Category Archives: Community Partner

Be the One to Help Girls Thrive

by Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida

Thanks to the generosity of donors during the 2024 Giving Challenge, which was presented by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County with giving strengthened by The Patterson Foundation, Mackenzie was able to Be the One to show us how Girl Scouts transforms girls’ lives and supports mental health.

The One to Struggle Quietly

Mackenzie S. joined Girl Scouts when she was in the first grade, to make new friends.
Mackenzie joined Girl Scouts when she was in the first grade, to make new friends.

The first time we met Mackenzie, she was just seven years old. A bright and imaginative first grader, she was always eager to try new things, but prone to nerves when asked to speak up during a troop meeting.

She also carried struggles that weren’t always visible: the restless grip of social anxiety, and the heaviness of depression that sometimes kept her at home weighed heavily on her at times.

Mackenzie shared that her struggles with mental health began when she was in the eighth grade. “I was constantly sad and anxious,” she said. “It was affecting my grades at school and my friendships.”

Her mental health struggles made it difficult for her to feel like she fit in.

“Being diagnosed with anxiety was hard,” Mackenzie shares. “There were days where I missed school and had trouble explaining to my friends why I was absent. It made me feel lonely at times.”

And sadly, the research shows that Mackenzie is not alone.

With the support of funds raised during the 2024 Giving Challenge, Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida (GSGCF) joined forces with other Florida councils to commission a groundbreaking study on the state of Florida girls’ emotional, mental, physical, and academic wellness.

The State of the Florida Girl Report shows that girls face worse outcomes in academics, health, safety, and especially mental health compared to boys. According to the report, nearly 50% of Florida girls report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, and more than 1 in 4 experience poor mental health most of the time.

But thankfully, it also shows a way forward: youth programs designed specifically for girls, like Girl Scouts, dramatically improve outcomes across every area studied.

The One to Ask for Help

At Girl Scouts, our mission has always been to build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. What we didn’t fully recognize was that while we were asking girls to change the world, the world wasn’t quite returning the favor. We knew we had to be the one to help girls thrive.

Many might ask: How did we get here?
But at Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, we ask: Where do we go from here?

We knew right away that we couldn’t make lasting change without help from others.

So, as part of our goal to better serve our members’ mental health needs, we joined forces with HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital to deliver relevant mental wellness programming.

We also partnered with NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Sarasota and Manatee Counties and Children’s World for the 2024 Giving Challenge. Our main goal was to empower girls like Mackenzie with tools for mental health awareness, self-care, and resilience.

“Seeing organizations like NAMI and Girl Scouts come together during the Giving Challenge really made me realize how far we’ve come in support of mental health awareness. It gave me confidence that girls were going to be able to grow up having these organizations easily accessible to learn about mental health diseases and how to manage everyday life,” Mackenzie said.

The data shows why these programs matter, too. The State of the Florida Girl Report revealed that structured mentalhealth programs significantly improve girls’ coping skills, reduce risk behaviors, and increase academic performance.

Mary Anne Servian, CEO of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, put it this way: “Girls already have incredible strength and potential within them. Girl Scout programs simply give them the chance to discover it—by trying new things, building skills, and being surrounded by safe, supportive adults who believe in them. With the help of our community, we can continue providing these opportunities, tools, and resources so that girls like Mackenzie realize their power and use it to shape a brighter future.”

The One to Find Her Voice

Through Girl Scouts, Mackenzie participated in numerous troop and individual projects that made a positive impact on her community, learning the value of caring for others.

On March 28, 2024 Girl Scouts earned their Mental Wellness and First Aid badges at HCA.
NAMI educators helped Girl Scouts discuss their feelings and learn positive coping skills. They also learned first aid with nurses, bandaged teddy bears, and toured the ER.

In March 2024, she discovered something even more personal: the importance of being the one to care for herself. During a Girl Scout badge workshop at HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital, she chose to work on the Finding My Voice badge.

At first, she was anxious to attend an event with so many unfamiliar faces. But the activities—breathing exercises, roleplays, naming emotions out loud—felt different from the usual school day. They gave her space and language for expressing feelings she was used to carrying in silence.

