Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida proudly celebrated another successful Denim & Pearls: A Lifetime of Leadership Celebration on September 9 at Grove, bringing together community leaders, supporters, and advocates for girls to honor three exceptional women, whose leadership has made a lasting impact throughout our region.

This year’s honorees, Linda Carson, Angel Colonneso, Esq., and Carolyn J. Mason, were recognized for their remarkable achievements, dedication to service, and unwavering commitment to strengthening our communities. Their inspiring journeys embody the values of courage, confidence, and character that Girl Scouts strive to instill in every girl. You can view all the photos taken during this special event HERE.

Honoring Linda Carson: A Dream Realized

One of the most memorable moments of the afternoon was celebrating Linda Carson, whose lifelong dream of becoming a Girl Scout finally came true at 88 years old.

As a young girl growing up in a rural community, Linda faced barriers that prevented her from participating in Girl Scouts, challenges that mirror some of the obstacles girls continue to face today. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of why access to opportunities matters and why ensuring every girl can participate remains central to our mission.

Linda’s journey touched attendees and underscored the importance of creating opportunities that empower girls to dream big, overcome obstacles, and achieve their goals.

Honoring Angel Colonneso, Esq.: A Leadership Journey Rooted in Girl Scouting

A proud Girl Scout Alum of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Angel Colonneso credits many of the leadership skills and confidence she developed to her experiences in Girl Scouting.

Those early experiences helped shape the determination and resilience that contributed to her success as the first woman elected Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller for Manatee County. Her accomplishments demonstrate the lasting impact Girl Scouts can have on a girl’s future and the importance of investing in young leaders.

Angel’s story is an inspiring example of how Girl Scouting helps girls develop into confident leaders who make meaningful contributions to their communities.

Honoring Carolyn J. Mason: A Lifetime of Service

As a lifelong Sarasota County resident and proud Girl Scout Alum, Carolyn J. Mason learned from an early age the importance of serving others while believing in her ability to make a difference.

Those values sparked a lifelong commitment to leadership, philanthropy, and community service. Through decades of dedication, Carolyn has made a lasting impact on Sarasota County and beyond, improving the lives of countless individuals through her generosity and leadership.

Her story is a testament to the enduring influence of Girl Scouting and the powerful ripple effect created when girls are given opportunities to lead and serve.

Investing in the Leaders of Tomorrow

Throughout the afternoon, guests celebrated the accomplishments of these extraordinary women while helping ensure local girls continue to have access to transformative opportunities through Girl Scouting.

At a time when the State of the Florida Girl Report reveals growing concerns about girls’ mental health, safety, academic engagement, and future aspirations, support for Girl Scouts is more important than ever. The generosity of our community helps provide girls with the confidence, leadership skills, mentorship, and supportive experiences they need to overcome challenges and reach their full potential.

Thank You to Our Supporters

We extend our deepest gratitude to Publix Super Markets Charities, whose generous support as Presenting Sponsor helped make this celebration possible.

We are also incredibly thankful to our sponsors, including Florida Power & Light (FPL), as well as our donors, community partners, volunteers, and attendees whose generosity and commitment to our mission contributed to the event’s success.

Looking Ahead

Together, we honored the remarkable legacies of Linda Carson, Angel Colonneso, Esq., and Carolyn J. Mason, while creating new opportunities for girls to lead with courage, confidence, and character for years to come.

The impact of Denim & Pearls extends far beyond a single afternoon. Every dollar raised helps Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida provide programs and experiences that equip girls to navigate today’s challenges and thrive tomorrow.

Thank you for helping make Denim & Pearls 2026 a meaningful celebration of leadership, service, and hope for the future. Together, we are creating brighter futures for girls across the Gulfcoast region.