May 28, 2021 – Sarasota
Children First is proud to announce a $60,000 grant from the Gulf Coast Community Foundation and a $50,000 grant from the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. These grants are in support of The Challenge for Changing Lives, the agency’s $1,060,000 challenge match that launched earlier this year in recognition of Children First’s 60th anniversary.
Led by Children First’s Diamond Circle, a dedicated group of key supporters, the goal of The Challenge is to increase support of early childhood education, family strengthening, and comprehensive services for families living at risk.
Founded in 1961, Children First has grown to serve hundreds of children and their families annually at 15 locations throughout Sarasota County with campuses in Venice, North Port, and Sarasota. 60 years later, the agency has become a four-time designated Head Start Program of Excellence and ranks in the top 1% of over 1,800 programs nationwide.
“The match has boosted services for pregnant women, children as young as six weeks old, and families experiencing the effects of poverty in our community. With these investments in our mission from Gulf Coast Community Foundation and the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation, we have officially raised more than three-quarters of our overall goal,” says CEO Philip Tavill. “After such a turbulent year, with many of our families still working to overcome pandemic-related challenges in addition to other daily hardships, we could not be more appreciative of this critical support from our community.”
To make a gift that will be matched through The Challenge for Changing Lives, please visit childrenfirst.net/donate.
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