Girls Incorporated Announces 2020 Celebration Luncheon Honorees

Girls Inc. of Sarasota County has announced that the late Chuck and Margie Barancik, Dr. Laura Kingsley & Dr. Heidi Anderson with daughter Avery Brannan will be honored at its 32^nd Annual Celebration Luncheon, Tuesday, April 21st, at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium. Luncheon chairs are Tammy Karp and Mary Pat Radford.

The Girls Inc. Visionary Award is a board nominated award designated to honor those who not only believes in the mission of the organization, but also see the larger vision for the organization in the community and region.  Girls Inc. recognizes Chuck and Margie Barancik posthumously with this award.  The Baranciks were ardent supporters of Girls Inc., and their efforts have changed the trajectory of the organization.  Chuck, Margie and the team at Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation lead the way for the Solar & Conservation Project that included the installation of 564 solar panels, which now provide 100% of Girls Inc. energy needs.  Additionally, the Baranciks have supported Girls Inc.’s Family Strengthening Program and the August Match Campaign providing significant funds to match donations from individuals in the community.  Their contributions to Girls Inc. will continue to be realized for years to come.

The She Knows Where She’s Going Award will be presented to Dr. Laura Kingsley and Dr. Heidi Anderson with her daughter Avery Brannan.  The She Knows Where She’s Going Award recognizes individuals who are role models for women and girls in our community, have been supportive of Girls Inc. and its programs, and have demonstrated commitment to community activities, professional organizations or non-profit work that demonstrates a belief in contributing to others.

Dr. Laura Kingsley serves as the Assistant Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer for Sarasota County Schools.  Kingsley began her career as a teacher at Emma E. Booker Elementary School in 1988.  Prior to this role, she served as the district’s executive director of elementary education.  She has spent her career working with foundations, school administrations and teachers to help students strengthen reading abilities, led taskforces to close the achievement gap between white and minority students, and supported community programs such as Girls Inc. to bolster school attendance. 

Dr. Heidi Anderson has known medicine was in her future since sixth grade.  As the owner of her private dermatology practice, Anderson has invested in our community through philanthropy, voluntarism and support of organizations like Girls Inc.  A Sarasota resident for over a decade, Anderson chose to raise her children here for the tremendous educational opportunities available in Sarasota.  Her daughter Avery is currently studying Peace, War, and Defense at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, and is a local Pine View School graduate. She was a four year elected member to a service club through her school and a participant of the Boys and Girls Club STAR leadership program. As a graduate of STAR, she was fortunate to join the Girls Inc. Board where she served for three years. She volunteered and then eventually worked as a counselor in the summer at Girls Inc.

In addition to these awards, two Girls Inc. girls will be recognized this year. The She Knows Where She’s Growing Award will be presented to a middle school student, and the Leadership Award will honor an outstanding member of the Girls Inc. high school program.

Individual tickets for the 32nd Annual Celebration Luncheon are $150.00 and may be purchased online at www.girlsincsrq.org or by calling (941) 366-6646, ext. 211.  Sponsorships and tables are also available. There will also be a chance drawing at the event featuring items donated from Saks Fifth Avenue.