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Children First In The Press
January 12, 2021
January 12, 2021 | Kay Kipling Philip Tavill, the longtime president and CEO of Children First, Sarasota County’s exclusive Head Start provider, has vivid memories of spending time beside his father, a physician working in public health, in locations from Morocco to Milwaukee. His South African mother’s passionate anti-apartheid stance also helped shape [...]
December 3, 2020
December 3, 2020 Brigette Davis, Associate Head Start and Early Head Start Director at Children First in Sarasota, has been elected to the Florida Head Start Association (FHSA) Board of Directors. As a FHSA board member, she plays a key role in representing Sarasota County and fulfilling FHSA’s work across the state to deliver high-quality [...]
December 1, 2020
December 1, 2020 When Ted and Ethna Wishnie of Sarasota walk through the halls of Children First in Sarasota, they are touched by the success stories, the gratitude and the children’s songs.
That zest for life reminds them of Eric Wishnie, Ted’s son and Ethna’s stepson, whose death at age 45 came amidst a successful broadcast [...]
November 26, 2020
November 26, 2020 | Thanksgiving in Tampa Bay Children First is providing meals to families and staff for the holiday season thanks to the generosity of Sarasota realtor Michele Tanner, her non-profit Tanner’s Turkeys, and an anonymous donor.
The agency distributed 60 turkeys and sides to the families it serves as a recipient of ‘Tanner’s Turkey’s [...]
November 15, 2020
November 15, 2020
Meeting Children’s Needs Now for Future Success
There’s a Chinese proverb that epitomizes Sarasota’s many and varied children’s nonprofits: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.” Some of the area’s youth-centered organizations began working decades ago and have cultivated generations of young Sarasotans into adult [...]
September 22, 2020
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 [...]
For Media Inquiries Contact:
Evan Ackerman
Communications CoordinatorPh: (941) 953-3877 ext. 1114
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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! 🥳