The summer program is flying by at Children First, and a new school year will be here before we know it!  We've been making the most of our extra time in the classroom, and even had some special visitors thanks to the Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix! 
With fall quickly approaching, we're also gearing up for our signature fundraising events at Sharky's on the Pier in November!  It's sure to be a great time on the beach for all who attend. Read on for details!
SAVE THE DATE!


FLIP FLOPS AND FASHION
T hursday, Nov. 2, 2017 
11:00 a.m.
Sharky's on the Pier
Tickets: $95 per person

Get ready for an easy breezy afternoon with your toes in the sand while you support Children First at the 10th Annual Flip Flops and Fashion Luncheon! We'll gather together on the beach at Sharky's on the Pier to enjoy dazzling views of the Gulf, tropical fare, and support at-risk children and families in our community. You will see fashionable finds from L. Boutique, Scout & Molly's, and Sun Bug modeled by Children First supporters. Prepare to be charmed by some adorable children as well! There will be "chance drawing," an opportunity to purchase orchids, and other ways to support Children First with "Helping Hands." 

Co-chairs:
Faith Goldman, Lisa Jackson, Andrée Keebaugh and Vanessa Opstal

Keep up with all the latest event info on our Flip Flops and Fashion

To purchase tickets, call (941) 953-3877 ext. 138


ROCKIN' LOBSTER
Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017
 6:30 p.m.
Sharky's on the Pier
Tickets: $150 per person

Watch the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico while dining on delicious Maine Lobster under a large tent on the beach. The Rockin' fun begins with live music by Version 3.0, delicious food, a silent auction, and exciting beach activities. Be sure to stay for the lantern release, as we make a wish for a child and family in our program and release a lantern in their honor.

Co-Chairs: 
Lisa & John Giglio, Adrienne & Keith Johnson, Pat Martin, and Jackie & Jim Rolfes

To purchase tickets, call (941) 953-3877 ext. 138

Check out our Rockin' Lobster  Facebook event page for more! 

Sponsorship opportunities are also available for both events.
If you would like to be a part of the event committees, sponsor, or model at Flip Flops and Fashion, please contact Samantha Kingsley at skingsley@childrenfirst.net or 
941-953-3877 ext. 138

Summer at Children First: Learning Meets Fun


This summer has been one for the memory book!  Not only were we able to serve 50 percent more children than last summer thanks to additional funding through Head Start and our generous community, but our children were able to enjoy fun activities while learning. Water days are always a favorite for the children and teachers, and our classes took advantage of the weather to learn about animals they often see outside this time of year.  Our pre-schoolers learned about the life cycles of frogs while incorporating fine motor skills into their projects!  

MORE THAN RACES: 
Powerboat Festival helps at-risk children
As they climb on new playground equipment, toddlers at Children First probably don't know they're building important developmental skills. Meanwhile, thousands of race fans and spectators may not realize that as they attend the Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Festival events and enjoy powerboat races off the shore of Lido Key, they are helping those same toddlers by providing funding for that equipment and making needed improvements to our Venice campus.
 
Proceeds from the Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Festival and pre-race fundraising events benefit Suncoast Charities for Children, which provides an annual grant to the Suncoast Foundation for Handicapped Children, Inc. used for capital improvements and special projects for local non-profit agencies like Children First.  In addition to grants from individuals through the partnership, Children First is able to operate one of its thirteen locations by leasing the facility for just $1 per year thanks to the support of Suncoast Charities for Children and the Suncoast Foundation!
 
Check out SNN's coverage of the Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix's impact on Children First below!

SNN: New Playground Equipment Helps Underprivileged Children
Courtesy: SNN-TV 


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Children First, Inc.
1723 N. Orange Ave.
Sarasota, FL 34234

Children First is Sarasota County's exclusive provider of Head Start and Early Head Start programs.

Learn more by visiting childrenfirst.net or calling (941) 953-3877.
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