Children-First
Children First Blog
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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 [...]
May 12, 2017
SARASOTA (May 12th, 2017)–There weren’t any bottles popped at this winefest event, but for good reason — it was all about honoring the organization’s charitable mission. The Florida Winefest & Auction mission statement is “To provide funding to qualified charitable organizations for programs assisting disadvantaged children, youth and families in Sarasota and Manatee Counties,” and the [...]
May 9, 2017
April 12, 2017
SARASOTA (April 12th, 2017)– Jo Rutstein served on the Children First Board of Directors from 2009-14, but her impact is still being felt. Recently, the organization hung a sign reading “Jo’s Place” near its new playground. It recognizes her help in securing a grant to fund the new playground from the Rotary Club of Sarasota, [...]
March 29, 2017
SARASOTA (March 29th, 2017)– Decorated with giant, colorful flowers and toadstools — not to mention twinkling pixies with a sprinkle of pixie dust, of course — the Michael’s on East ballroom was transformed recently into a child’s fantasyland for the Fairytale Ball, benefiting Children First.
Nearly 350 elegantly attired guests — with a few even donning [...]
March 25, 2017
SARASOTA (March 25th, 2017)– Between the cascading garden light-covered entrance and the columns transformed into enchanted forest-esque trees, guests walked into more than just a ballroom at the Children First Fairytale Ball.
“A Sprinkle of Pixie Dust” was held on March 25 at Michael’s On East, but really, attendees walked into a fairytale that began with drinks, [...]
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The end-of-year celebrations continue!![]()
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Our North Port campus held a special ceremony for all of the children who have completed our Head Start program and will be moving on to kindergarten in the fall.![]()
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Parents enjoyed three songs prepared by the K-Risers, and everyone took part in the fun with visitors from Peace River K9 Search and Rescue Association Inc., The City of North Port - Government, Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, and Iguanaland! ![]()
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Congratulations, K-Risers!
Thank you to our partners at Suncoast Charities for Children! ![]()
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The 25th Annual Thunder By The Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival, held this past February at the Sarasota Fairgrounds, raised a net revenue of $315,000 for Suncoast Charities.![]()
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At last night's Thunder by the Bay Appreciation party, Suncoast Charities awarded grants to six nonprofit partners, including Children First.![]()
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Funding will support new adjustable tables and chairs for preschool classrooms and assistance packages for at-risk children needing shoes, dental hygiene supplies, and food vouchers.![]()
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Thank you for your commitment to our children, families, and mission!
"Alone we can do so little; together, we can do so much." ![]()
- Helen Keller![]()
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We had a great time celebrating our volunteers at our Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast! Children First volunteers were recognized by our Board of Directors and Leadership Team for the mighty impact they make for our agency. ![]()
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In 2022, our volunteers collectively worked 17 hours per day across our multiple campuses.![]()
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This event was held at our Dr. Elaine Marieb Early Learning Center, where attendees heard from classroom volunteer and past Board Chair Katherine Martucci on the value of giving back to such an incredible mission. Children from our Purple Crayon classroom held a special performance of songs like Frère Jacques and Bingo. ![]()
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We also recognized our partners at PGT Innovations for their Brighter Futures named opportunity of our Butterflies infant classroom. Thank you to our amazing volunteers!
Congratulations to Alyssa Simons, Associate Director of Donor Relations, on graduating from the Greater Sarasota Chamber 2022 Adult Leadership Class! ![]()
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This nine-month program was designed to enhance awareness of the community and its needs by examining how leadership in the historical, geographical, educational, economic, governmental and cultural segments work together to perpetuate and advance the Sarasota County community. ![]()
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During the program, Alyssa and her class completed a special project to transform the backyard at a foster home for Safe Children Coalition, including a new state of the art basketball court, refurbished lanai and patio furniture, a new fence, mural, yard work, and more. ![]()
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We are grateful for Alyssa's dedication to our children, families, and community!
Calling all Kindergarten-Risers! 🥳🎓🎒![]()
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Our Region A staff held a special celebration for the children who have completed our Head Start program and are heading to kindergarten this fall. We were joined by Sarasota County Emergency Services, the Oriole Bird of the Baltimore Orioles, and volunteers who face painted, handed out snacks, and gave out backpacks sponsored by TheZenith. Congratulations, K-Risers!
March 6, 2019
Frank Martucci, left; Children First Board Member Katherine Martucci; Vice President of Philanthropy Jessica Rogers; and parishioners Elaine Smith, Michael Clay and Gail Clay.
Children First Inc. thanks All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church for its ongoing support of the community’s most vulnerable children and families. Children First received three separate grants from the [...]
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 [...]