Later that spring, she laughed with friends while painting mandalas at the 2024 Giving Challenge Self-Care Fair event at Camp Honi Hanta. Girl Scouts hosted this workshop in collaboration with NAMI. Sunshine filtered through the cypress trees as a yoga instructor guided them in gentle stretches. Mackenzie didn’t realize it then, but she was one of the 78% of girls who walked away with greater emotional awareness after that day.

Girl Scouts attended our Self Care Fair on April 4, 2024.
GSGCF CEO Mary Anne Servian with Girl Scouts at the fair.
NAMI made presentations and even brought an emotional support dog, helping girls and their families learn all about mental wellness.

Mackenzie said that these activities really made her feel “understood and cared for.” 

“Having a safe space to not only talk about my challenges but listen to other people’s challenges helped me to connect with girls I never thought I would. These were opportunities I would have never gotten if it hadn’t been for Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida.”

By June, she was watching her troop leaders bring back skills from the Volunteer Celebration Wellness Training. At this event, we continued to partner with NAMI Sarasota and Manatee Counties to equip over 100 leaders with wellness tools to share directly with girls.

The One to Find Belonging

For Mackenzie, Girl Scout programs were more than dates on a calendar; they were living proof that adults cared enough to create spaces just for girls like her, where she was never “too much” or “not enough.”

Mackenzie (right side, white shirt) hiking with her Girl Scout troop as a child.

In Girl Scouts, she found a place where she truly belonged.

Even when her mental health struggles set her apart during summer camp, she said the troop never treated her differently: “I was worried about what other people were going to think, but they welcomed me with open arms.”

She said attending Girl Scout camp in high school was “the best time of my life.” Meeting new friends, working with supportive leaders, and enjoying low-ropes challenges and campfire songs, she said, “brought back my happy self.”

“Girl Scouts is the one place where I could go and feel free and uplifted,” she added. “Not only did I have my leaders to help me, but my fellow sisters in Girl Scouting were also a big part too. They listened and helped me through all my struggles.”

The One to Conquer the World

With the confidence skills she learned in Girl Scouts, Mackenzie traveled to New York City to represent Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida at the United Nations’ 67th Commission on the Status of Women. She stood among global changemakers, voicing the needs of girls who are too often left unheard.

Mackenzie (left) stands with fellow GSGCF Girl Scouts at the United Nations, representing Girl Scouts as a youth delegate.

“Representing Girl Scouts at the UN ‘s 67th Commission on the Status of Women is an experience I’ll never forget. Getting to meet and see world leaders come together to talk and make changes about issues directly affecting me was incredible.

And I got to be a part of that change too by writing statements to be sent over and giving a speech in front of a few hundred people. It gave me confidence that I was capable of doing anything I set my mind to,” she said. She also confessed, “A year prior I was having a panic attack about giving a presentation in front of my class and now I felt I could conquer the world.”

The One to Speak Up

When we unveiled The State of the Florida Girl report, Mackenzie stepped up to the podium inspired to raise her voice once again—this time not on an international stage, but in her own community. Before a crowd of leaders, politicians, reporters, and nonprofit directors, she spoke about her journey in Girl Scouts.

Mackenzie shares her story publicly at the unveiling of The State of the Florida Girl Report in July 2024.

She explained how the Mental Health Badge Workshop at HCA Sarasota Doctors Hospital, the 2024 Giving Challenge Self Care Fair, and other Girl Scout programs and supportive mentors helped her grow past the obstacles she faced with her mental health diagnosis.

Mackenzie said that being asked to stand beside Mary Anne Servian, Chief Girl Champion and CEO of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, and tell her story made her feel exceptionally confident and proud. “I was so anxious about messing up… But I pushed through it and went on stage in front of all those people and spoke about my story.”

Afterwards, she said it was encouraging to hear from attendees that they were inspired by her story. “I had never been prouder of myself because I knew what I was doing was going to be the one to help change girls’ lives.”

Her words truly strengthened those who heard her story with resolve to Be the One to do better for our girls.

You Can Be the One to Help Girls Thrive

Our work advocating for girls’ wellbeing isn’t done.

