The sun was shining with a perfect breeze as flip-flops hit the sand at the sold-out Flip Flops and Fashion luncheon on November 2nd at Sharky’s on the Pier in Venice.  Supporters shopped local boutiques with a portion of sales benefiting Children First.  Models donned fashions from L. Boutique, Scout and Molly’s, Sun Bug, and Buttons and Bows Boutique during the fashion show emceed by Jennifer Rust. Special Events Manager Samantha Kingsley welcomed guests to the 10th anniversary of the event, saying it reminded her of her first day at Children First, seeing the ten little fingers and ten little toes on the babies who had just begun their journey in the Early Head Start program and wondering what their future would hold.

In the past ten years, the event has grown as much as the Children First programs it supports.  More than 350 attendees enjoyed listening to current Head Start parents talk about the many ways the program has helped their family through their daughters’ care and education, and English courses that have helped them reach their own professional goals.  President and CEO Philip Tavill thanked the crowd and event co-chairs stressed the need for their support.