Sarasota Yacht Club’s philanthropic arm provides $75,000 grant to Head Start program for the initiative
The morning of Oct. 23, Children First representatives celebrated the grand opening of the organization’s newly renovated playgrounds with a ribbon cutting ceremony, the Head Start program has announced.
The playgrounds are located at the Dr. Elaine Marieb Early Learning Center, which stands at 1723 N. Orange Ave. in Sarasota, a news release says.
“The project, called Playful Pathways, marks a major investment in outdoor learning and child development, made possible by the generosity of SYC Cares — the philanthropic arm of the Sarasota Yacht Club — and a host of local foundation partners,” a news release explains.
“SYC Cares awarded $75,000 to Children First through its annual grant program, which invites Sarasota Yacht Club members to nominate and vote on local nonprofit organizations that provide essential health, human service, and educational programs across Sarasota County,” the release points out. “Following two rounds of voting,” the release adds, “Children First was selected as a top recipient.”
“Our members have always believed that giving back is at the heart of who we are,” said Stephania Feltz, coordinator of philanthropy and special projects at Sarasota Yacht Club, in the release. “Each year we support local organizations that strengthen families and invest in our community’s future,” Feltz continued. “Seeing these playgrounds filled with color, laughter, and learning reminds us why this work matters.”
“Through SYC Cares, our members have donated more than $1.4 million since 2017 to support causes that make Sarasota stronger,” added Sarasota Yacht Club Commodore Robert Milligan in the release. “Children First embodies the compassion, service and community spirit that we’re proud to champion.”
The release notes that the “redesigned playgrounds feature all-new surfacing, sunshades, climbing structures, a music center, a tricycle path, and interactive learning areas, including a mud kitchen and art station. These elements support the agency’s nationally recognized HighScope curriculum, which emphasizes active, play-based learning as the foundation for early childhood development,” the release explains.
“This playground is more than a place to play,” said Philip Tavill, president and CEO of Children First, in the release. “It’s an extension of our classrooms — where children build confidence, explore the world around them, and learn essential social and problem-solving skills. We are deeply grateful to SYC Cares and to all of our partners who made this transformation possible.”
The release points out that, in addition to SYC Cares, “major support came from Robin and Roy Grossman, Jan and Bill Farber, and Tom and Kathy Cook, with capping and recovery funding provided by the William G. & Marie Selby Foundation, Jerome & Mildred Paddock Foundation, Leslie and Dick Rivera through Gulf Coast Community Foundation, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, and an anonymous family foundation.”
The release also says, “The project overcame delays caused by severe storms and hurricanes in late 2024, thanks to the combined resilience and generosity of these community partners.
“Children First serves more than 1,200 children and family members daily across multiple sites in Sarasota County, offering high-quality early childhood education and comprehensive family strengthening services,” the release adds.
With its latest designation as a five-time Program of Excellence, accorded by the National Head Start Association, “the agency continues to demonstrate exceptional leadership and impact in early childhood education,” the release notes.
Founded in 1961, Children First is ranked in the top 1% out of more than 1,600 Head Starts nationwide, the release adds.
For more information, call 941-953-3877 or visit childrenfirst.net.