Currently, our calendar includes increased programming for girls, with new, inclusive opportunities added every day. These programs help girls build mental health skills, boost confidence through self-defense and empowerment workshops, explore STEM subjects, express themselves through art and performance, and strengthen their confidence through physical activity.

The State of the Florida Girl Report is a deep dive into the challenges and successes confronted by the girls in our state and serves as a call to action to reinforce the critical need for safe, nurturing environments designed to support girls’ growth.

In 2026, we hope to release an updated version of The State of the Florida Girl Report to track progress and continue refining our programs based on the evolving needs of girls across the state.

Our membership is steadily growing, and so is the need. As more girls join, the demand for uniforms, financial aid, and support for life-changing programs grows with them.

Mackenzie knows firsthand what it means to be supported. Her story shows that when girls are given chances to explore, earn badges, live their values, and be guided by mentors in a place where they truly belong, amazing things happen. They grow. They lead. They find their voice.

Today, Mackenzie serves on the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida Board of Directors. She’s no longer the girl quietly battling anxiety and loneliness—she’s a leader shaping programs for thousands of girls across the Gulf Coast.

Mackenzie wants her community to understand the impact Girl Scout programs have on helping girls thrive:

“It’s hard to go through these kinds of challenges on your own,” she said. “No kid should have to. I don’t know where I would be right now if it weren’t for Girl Scouts being the light in my life through one of my toughest times.”

This year, you can be part of that light. Be the one to support the upcoming 2026 Giving Challenge taking place April 15-16.

This year, you can #BeTheOne to help girls thrive.

The 2026 Giving Challenge is presented
by the Community Foundation of Sarasota
County with giving strengthened by The
Patterson Foundation.

Girl Scouts Love School Bus Drivers!

by Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida

Show your appreciation for bus drivers by participating in School Bus Driver Appreciation Day on April 22nd!

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida celebrated School Bus Safety Week in Oct. 2023. (Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida)

Every school day, bus drivers ensure that students get to and from school safely, often going above and beyond to provide a friendly smile, a word of encouragement, and a sense of security. School Bus Driver Appreciation Day, taking place from April 22, is the perfect opportunity to recognize their hard work and dedication.

For Girl Scouts, this is a chance to come together and express gratitude in a meaningful way. On Tuesday, April 22 Girl Scouts can personally deliver thank-you cards to the drivers who keep our communities moving.

Why School Bus Driver Appreciation Day Matters

School bus drivers are often unsung heroes, rising early and navigating busy roads to transport students safely. Many develop strong relationships with the children they drive, offering encouragement and ensuring a safe, positive experience each day. Their job requires patience, attentiveness, and care, and this special day is dedicated to recognizing their invaluable service.

How Girl Scouts Can Participate

Participating in this initiative is simple and impactful. Troops are encouraged to:

✔ Download and print thank-you cards or design your own.
✔ Fill them out together as a troop with personal messages of appreciation.
✔ Wear Girl Scout uniforms to proudly represent the organization.
✔ Deliver the thank-you cards in person to bus drivers.

Apply for your patch: https://girlscoutsofgulfcoastflorida.wufoo.com/forms/qe1kslm1pjsij5/

Making the world a better place

By delivering thank-you cards directly to the drivers, Girl Scouts can brighten their day and remind them that their work is truly valued. This simple act of kindness strengthens community ties and helps young girls develop empathy and gratitude—key values in Girl Scouting.

Share the Appreciation!

We’d love to see your troop in action! Take photos (with permission) and share them on social media using #ThankYouBusDrivers and tag our account @GirlScoutsofGulfcoastFlorida to spread the love and inspire others to show appreciation.

You can also share your photos on our Troops In Action Facebook page! JOIN: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GSGCFtroopsinaction

📥 Download your thank-you cards here:

School Bus Driver Appreciation Day Girl Card 2025Download

Let’s make April 22 a day to remember for amazing school bus drivers!

Collier Community Foundation Provides Generous $5,000 Grant

by Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida

Meet our partner… the Collier Community Foundation.  

We are excited to share that Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida has received a generous $5,000 grant from the Collier Community Foundation. This funding will directly support underserved girls and ensure access to Girl Scout programs for at least 250 girls in 8 Girl Scout Troops facing economic hardships, ensuring they can participate in the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) and benefit from activities promoting confidence, leadership, and essential life skills. 

