News Release: Children First Celebrates Its 25th Fairytale Ball, Raises Over $600,000 to Support Programs for Children and Their Families
On April 5, Children First hosted its 25th Annual Fairytale Ball at Michael’s on East. Themed “Magic Is All Around,” the event took guests on a spellbinding journey in support of the children and families they serve.
Children First raised more than $600,000 in total support during the event, with highlights including a live auction and paddle raise, led by auctioneers Philip Tavill, President and CEO, and Vice President of Philanthropy Jessica Rogers.
Throughout the Fairytale Ball, guests learned of the transformational effect Children First has on children and their families from those who have been positively impacted.
Board Chair Michael Suarez shared his personal experience as a young student at Newtown Day Nursery, which is now part of Children First, and his return to serve the mission that helped him. “Tonight is all about the magic you don’t see in the movies,” he said. “That’s the power of full circle.”
The Cecil-Smith Family, mom Heather Cecil, dad Jack Smith, and children Maddison and Jackson, shined a light on how Children First has affected their entire family via a video and a live speech.
Both children attended Head Start at Children First and participated in the RISE program at Emma E. Booker Elementary school.
“We’re a family that has grown with Children First,” Heather said. She added that Children First helped them become stronger parents.
“The teachers made sure we knew we could do anything,” Madison said. “I carry everything I’ve learned with me.”
“They’re thriving because someone invested in them early and never stopped,” Heather said of both of her children.
Other highlights of the event included a heartwarming performance by preschoolers and a special presentation by longtime supporter PGT Custom Windows & Doors and the MITER Foundation. .
Jessica Rogers also thanked the sponsors and committee members and highlighted recent awards won by Children First, among them Vice President of Programs Kathleen Sullivan’s Sarasota Magazine Unity Award.
Philip Tavill rounded out the evening’s presentations by announcing Jessica Rogers’ recent international recognition as one of the Association of Junior Leagues International’s inaugural 40 Over 40 class of 2025. He also acknowledged Children First’s Programs of Excellence accreditation from the National Head Start Association for the fourth consecutive term.
After speaking of the accolades, Tavill brought his speech back to why Children First matters. He said his favorite time at Children First is welcoming a new 6-week-old to the infant program.
“We now have five years to work with that child and their family,” he said. “Whatever it is they want to accomplish, we get to be a part of helping them achieve their dreams.”
Guests ended the festive evening with dancing to the Bay Kings Band.
About Children First:
Founded in 1961 and ranked in the top 1% out of over 1,800 Head Starts nationwide, Children First strengthens children and families by improving the quality of their lives through a comprehensive approach to development, education, health, and well-being. At multiple sites throughout Sarasota County, Children First offers full-day preschool, infant and toddler care, and nutrition and health care assistance to children ages birth to five years old from low-income families. Through Children First, the children receive the social and cognitive skills needed to enter kindergarten and elementary school on track. For more information, call (941) 953-3877 or go to childrenfirst.net.
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