English
Spanish
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!
March 7, 2019
Children First was honored to be recognized as the 2019 Nonprofit of the Year at the 14th annual WEDU Be More Awards. As recipient of the Be More Unstoppable Award, Children First was chosen from a field of the Tampa Bay area’s most esteemed organizations. WEDU notes that the award is the most coveted and [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Facebook Feed
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. ![]()
![]()
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. ![]()
![]()
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!![]()
![]()
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. ![]()
![]()
Thank you, Suncoast Charities for Children!
This content isn't available right now
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!! ![]()
![]()
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![]()
![]()
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!![]()
![]()
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. ![]()
![]()
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! ![]()
![]()
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. ![]()
![]()
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. ![]()
![]()
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! 🥳
January 14, 2022
Solar energy and sustainable practices are setting records across America and the state of Florida as demand for renewable resources continues to grow.
As part of an on-going effort in environmental stewardship for Sarasota County, Children First is working to create a more sustainable future through a cross-sector partnership, Partners for Green Places (PGP).
Launched in October [...]
March 3, 2022
Not all heroes wear capes, and the philanthropic spirit of our community during the 2020 Giving Challenge helped to save the day for hundreds of at-risk children and families. During this time, our families were suddenly facing a crisis like never before due to the unforeseen circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic.
At Children First, 89% of [...]
March 16, 2022
Children First was one of five human service agencies honored with the 2022 Change Agent Philanthropic Award by SRQ Magazine. The awards were presented at a luncheon held at the Hyatt-Regency Sarasota recently, as part of SRQ’s SB2 symposia series.
The award was presented to organizations which have “proven their grit, determination and capacity to [...]
April 18, 2022
Once upon a time, on April 9 to be exact, more than 300 guests traveled “Into the Woods” for the 22nd annual Fairytale Ball, hosted by Children First at Michael’s on East, which was decorated as a magical forest, filled with dreams and discoveries waiting to be made.
The sold-out event was the first in-person gala [...]