“We are incredibly grateful to Collier Community Foundation for their support of our mission to build girls of courage, confidence, and character,” said Mary Anne Servian, CEO of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida. “This funding will make a significant difference in the lives of many girls, particularly those who face socioeconomic challenges. It will enable them to participate in transformative programs that empower them to succeed both now and in the future.” 

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida looks forward to using these funds to expand opportunities for all girls to explore new fields of knowledge, foster leadership, and develop lifelong skills that prepare them for a bright future. 

The Collier Community Foundation awards annual grants through a competitive application and review process. Selected organizations receive grant dollars from the Foundation’s discretionary funds. These funds were gifted by donors who believe in the Community Foundation’s ability to mobilize resources to address the community’s greatest needs. 

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Collier Community Foundation for their investment in the next generation of leaders and encourage others to join us in making a difference in girls’ future.  

Girl Scouts celebrate Girl Scout Day with the Red Sox at JetBlue Park

by Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida

The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida proudly celebrated their 2nd annual Girl Scout Spring Training Day in collaboration with the Boston Red Sox at JetBlue Park at the Minnesota Twins vs Red Sox Game on Saturday, March 23rd at 6:05 PM. This event, aimed at fostering community engagement and supporting girls’ empowerment, brought together Girl Scouts and their families for an exciting day of baseball and camaraderie.

As part of this special promotion, Girl Scouts and their families were offered discounted tickets to the game, allowing them to enjoy an unforgettable experience at the ballpark.

Every Girl Scout holding a game ticket gained exclusive access to a series of special events throughout the day. Highlights included a pre-game announcement extending a warm welcome to the Girl Scouts, an engaging in-game video feature, and a spirited pre-game parade around the warning track.

One of the most thrilling moments of the day was when the Girl Scouts had the unique chance to meet players up close, sharing fist bumps and creating lasting memories. Amidst the excitement, they captured a memorable moment by taking a selfie with the iconic Green Monster backdrop, illuminated under the stadium lights.

The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida are grateful for the continued support of partners like the Boston Red Sox and JetBlue Park, who share their commitment to empowering girls and fostering community spirit through such meaningful initiatives.

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida Receives $6,226.05 Grant from Community Foundation of Sarasota County for Brightly Software Package Implementation

by Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida

The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida (GSGCF) is thrilled to announce that we have been awarded a $6,226.05 grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, provided by the Edward K. Roberts Emerging Needs Fund. This grant is designated to support the implementation of the Brightly software package for our five council properties.

The implementation of the Brightly software package, made possible by the generous grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, will significantly impact the operational efficiency and reservation processes at five council properties owned by GSGCF. These properties include the historical Camp Honi Hanta in Bradenton, FL, Camp Caloosa in Fort Myers, the Collier Girl Scout House, the Arcadia Girl Scout House, and the central hub of activities at our Sarasota Headquarters.

The upgrade aims to streamline property and equipment reservations at these locations, ensuring seamless experiences for members, volunteers, and staff engaged in training, programming, and various educational and leadership activities. This initiative aligns with our commitment to providing an optimal environment for the Girl Scout Leadership Experience and furthering the impact of our organization across the Gulf Coast Florida region.

Mary Anne Servian, GSGCF CEO, said, “The new software upgrade will streamline reservation processes for our volunteers, and allow our council to offer more flexibility in scheduling property reservations. The implementation of the Brightly software is poised to elevate both customer, volunteer, and employee satisfaction, optimizing the utilization of our facilities and, consequently, boosting property site revenue.”

“We are grateful to the Community Foundation of Sarasota County for their support and commitment to our mission. This grant will significantly contribute to the success of our programs and initiatives, allowing us to continue providing valuable experiences to our members,” added Mary Anne Servian.

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County is a vital supporter of philanthropy and community impact. With assets of $488 million in over 1,580 charitable funds, the Community Foundation awarded grants and scholarships totaling $40 million last year in various areas, including education, the arts, health and human services, civic engagement, animal welfare, and the environment.

