2017 Flip Flops & Fashion and Rockin' Lobster Support Children First Mission - Children First

2017 Flip Flops & Fashion and Rockin’ Lobster Support Children First Mission

Herald Tribune: Putting Children First (10th Annual Flip Flops and Fashion)
November 9, 2017
WWSB (abc7): Sarasota Bay Rotary Club brings Cheer to Children this Holiday Season
December 13, 2017

2017 Flip Flops & Fashion and Rockin’ Lobster Support Children First Mission

10th Annual Flip Flops & Fashion

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.
Thank you to co-chairs Faith Goldman, Lisa Jackson, Andree Keebaugh, and Vanessa Opstal for their commitment to Children First!

5th Annual Rockin Lobster Beach Party

More than 250 supporters gathered to watch the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico and dine on delicious Maine lobster on the beach at Sharky’s on the Pier on November 4th.  The Rockin’ fun began with live music by Version 3.0, delicious food, and exciting beach activities.  Special Events and Development Manager Samantha Kingsley welcomed the crowd, President and CEO Philip Tavill thanked everyone for attending, and program parents spoke about the impact the program has had on their lives by providing them affordable childcare so they could further their education.  Guests danced, enjoyed s’mores and ended the evening with a lantern release, making a wish for a child and family in our program!

Thanks to co-chairs, Lisa & John Giglio, Adrienne & Keith Johnson, Pat Martin, and Jackie & Jim Rolfes for their hard work and dedication to this event!

Children First would like to thank all who attended and provided support to make our first special events of the season – Flip Flops & Fashion and Rockin’ Lobster – more successful than ever before!  We cannot express our appreciation enough to the donors, volunteers, event sponsors and attendees who support our work and mission.