on social media
SCAN TO REGISTER ONLINE
*Program deadline 04/25/2025
ELEVATE YOUR IMPACT WITH A COLLECTIVE ENGAGEMENT SPONSORSHIP
Our collective engagement sponsorship offers a unique opportunity to maximize your impact, reach a wider audience, and demonstrate your commitment to supporting our children and families year-round.
By participating in a collective sponsorship, you will be prominently featured across all of our incredible events with additional sponsorship benefits!
Join us today and become an essential part of a dynamic collective that truly makes a difference!
DONATE TO OUR VIRTUAL SILENT AUCTION!
Support Children First’s mission and help us grow by showcasing your donation in one of our highly anticipated virtual silent auctions!
FALL EVENTS VIRTUAL SILENT AUCTION
Opens: Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at 9:00am
CHILDREN FIRST RANKS IN THE TOP 1% OF ALL HEAD START PROGRAMS NATIONWIDE OF CHILDREN ARE LIVING BELOW THE FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL OF $25,820 FOR A FAMILY OF THREE OF K-RISERS MET OR EXCEEDED SCHOOL READINESS GOALS DURING THE 2023-24 SCHOOL YEAR
Closes: Sunday, November 3, 2024 at 6:00pm
FAIRYTALE BALL VIRTUAL SILENT AUCTION
Opens: Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at 9:00am
Closes: Sunday, April 6, 2025 at 6:00pm
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON COLLECTIVE ENGAGEMENT SPONSORSHIP OR DONATIONS
Contact Events at events@childrenfirst.net or Linda Bair at 941-953-3877
A copy of the official registration and financial information is available by contacting the state division of consumer services by calling toll-free 1-800-HELP-FLA. Registration does not imply consent, endorsement, or recommendation by the state. Registration #CH863
81% 94%
121,321
18 MOTHERS WERE SCREENED FOR POSTPARTUM MOOD AND ANXIETY DISORDERS
16% OF THE CHILDREN WE SERVE HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH A DISABILITY
73 CHILDREN TRANSITIONED TO KINDERGARTEN IN 2024 OVER THERAPY AND TREATMENT PLANNING SESSIONS WERE PROVIDED BY OUR WE SERVE OVER 611 EARLY CHILDHOOD MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALISTS DURING THE 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR NEARLY
1,000 CHILDREN AND FAMILIY MEMBERS EVERY DAY
600 VOLUNTEERS PROVIDED SERVICES TO SUPPORT OUR MISSION IN 2023 MEALS AND SNACKS SERVED AUGUST - MAY OF THE 2023-24 SCHOOL YEAR ARE SINGLE PARENT HEAD OF HOUSEHOLDS 64%