For more information about the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, visit gsgcf.org

About the Community Foundation of Sarasota County:

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County is a public charity founded in 1979 by the Southwest Florida Estate Planning Council as a resource for caring individuals and the causes they support, enabling them to make a charitable impact on the community. With assets of $488 million in more than 1,580 charitable funds, the Community Foundation awarded grants and scholarships totaling $40 million dollars last year in the areas of education, the arts, health and human services, civic engagement, animal welfare, and the environment. Since its founding, the Community Foundation has been able to grant more than $435.8 million to area nonprofit organizations to our community thanks to the generosity of charitable individuals, families, and businesses. For more information, visit www.CFSarasota.org or call (941) 955-3000.

How Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida is combatting the “Summer Slide”

by Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida

The joy of a sunny summer vacation is hard to beat—but if you’re like many parents, you might be worried about your daughter falling back academically while school’s out. But believe it or not, there are easy (and fun!) ways that your daughter can not only stay on track, but also learn even more before the start of the next school year.

“Summer slide” is the tendency for students, especially those from low-income families, to lose some of the research regarding summer learning loss suggests that on average, students lose about two months of grade level equivalency in math and reading achievement gains they made during the previous school year.

Because we know that the Summer Slide is such a serious issue and we want to combat it, the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida participates with the Suncoast Campaign for Grade Level Reading and Anna Maria Oyster Bar in the Dive Into Reading Program hosted in Manatee County each summer. The Anna Maria Oyster Bars’ Dive into Reading program aims to improve children’s reading levels by combating “Summer Slide.”

GSGCF Staff member Rachel Staigerwald and reading partners Kailey and Miracle enjoyed new books and a hot breakfast at Gecko’s Grill & Pub on S.R. 70 as part of the Dive Into Reading Program.

The Dive Into Reading Program has been serving Manatee County since 2017. Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida has proudly joined in the efforts to promote childhood literacy every year since the program’s genesis.

In just its first year, Dive into Reading helped students beat the “Summer Slide” and showed an increase in reading proficiency when they returned to school. In 2020, the program was offered virtually via Zoom, with 75% of the participating children showing no reading loss when they returned to school.

This year, Dive into Reading aims to mentor even more children and continue to make a positive impact on their reading skills.

Worried about your child falling behind during the summer? Follow these tips and watch her soar!

  1. Send her to camp
    You might think camp is all tents and tug-o-war, but your daughter can gain a lot of skills—and put those she learned in school last year to good use. Plus, the confidence that she gains from going away will help her feel more capable in all areas of her life, school included.
  2. Participate in Girl Scout programs during the summer
    We recently updated our summer calendar, including events now through the winter! Check out the programs we have to offer- many of which are education and family-oriented- that will keep your daughter engaged and enriched during the summer months.
  3. Give her time to play
    Whether she’s playing with dolls or being silly with her friends, playtime is actually super important for your girl. Why? Studies show that play allows the neurons in a child’s brain to form new connections. This rewiring helps boost emotional intelligence, decision-making skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.
  4. Let her lead “book club”
    Pick a title she’d like to read, and have the whole family read it together and discuss it—with your girl asking the questions! It’ll give her a chance to lead and be the “expert,” which can boost her love of books and will keep her reading skills sharp!
  5. Encourage her to make something
    From dreaming up ideas and designing a hands-on project to testing those ideas and problem solving on her own terms (without a teacher’s instruction), making something from scratch—whether it’s a bird feeder or a pie—is one of the best ways to keep her learning this summer.
  6. Find the magic in everyday life
    How do magnets stick to the fridge? Why are leaves green? How does her phone know where she was when she took a photo? Help her investigate these questions and more as she explores how the wonderful world around her actually works and brushes up on her science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) knowledge in the process!
  7. If she’s old enough, suggest she get a summer job
    She’ll love getting a paycheck, but she’ll also get hands-on experience practicing important people skills, learn about how a business operates (whether she’s running her own dog-walking service or working for an established company!), and likely get a hefty-dose of financial literacy in the mix, too. Major bonus? College admissions teams love applicants who’ve held jobs over the summer or after school, because it shows responsibility and drive!

There’s no rule that says learning can only happen in a classroom! Let her curiosity, imagination, and passions lead the way, and she’s sure to have a summer full of enriching, educational moments.

