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Children First Blog
Want to know the latest news?
You'll find it all in the most recent newsletter HERE!
You'll find it all in the most recent newsletter HERE!
June 29, 2017
Check out the latest happenings at Children First! Download the 2017 Spring Newsletter
June 20, 2017
SARASOTA – If you’re planning on going to the Grand Prix, you’re doing more than just watching boats race. You’re helping low-income families.
Tania Ulloa’s daughters play on the new playground equipment at Children First.
“When I came and I saw this I was so happy and so excited to know that they have this new adjustment [...]
June 15, 2017
Summer often means activities like beach vacations and water slides. For some children, however, summer brings a kind of slide that poses a threat, rather than an adventure. The “Summer Slide,” also known as “Summer Learning Loss,” is the result of less class time, access to fewer books, and reduced opportunity for social skill [...]
May 31, 2017
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Sarasota, FL – Head Start celebrated its 52nd birthday with community reading parties at Head Start programs around the nation. Children First joined in the fun to raise awareness of the incredible impact and importance of Head Start. Former Sarasota Mayor and current Commissioner Willie Charles Shaw joined the party on May 16th at Children First [...]
May 22, 2017
SARASOTA May 22, 2017 (Kim Doleatto-Herald Tribune) — Robert Phinney — owner of Roots, a yard clearing and demolition company — has arms the size of some of the heavy branches he clears. He works around 70 hours a week and lives with his 3- and 5-year-old. The black tinted windows of his company pick-up [...]
May 17, 2017
SARASOTA (May 17th, 2017)– On April 5, John and Elenor Maxheim were recognized for their contributions to Children First. To thank the couple for their support over the past seven years, the “John and Elenor Maxheim Library” was named in their honor at the organization’s Dr. Elaine Marieb Early Learning Center in Newtown.
The Maxheims have helped [...]
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We are proud to honor Helen Jones Dixon, who was the first ever student enrolled with the historic Newtown Day Nursery, now Children First, alongside her sister Katherine in 1938. ![]()
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Helen was given a plaque from CEO Philip Tavill to commemorate this incredible achievement. With roots running deep in the Newtown community, Helen is a long-time advocate for children and families in need. ![]()
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Congratulations Helen! ![]()
It is with the help of trailblazers like you that Children First continues to transform lives, now and into the future.
Check out this fun event by Suncoast Charities for Children!![]()
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Suncoast Charities for Children is a local non-profit located in Sarasota County. Net revenues raised from special events like this one enable Suncoast Charities for Children to provide financial support to several local non-profits, including Children First. ![]()
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Thank you, Suncoast Charities for Children!
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted. Long-time supporters Stephanie & Allen Hochfelder were featured in Sarasota Scene Magazine 's June edition for their incredible philanthropic efforts that continuously transform the lives of those most in need in our community. Thank you to Scene for this opportunity!! ![]()
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Learn More:![]()
www.scenesarasota.com/magazine/philanthropy-love-at-first-sight-stephanie-and-allen-hochfelder-wi...
“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person: He believed in me.” - Jim Valvano![]()
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Wishing you a very happy Father's Day, from our family to yours. We hope you enjoy your special day!
We are absolutely thrilled and honored to receive the title of Nonprofit of the Year from the Greater Sarasota Chamber at this year's Small Business Awards!![]()
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This award is recognition of the work we do with our children and families every single day, and a reflection of our laser focus on mission. It’s also an acknowledgement of the incredible innovation of our staff and Leadership Team, children and families, Board of Directors, parent-led Policy Council, volunteers, and supporters. ![]()
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Congratulations to our fellow honorees in the Nonprofit of the Year category, Teen Court of Sarasota, Inc. and Senior Friendship Centers, and to all of the 27 fabulous nominees and winners! ![]()
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We would also like to congratulate our community partners who were honored today, without whom our work would not be possible: Jamie Kahns and team at Bank of America, Jeff Jackson and team at PGT Innovations, David and Stacey Crawford and team at Catalist Realty, and the wonderful team at Michael Saunders & Company. ![]()
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At Children First we like to say, “Many hands make light work of heavy lifting.” Without a helping hand, the burden can easily become too great to bear, so we wish to thank every single person who continues to make the difference for those we serve. ![]()
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On behalf of the entire Children First family, thank you to the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce for recognizing our agency as the 2022 Nonprofit of the Year! 🥳
March 4, 2019
February 22nd, 2019 – People who are especially passionate about teaching literacy congregated at Michael’s on East on Feb. 22 to celebrate the 12th Literacy Matters Luncheon hosted by the Literacy Council of Sarasota. Over 100 people came out to support the organization.
The Literacy Council of Sarasota uses this event to award those who have supported [...]
February 8, 2019
The Venice Yacht Club and the VYC Charitable Foundation celebrated a successful 2018 year with its membership at the annual Donor Appreciation Night on Jan. 24.
It was a milestone year for the foundation, which received more than $118,000 in donations and provided grants to local charities of approximately $103,000.
One of the guest speakers, Phillip Tavill, [...]
January 31, 2019
January 16, 2019 – Long-time Children First supporter and former Chairwoman of the Board, Jo Rutstein, was honored at the National Council of Jewish Women “Women in Power” luncheon on January 16th. Jo was one of four honorees selected by the organization for her social justice work improving the lives of women, children and [...]
January 31, 2019
January 2nd, 2019 – Like so many area residents, Frank and Katherine Martucci started off as Sarasota snowbirds. “We rented here for one month out of the year,” reports Katherine. Then it was two months. And in 2017, she explains that “we found we were spending more and more time here. We felt like [...]