The $109,000 grant will support the construction of an education amphitheater at Camp Honi Hanta in Bradenton.

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc. (GSGCF) is thrilled to announce its selection as one of the seven grant recipients of the prestigious $109,000 Impact100 SRQ grant. This honor was bestowed upon GSGCF during the Impact100 SRQ Annual Celebration held on November 8, 2023. Impact100 SRQ, comprising 763 local women local women who contribute $1,000 annually to support local nonprofit initiatives, chose GSGCF as one of the seven recipients from a pool of ten finalists for this grant.

GSGCF’s initiative, the “Betty Ethel Girl Scout Amphitheater,” falls under the education category. The project aims to create a new outdoor amphitheater at Camp Honi Hanta, a cherished Girl Scout camp within the Gulfcoast Florida region. This amphitheater will serve as a versatile outdoor classroom, offering opportunities for science, technology, engineering, math, and arts activities while also providing a welcoming pavilion for social and recreational gatherings.

The project aligns with GSGCF’s mission to build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. The Girl Scouts Amphitheater on the River aligns with their commitment to fostering healthy relationships, trust, skill development, and civic engagement among girls. With the addition of this amphitheater, Girl Scouts from the Sarasota and Manatee Counties will have a dedicated space to gather for various activities during their camp experiences.

Camp Honi Hanta already boasts an array of amenities, including walking trails, a sports field, a swimming pool, archery range, river access for kayaking and canoeing, a ropes course, climbing wall, and more. The new outdoor amphitheater will complement these facilities, enhancing the camp’s offerings and inspiring creativity, expression, and socialization among campers.

The Girl Scouts anticipates an increase in the camp’s utilization by 25% following the addition of the amphitheater. This addition aligns with GSGCF’s strategic plan for camp upgrades, providing a sustainable and easy-to-maintain outdoor venue with a life expectancy of more than 20 years. It will support various activities, including overnight camping, multi-day retreats, cultural activities such as theater and dance, as well as STEM programs like astronomy.

Founded in 2018, Impact100 SRQ brings together a diverse group of women that annually fund transformational grants of at least $100,000 to local nonprofits in both Sarasota and Manatee Counties.  Impact100 SRQ funds grants in five focus areas: Arts, Culture & History; Education; Environment & Recreation; Family; and Health & Wellness. This year, there were seven $109,000 transformation grants thanks to the generosity of the members of Impact100 SRQ.

“We are deeply honored to receive this transformative grant in the Education Focus Area for the 2023 giving year. We are enthusiastic about the opportunities this grant brings, allowing us to fulfill our commitment to our girls and shaping them into the leaders of tomorrow,” said Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida CEO Mary Anne Servian. “This transformative grant will empower us to expand our efforts in delivering diverse and enriching programs to the young Girl Scouts in our community. Through this support, we can continue nurturing future leaders who embody courage, confidence, and character.”

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc. is immensely grateful to Impact100 SRQ for their support and recognition. The amphitheater will help empower girls to discover their potential and everything they can achieve today, tomorrow, and beyond.

The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of Impact100 SRQ, Inc.