International Design Society Awards Grant to All Star Children’s Foundation

Graci McGillicuddy, the co-founder and board chair of All Star Children’s Foundation, recently announced that a $20,000 grant issued by the Sarasota chapter of the International Design Society will further empower All Star’s
rich tapestry of education, therapeutic and clinical initiatives.

“Thanks to this grant, All Star will be able to offer expert care and treatment to children who have experienced neglect and abuse in the tri-county area,” says McGillicuddy. “The International Design Society shares our deep commitment to this cause and wants to do everything in its power to help us provide stability and treatment for these children. They recognize that adverse childhood experiences and trauma comprise the greatest, unaddressed threats to public health facing our nation today. This is an extraordinary gift. It will make a world of difference to All
Star’s future success.”

Jesse White, president of the Sarasota chapter of the International Design
Society, says that his organization has a long history of supporting local nonprofits—especially those helping children. “Nothing tugs at your heartstrings more than the incredible challenges All Star’s children face,” he says. “All Star’s founders, Graci and Dennis McGillicuddy, are powerhouses who deliver on their promises. Their passion and the leadership have made All Star’s vision a reality. The future of our society rests with our children—and that’s why we want to help.”

According to McGillicuddy, All Star has implemented a trauma-informed
program that delivers the latest evidence-based protocols and treatments for foster children and their biological families. Partnering with leaders across the child welfare system, the non-profit organization has tapped best-in-class partners to assist in their mission.

All Star has completed its “Campus of Hope and Healing,” which includes the All Star Children’s Center, where trauma-focused clinical services are offered. The campus also features six foster family homes that provide children, ages 0-18, with a nurturing, family-style home environment and comprehensive, trauma-sensitive treatment. Siblings will be kept together, and parents and caregivers will also be offered a range of innovative services. All Star also serves children in the region’s child welfare system and their families on an outpatient basis.

For more information about All Star Children’s Foundation, visit www.allstarchildrensfoundation.org. The campus is located at 3300 17th St,
Sarasota.

Photo caption: Gail Forest, IDS board member; Jessie White, IDS board president, owner/founder of Sarasota Architectural Salvage; Graci McGillicuddy, All Star founder and board chair; JoJo Bradshaw, Lyteworks; Reba Henry, board member; Margaret Bell, board member.