News Release: Children First Launches $600,000 Matching Gift Challenge to Support Sarasota County Families

Children First proudly announces a $600,000 matching gift challenge led by its Changemaker Collective, with every dollar raised matched to strengthen children and families in Sarasota County.
 
The Changemaker Collective brings together leaders who go above and beyond in serving our community and investing in the tools children and families need to achieve their full potential. With this initiative, every contribution has double the impact, with an overall goal of raising $1.2MM.
 
Funds raised through this initiative will provide scholarships, ensuring both immediate access to early childhood education programs and long-term educational success through Children First’s Future Scholars Fund, a 529 College Savings Plan Initiative. This support extends beyond education, encompassing essential mental health services for children and their families, including postpartum and perinatal care for mothers.
 
These critical resources, which also comprise the agency’s focus on Family Strengthening initiatives, including the Families First Institute and Job Skills Training program, will foster a stronger foundation for families facing economic uncertainty.
 
The key philanthropists comprising the Collective include: Anonymous, Liza & Carl Caruso, the Jean J. and Laurence S. DeLynn Foundation, Lisa & John Giglio, Carol & Richard Kalikow, Brock & Julie Leach, Joan & Dr. Bart Levenson, Keith Monda & Veronica Brady, Linda Rhault, Gaye & Jack Schwarz, Joe & Nora Stephan, Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation, and Tim & Teresa Tyrrell - Palm One Associates.
 
At multiple sites across Sarasota, Venice, and North Port, Children First provides comprehensive services to hundreds of children from low-income backgrounds, ages birth to five, and their families each year. Comprehensive services include early childhood education, nutrition, emotional and behavioral support, and family strengthening programs.
 
“The Changemaker Collective reflects a powerful belief in what is possible when we work together,” says CEO Philip Tavill. “By investing in children and families today, our supporters are not only strengthening our local workforce and economy but also ensuring greater opportunities for generations to come.”
 
To make a gift in support of the Changemaker Collective, please visit childrenfirst.net/donate.