Philanthropy | Love at First Sight: Stephanie and Allen Hochfelder with Children First

By Lisa Codianne Fowler | Photo by Nancy Guth | June 2022

Did you know the word “philanthropy” is a Greek term that translates to “love of mankind?” 

Philanthropists make a positive impact on people’s lives—community welfare being their key goal. They are altruistic, empathetic, socially aware, have vision and foresight, are problem solvers, and are determined and fiercely passionate.  

About Children First

While philanthropists Stephanie and Allen Hochfelder actively support many causes and charities, Children First captured their hearts. The couple quickly learned that Children First, geared toward aiding impoverished families, has long been recognized for “consistently demonstrating excellence in program management and service performance, and continually supporting the achievement of robust outcomes for at-risk children birth to five years old, pregnant women, families and their communities,” according to Head Start’s Program of Excellence.

Stephanie describes “at-risk” as the babies of teenage women, single parents, and those in the custody of aunts, uncles, and other relatives that take care of the children because the parents can’t for various reasons.

“Children First has done such a wonderful job in working with children who come from poverty and can raise them so that they are happy children who want to learn,” Stephanie says. “I almost think Children First should be called Children and Families First, because there’s so much work being done with the families of these children and that’s why these kids are learning.”

How did the Hochfelders find Children First? 

“Here’s how it happened,” Allen explains. “When we moved down here full-time (from Chicago) about 12 years ago, someone recommended the Gulf Coast Community Foundation to help us find charities in the Venice and Sarasota area. Kirstin Fulkerson, their Senior Vice President, took us around to a few, not to just make contributions, but to be active in the charity.

Stephie fell in love with what Children First was doing, what their goals were, and what their needs were. Many of the children come from out of the country—Mexico or Central America—and are from low-income families. So, we just got involved in it. And it’s turned out that we are active in other charities, but this is our favorite. This is our best.”

Head Start

With 15 locations in Sarasota, Children First is ranked in the top 1 percent of all Head Start programs nationwide. Under the guidance of Philip Tavill, Children First CEO, the organization “has given so much to so many children and families,” Allen says. Tavill was recently honored for 25 years of service to the community and for his dedication to transforming the lives of children and their families. 

Stephanie has been volunteering there for 12 years, working with Miss Maria’s class which consists of four- and five-year-olds. “Many of them are bashful and some of them may not speak a lot of English,” Stephanie explains. “You try to get them to participate in activities to learn and they don’t at first. But with the help of psychologists and social workers, the kids eventually become comfortable. I’m not actually teaching speech therapy (Stephanie’s background), but I do indirectly work with the children. And it’s great to see them making friends and socializing with the other children. It’s a phenomenal place for these kids to be.”

Stephanie and Allen both received their own “head start” in philanthropy, thanks to their parents who raised them to learn about the importance of giving to the less fortunate. Stephanie graduated from Northwestern University with a Master’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology. She worked with children and adults who suffered from strokes, motorcycle, and car accidents as well as helped foreign students speak and understand English.

While living in Chicago, Stephanie joined the Women’s Board at Lincoln Park Zoo where she was co-chair of the annual fundraiser “Zoo Ball” for several years.  She also helped to start an animal organization called “Pets Are Worth Saving” (PAWS) where dogs and cats facing death row were given a second chance in life.

Allen and Stephanie came to Sarasota for years to visit Allen’s parents during the winter. Stephanie saw how beautiful it was as she says, “the blue skies, dreamy beaches, luscious green grass and colorful flowers in bloom.”  Little did she realize that there was another side to Sarasota—poverty. After becoming familiar with needy children and families, her heart led her to support Children First.

Allen soon followed suit. “My admiration for Children First came from my wife, Stephanie’s involvement as a volunteer in Ms. Maria’s class,” he shares. “I had much experience with children in the Chicago area from being associated with Young Men’s Jewish Council.  We made sure that boys and girls were active after school, as well as during the summer when many of these children went to summer camps. In my business career, I was active in my CPA Society, chairing many committees and was on the advisory Trustee committees of the Chicago Symphony and Chicago Lyric Opera.  I was also President and Treasurer of our Co-op and condo associations.”

Happily Ever After

The Hochfelders have set up a seven-figure endowment fund to be used when they are no longer here. Since they have moved here, though, they have also been making financial contributions, volunteering, and co-chairing the “Fairy Tale Ball” to support Children First. 

“My parents were always active in various charities and instilled this as part of my life,” Allen says. “Stephanie and I feel that while we are living, we should give to charities that are meaningful to us. Let’s do it while we’re here.” Currently, the Hochfelders are funding a $300,000 contribution to be paid over six years.

“You have to do what your heart tells you to do,” Stephanie humbly adds, “There are so many people that do so much more, but we’re just happy to fill in the gaps.” 

FOR MORE INFORMATION about how to become involved with Children First, visit childrenfirst.net.