Girl Scouts wins Manatee Chamber 2023 Small Business of the Year

by Jessica Miano

The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, a non-profit organization of nearly 3,500 girls in grades K-12, and more than 1,500 adult members in the greater gulf coast area, was chosen as 2023 Small Business of the Year in the Non-Profit category by the Manatee Chamber of Commerce. The award was announced on June 29 at the 43rd Annual Small Business of the Year Awards, hosted by the Manatee Chamber of Commerce at the Bradenton Convention Center.

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida was among six other organizations to be recognized as winners of the Small Business of the Year Award this year. Non-profit organizations were divided into two categories based on staff size; for-profit organizations were divided into five categories based on annual revenue.

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida facilitates programming, service opportunities, leadership experiences, and offers the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world – the Girl Scout Cookie Program. As Girl Scouts, girls also discover the fun, friendship, and power of girls together. They learn and grow in a safe, all-girl environment, which helps them discover themselves and their values, try new things and take healthy risks, connect with others to create positive relationships, and take action in their communities on issues they are passionate about.

The organization was recognized by judges for providing outstanding leadership, entrepreneurial, and educational opportunities to girls in the Manatee County area while facing various challenges during the 2022 fiscal year, including philanthropic struggles related to the COVID-19 pandemic, national supply chain issues during the 2022 Cookie Program, and damage to the organization’s properties during Hurricane Ian.

“The story of this nonprofit is one of resilience,” said Kevin Cooper of Mote Marine, who presented the award. “This group is no stranger to challenges—it has been overcoming them for more than 100 years. It has been a leader in building courage, confidence, and character in local young ladies, and it currently serves more than 800 girls and nearly 400 adults [in Manatee County].”

Moore said that Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida “offers the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world to young ladies in Manatee County, empowering these children with skills such as goal setting, decision making, and, of course, resilience — one box of cookies at a time,” he said.

Mary Anne Servian, CEO of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, made brief remarks as she accepted the award on behalf of the organization. She noted the Girl Scouts’ storied history in Manatee County, including the fact that the organization was founded in Manatee County over 100 years ago. She also noted that in 1953 the council acquired a 40-acre tract of land on the Braden River and established their own camp, Honi Hanta, meaning “Home on the River.” The camp is still operating to this day.

“We are proud to be part of such a diverse and spirited community,” she said.

Servian also remarked that the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida’s work of building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place is far from finished. “In fact, it is just beginning,” she said. “I am happy to say that we are looking forward to a full calendar of programs this summer and fall,” many of which will directly serve communities within Manatee County. For more information about the programs Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida has to offer, visit https://www.gsgcf.org/.

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida staff and board members attended the Manatee Chamber Small Business Awards on June 29. From left to right, Patricia Ramthun, Chief Communications and Resource Officer; Pamela Sennott, Development Manager; Mary Anne Servian, CEO; Karin Bleyer, Board Member; Marie Graziosi, Chief of Staff; and Jessica Miano, Marketing and Communications Associate.

Mary Anne Servian, Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida CEO (seated, center) accepted the 2023 Small Business of the Year Award on behalf of the organization. The other winning organizations recognized that evening included One Step Housing, Stronger Moving & Delivery Service, A.L.L. About Kids Pediatric Dentistry, Your CBD Store, Ohana Embroidery, and Healthy Teens Inc..

From left to right, Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida Board Member Karin Bleyer and Mary Anne Servian, CEO, pose with the 2023 Small Business of the Year Award plaque.

Awardees received a recognition plaque and a congratulatory letter from Congressman Vern Buchanan.

Girl Scouts Partner with Suncoast Remake Learning Days to Host Community Event

by Jessica Miano

On April 22 and April 30, Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida hosted a free event for the community at Sarasota Jungle Gardens.

As part of their ongoing community outreach efforts to provide all girls the opportunity to become Girl Scouts and reach their full potential, the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida recently partnered with Suncoast Remake Learning Days to host two Jungle Adventures days at Sarasota Jungle Gardens on April 22 and April 30.

The day, which was free and open to the public, included a self-led scavenger hunt throughout the gardens, flamingo feeding and encounters, goodies and swag provided by Girl Scouts, and an exclusive animal show tailored just for the Girl Scout group.

