Sarasota, FL (June 29, 2017) – As they climb on new playground equipment, at-risk toddlers at Children First probably don’t know they’re building important developmental skills. Meanwhile, thousands of race fans and spectators may not realize that as they attend festivals and enjoy powerboat races off the shore of Lido Key, they are helping those toddlers by providing funding for equipment like this.

Suncoast Charities for Children provides annual grants to the Suncoast Foundation for capital improvements and special projects for local non-profit agencies like Children First, the exclusive Head Start program for Sarasota County, serving the area’s most vulnerable children. As a Program of Excellence, ranking in the top one-percent of Head Start programs
nationwide, Children First relies on community support through grants like these to accomplish its mission of strengthening children and families by improving the quality of their lives through a comprehensive approach to development, education, health and well-being. In addition to grants from individuals through the partnership, Children First is able to operate one of its 13 locations by leasing the facility for just $1 per year thanks to the Suncoast Foundation!

Powerboat P1 Director, Azam Rangoonwala visited Children First’s Dr. Elaine Marieb Early Learning Center on Thursday, June 29 to catch up with the children that have benefited from his team’s involvement in the Grand Prix and grants they have provided the organization through Suncoast Charities for Children, the organizer of the Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Festival.  He was right at home at the helm of our boat on the playground!

Powerboat P1 Director Azam Rangoonwala at the helm with students at Children

Click here for more info on Suncoast Charities for Children.