In honor of Children First’s 60^th Anniversary, the agency is proud to announce a $1,060,000 matching campaign to increase the support of early childhood education, family strengthening, and comprehensive services for children and families living at-risk.  

The Challenge for Changing Lives matching campaign is being spearheaded by Children First’s Diamond Circle: a dedicated group of extraordinary supporters leading the charge in advancing the mission of strengthening children and families together. Their goal is to inspire others to give by matching all gifts, dollar for dollar, up to $1,060,000, throughout 2021.

Members include: Two anonymous donors, Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation, Dawn and Mitchell Epstein, Julie and Brock Leach, Joan and Dr. Bart Levenson, Katherine and Frank Martucci, Elenor Maxheim in loving memory of John Maxheim, Keith Monda and Veronica Brady, Leslie and Dick Rivera, Gaye and Jack Schwarz, Karen Solem, in loving memory of Charles Forman, John Bean and Alexandra Jupin, Lisa and John Giglio, Carol and Richard Kalikow, Bob and Lin Williams, Alison and Howie Madsen, Jo and Stan Rutstein, Mike Rutstein, and CEO Philip Tavill.  

As the exclusive provider of Head Start and Early Head Start services for Sarasota County, Children First has grown to serve hundreds of children and their families at 15 locations annually throughout Sarasota County with campuses in Venice, North Port, and Sarasota. As a four-time designated Head Start Program of Excellence, the agency ranks in the top 1% of over 1,800 programs nationwide. 

To make a gift in support of ‘The Challenge for Changing Lives,’ please visit childrenfirst.net/donate.

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