The community event was enabled by a grant funded by Suncoast Remake Learning Days, a 10-day festival of free events for children and families in the Suncoast, Florida region. Suncoast Remake Learning Days is the largest Remake Learning Days celebration in the nation, featuring over 200 free events and community organizations.

Thanks to the generosity of The Patterson Foundation, these multi-generational hands-on learning experiences will be robust, free, accessible, and open to the public.

“We take great pride in joining forces with the Girl Scouts of the Gulf Coast and the Remake Learning Days program,” said Nancy Lavick, Marketing Director at Sarasota Jungle Gardens. “At Sarasota Jungle Gardens, we are passionate about connecting individuals with nature, fostering quality family time, and providing our community with valuable, hands-on learning experiences with animals and the natural world.  These shared objectives make our partnership with these two organizations a natural fit.”

She went on to say, “At the heart of Sarasota Jungle Gardens’ mission is to engage and enlighten our wider community through interactive, hands-on experiences.  Partnering with two great organizations, the Girl Scouts of the Gulf Coast and Remake Learning Days, is a natural step in promoting conservation and cultivating a deep appreciation for the natural world.”

For the second year in a row, GSGCF was proud to partner with Suncoast Remake Learning Days to facilitate experiential learning encounters in the arts, outdoor learning, science, technology, and youth voice.

Gulfcoast Girl Scouts Donate Over 40K Cookies to Soldiers and Hometown Heroes

by Jessica Miano

The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida donated 40,528 boxes of Cookies to soldiers, first responders, and other community heroes through their Hometown Heroes and Mints for Military programs.

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida is proud to host its annual Hometown Heroes and Mints for Military Cookie donation programs once again. This year, 40,528 boxes of Cookies were donated through the programs to local first responders, public servants, and essential workers, as well as soldiers stationed locally and overseas.

Girl Scouts have been delivering Cookies donated through the Hometown Heroes program at the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, St. David’s Jubilee Center of Englewood Florida, Englewood Helping Hand, Inc., Englewood Meals on Wheels, Manatee Memorial Hospital, Bradenton Fire Department, the Bradenton Police Department, NCH North Naples Hospital, Lee Memorial Hospital, Iona McGregor Fire District in South Fort Myers, and to many other local first responders, teachers, public servants, and essential workers throughout the Gulfcoast footprint.

GSGCF’s Mints for the Military program allows customers to purchase Cookies to be donated to support active military personnel and veterans. Cookies are donated locally and overseas.

GSGCF partners with Soldiers Angels and Support our Troops to deliver Cookie donations to military and veterans. Soldiers Angels and Support our Troops are non-profit organizations with the mission to provide aid, comfort, and resources to the military and veteran community. A total of 25,000 boxes of Cookies were donated to Soldiers Angels and Support our Troops this year by Gulfcoast Girl Scouts.

Girl Scout troops throughout the Gulfcoast footprint have also been delivering Cookie donations locally through the GSGCF Hometown Heroes program. Over 15,000 boxes of Cookies were donated locally, and hand delivered by Girl Scouts to local first responders, schools, hospitals, and to other hometown heroes.

“Locally girls have been visiting fire stations, police stations, schools, hospitals, veterans’ facilities, and any other heroes that have helped us keep afloat over the last couple of years,” said Ashley Gill, GSGCF Product Program Manager. “The number of smiles we are causing with these donations is truly heartwarming.”

Girl Scouts Announce “Play Ball!” at Red Sox Spring Training

by Jessica Miano

The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida were invited to the Red Sox’s Inaugural Spring Training Girl Scout Day on March 26th. Two Girl Scouts were presented with $5000 scholarships in a pre-game ceremony.

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida recently partnered with the Boston Red Sox to host the first ever Inaugural Spring Training Girl Scout Day at JetBlue Park Stadium on March 26th for girls and their families to enjoy. A total of 60 Girl Scouts and their family members purchased tickets for the weekend game.

Those who attended reported they had a wonderful time and are already looking forward to attending future Girl Scout events with the Red Sox.

“This was a lot of fun for the girls,” said Christine DiBenedetto, a Girl Scout parent who attended the game on Sunday.

