REAL Exclusive Magazine

Suncoast Charities for Children

A Foundation for Success

By Lalaena Gonzalez-Figueroa

Suncoast Charities for Children has made a unique contribution to the well-being of children, teens and adults with special needs. The Sarasota-based charity offers (virtually) rent-free facilities to local area non-profits, allowing them to focus their funding on programs and services. As local needs have evolved, so have the efforts of Suncoast Charities; the organization has significantly increased its fundraising efforts, reaching out to the community with an array of opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others.

My name is Boden. I am 2 ½ years old and have Down’s Syndrome. Thanks to Suncoast Charities for Children, I am able to receive occupational, physical and speech therapies at Community Haven’s Selby Preschool.

The Super Boat Grand Prix began with a group of local businessmen, primarily from the construction industry. Founders included Hollis Tucker, John Stafford, Ron Foxworthy, Cal Erb and the late Gene Whipp. The organization (then known as the Suncoast Foundation for the Handicapped, Inc.) was launched as a means of combining Whipp’s passion for powerboat racing with a desire to expand the opportunities available to help children with special needs. The group’s early endeavors included an annual picnic outing to the beach. As the organization grew, Whipp launched the first annual offshore powerboat race in Sarasota, which ran between St. Pete and Venice, Florida.
The concept gained popularity, expanding from a single race to a nine day festival now featuring golf, a texas hold’ em poker tournament, car show, motorcycle charity ride, boat and personal watercraft fun run, a parade of boats and block party, powerboats by the bay, meet & greet reception with participating race teams, a fashion show, a stunning fireworks display, fishing day for the physically and mentally challenged, and the signature Grand Prix Race.

Children First Pre-School Students

“There is something for everyone,” remarks Lucy Nicandri, who serves as Suncoast Charities’ Vice President. “Our organization has really captured the spirit of our community, creating opportunities for people with diverse interests to come together to support a great cause and also generate an huge economic impact ($14.3 Million in 2012).
The Suncoast Super Boat Grand Prix Festival is one of the organization’s most high-profile fundraising events, but area residents have access to year ‘round activities whose proceeds contribute to the charity. Each year kicks off with the Thunder by the Bay Motorcycle Festival, a four-day celebration that attracts individuals from around the country. Also an annual charity night sponsored by the Sarasota Kennel Club, a Sarasota Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular July 4th and New Year’s Eve, Fisk and Friends Celebrity Golf Tournament, and the Christmas Boat Parade of Lights raise funds that are integral to the success and sustainability of Suncoast Charities for Children.

The Florida Center For Early Childhood Students

With over $14 million in facilities constructed throughout Sarasota, Venice and North Port areas, Suncoast Charities has provided upward of 73,000 square feet of space to local organizations including Children First, Loveland Center, Community Haven, The Florida Center, Children First, and Sarasota County Special Olympics. These non-profit groups pay $1 per year in rent, with  maintenance provided by Suncoast Charities for Children for the duration of their tenancy. Most of the facilities constructed over the years also received donated products and services from area businesses in the construction industry such as plumbers, roofers, electricians, and dry wall. The construction industry contributed many resources and services to the charities that currently occupy the buildings constructed by Suncoast Charities for Children,” says Nicandri. “With subsidized repairs and maintenance, our non-profits are maximizing their program and service monies.”

The impact, Nicandri adds, is significant. “We receive calls from parents of clients at local organizations, thanking us for our fundraising events. That means so much!”

Suncoast Charities for Children
Lucy Nicandri
5317 Fruitville Road, Suite 43
Sarasota, FL 34232
lucy.nicandri@suncoastcc.org
(941) 371.8820
www.SuncoastCharitiesForChildren.org

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