September 22, 2020 Sarasota has a legacy of strong leaders and innovators. Leadership Sarasota County, a program of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, is continuing that legacy by building a community of leaders for Sarasota today and tomorrow. This year, CEO Philip Tavill, Leadership Class of 1993, was honored alongside Pam Beitlich, of Sarasota [...]
September 01, 2020 | Sarasota CEO Philip Tavill took part in a conversation with other community thought leaders on building opportunities to pivot, survive and thrive during the pandemic.
September 01, 2020 | Sarasota Children First’s female leadership is a driving force behind the agency’s success as a four-time designated Head Start Program of Excellence. Their broad expertise helps the agency deliver excellence in program management and service performance, and guides the achievement of robust outcomes for pregnant women, at-risk children birth to 5 years [...]
August 26, 2020 | Business Observer A recent Sarasota-based virtual event focused on how organizations can save money by implementing sustainability-related changes, from reducing water use to installing more efficient air conditioning units.
The event was part of the Partners for Green Places program, a collaboration between Sarasota County Sustainability, City of Sarasota Sustainability, the Charles [...]
July 13, 2020 | Sarasota The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce has named the finalists for the 2020 Frank G. Berlin Sr. Small Business Awards.
Three finalists have been selected in each of the seven new categories that will be awarded at a luncheon on Aug. 28 at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota. The Herald-Tribune is the [...]
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. ... See MoreSee Less
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! ... See MoreSee Less
“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person: He believed in me.” - Jim ValvanoWishing you a very happy Father's Day, from our family to yours. We hope you enjoy your special day! ... See MoreSee Less
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! 🥳 ... See MoreSee Less
Transitioning from one distinguished learning institution to another, Jessica Rogers will join Children First on December 6, 2017 as the new Vice President of Philanthropy after spending eleven years working in fundraising at New College of Florida, the state’s designated honors college for the liberal arts and sciences. As the leader of Children First’s philanthropy [...]
SARASOTA (Kim Doleatto, Herald Tribune, Nov. 1, 2017) — When young children in the backseat see a caretaker get pulled over for a traffic citation, or depictions of law enforcement in the media, it can lead to early perceptions of police that may spook and intimidate them.
But Sarasota Police Department officers took time out this [...]
SARASOTA (Gayle Guynup- Nov. 3, 2017) — It was a picture-perfect day on the beach for the 10th annual Flip Flops & Fashion event, hosted by and benefiting Children First. More than 350 guests – most of them brightly clad women – came out for the event, which is held under tent on the crystal white [...]
SARASOTA, FL (WWSB) – The Sarasota Bay Rotary Club brought seasonal cheer and gifts to the students at Children First, Sarasota County’s Head Start provider.
Many of the children at Children First come from low-income families, and may not be able to receive gifts this season without the generosity of the community.
Club members also joined the [...]