Every Girl Scout with a game ticket was given access to special events, including a pre-game announcement welcoming the Girl Scouts to the ballpark, an in-game video shot and a pre-game parade along warning track. All of the Girl Scouts who attended also had the opportunity to announce say “Play Ball” before the game over the PA system. Girls had the chance to meet and fist-bump with players, as well.

In a pre-game ceremony, the Boston Red Sox also presented 15 high school seniors each with the Lee County Red Sox Scholarship, a $5,000 scholarship for academically talented Lee County public high school seniors who are making meaningful impact through service in their community. This prestigious scholarship award is for students pursuing a two-year or four-year degree at any college or university.

Two of the recipients, Autumn Pepper Rhodes and Alexis Smith, are Gulfcoast Girl Scouts and Gold Award Girl Scouts. The Gold Award is the highest achievement within the Girl Scouts of the USA, earned by Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts. Gold Award Girl Scouts in high school complete projects to make the world a better place and earn the highest award available to Seniors and Ambassadors. Only 5.4% of eligible Girl Scouts successfully earn the Gold Award.

“It was really cool to attend a game like this,” scholarship recipient Autumn Rhodes said. “It was something I have never done before, and it was really cool to meet the other scholars, to talk to them and to see how diverse everyone was. Next fall, I am going to college at Rice University in Houston and I am going to be a dual major in mechanical engineering and astrophysics.”

“Attending the game was better than I would have ever imagined,” said Alexis Smith. Girl Scout Day was her very first experience attending a baseball game. “The staff were extremely friendly and seeing all the Girl Scouts there made the experience even better. This scholarship is really going to help take off some of the financial burden and stress I was having. I am working towards becoming an orthopedic surgeon and will be attending Florida International University in the fall to major in health science. I am also pursuing an internship in sports medicine while there.”

The March 26th game was between the Boston Red Sox and the Minnesota Twins. According to ESPN, the Twins won, with a game score of 7 – 2.

For every ticket purchased a portion of that ticket was generously donated by the Red Sox back to Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida.

March 26, 2023, Fort Myers, FL: Girl Scouts say play ball before a Grapefruit League game against the Minnesota Twins at jetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Florida Sunday, March 26, 2023. (Photo by Kelly Gavin/Boston Red Sox)

All of the Girl Scouts who attended had the opportunity to announce say “Play Ball” before the game over the PA system.

March 26, 2023, Fort Myers, FL: Girl Scouts walk the field before a Grapefruit League game against the Minnesota Twins at jetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Florida Sunday, March 26, 2023. (Photo by Kelly Gavin/Boston Red Sox)

Every Girl Scout with a game ticket was given access to special events, including a pre-game announcement welcoming the Girl Scouts to the ballpark, an in-game video shot and a pre-game parade along warning track.

Girl Scouts met and shared fist-bumps with players.

March 26, 2023, Fort Myers, FL: Girl Scouts walk the field before a Grapefruit League game against the Minnesota Twins at jetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Florida Sunday, March 26, 2023. (Photo by Kelly Gavin/Boston Red Sox)

The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida were invited to the Red Sox’s Inaugural Spring Training Girl Scout Day on March 26th.

March 26, 2023, Fort Myers, FL: Girl Scouts walk the field before a Grapefruit League game against the Minnesota Twins at jetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Florida Sunday, March 26, 2023. (Photo by Kelly Gavin/Boston Red Sox)

Every Girl Scout with a game ticket was given access to special events, including a pre-game announcement welcoming the Girl Scouts to the ballpark, an in-game video shot and a pre-game parade along warning track

Autumn Rhodes, 2023 Red Sox Scholar

Autumn Rhodes and Alexis Smith, both Gold Award Girl Scouts from Gulfcoast Florida, received the Lee County Red Sox Scholarship on March 26th, a $5,000 scholarship for academically talented Lee County public high school seniors who are making meaningful impact through service in their community.

March 26, 2023, Fort Myers, FL: Scholarship winners are recognized before a Grapefruit League game against the Minnesota Twins at jetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Florida Sunday, March 26, 2023. (Photo by Kelly Gavin/Boston Red Sox)