Girl Scout Troop 446 of Naples is making waves in environmental conservation through their dedicated beach cleanup efforts and special initiative of “adopting” sea turtle nests at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park. Since 2019, this troop of young girls has been actively involved in cleaning local beaches, turning their commitment to the environment into a cornerstone of their community service.
A Journey of Service
Formed in 2019, Girl Scout Troop 446 embarked on their beach cleanup journey to introduce their youngest members to community service and environmental stewardship. What began as an activity for Daisies to engage in meaningful service has grown into a troop-wide mission. In 2022, Troop 446 expanded their efforts by adopting sea turtle nests, a move inspired by troop leader Patricia Nye-Schmitz’s volunteer work at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park.
Beaches and Cleanups
Troop 446 focuses their cleanup efforts on three key locations:
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park: The site of their adopted sea turtle nest and the troop’s primary summer cleanup destination.
Vanderbilt Beach: Each fall, the troop participates in the International Coastal Cleanup here, contributing to global marine debris reduction efforts.
Bay Days Great American Cleanup: Held in the spring, this event involves cleaning various locations, frequently around Vanderbilt Beach, as part of a nationwide initiative.
Adopting a Turtle Nest
The adoption of a sea turtle nest is a special mission for Troop 446. The idea was introduced by Patricia Nye-Schmitz, who discovered the Adopt-a-Turtle Nest program through her volunteer work at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park. The troop eagerly embraced the opportunity to contribute further to conservation efforts by connecting with the Friends of Delnor-Wiggins to adopt a nest.
The Adopt-a-Turtle Nest program offers three donation levels: Loggerhead ($250), Green ($500), and Leatherback ($1,000). These funds support nest protection and resource management at the park, and donors receive an adoption certificate, personalized nest signage, and other appreciation gifts.
To facilitate their beach cleanups, Troop 446 collaborates with the Wiggins Cleanup Crew for Delnor-Wiggins Pass and partners with Keep Collier Beautiful for broader initiatives like the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) and Bay Days Great American Cleanup (GAC). Their next cleanup event is scheduled for September 21.
The Joy of Giving Back
For Troop 446, the experience of adopting a nest and participating in beach cleanups is a source of immense pride and joy. According to Nye-Schmitz, the Girl Scouts eagerly anticipate each visit, taking great pride in the nests they’ve adopted and the areas they’ve cleaned. These activities provide valuable lessons on the life cycle of sea turtles, the importance of maintaining clean beaches, and the necessity of environmental protection measures.
Nye-Schmitz highlighted how these activities embody the principles of the Girl Scout Promise and Law. The initiatives teach the girls to be courageous and strong, reflecting the resilience of sea turtles, and to be friendly and helpful, demonstrating their commitment to environmental stewardship. “By doing a beach cleanup, we are rightfully ‘making the world a better place,’” said Nye-Schmitz.
A Troop on the Rise
Troop 446 is a vibrant, multi-level group of 22 girls, ranging from Brownies to Cadettes. They are one of over a dozen Girl Scout troops in the Naples area. The troop began as a Daisy and Junior troop and, having recently bridged to the next levels, their dedication to the environment and community service continues to grow.
As they look forward to another year of beach cleanups and nest adoptions, Troop 446 hopes to inspire others to join them in their mission to protect our beautiful coastlines and the incredible creatures that inhabit them. Together, they are making a lasting impact—one cleanup, one nest, and one girl at a time.
The troop showed their commitment to sea turtle conservation by donating $750 to SCCF’s sea turtle program last week.
Troop Leader Kelsey Leone explained, “Our troop chose to support the SCCF turtle program because we’re passionate about conserving our natural world. We specifically selected a local organization to ensure our contribution directly benefits the places and creatures we cherish in our own community.”
The troop decided to adopt ten sea turtle nests at $75 each, totaling $750, representing each troop member, including leaders. The funds were raised collectively by all troop members throughout the year.
Kelly Sloan, SCCF’s Coastal Wildlife Director, expressed gratitude, saying, “Our adopt-a-nest program helps us protect and nurture sea turtles on Sanibel and Captiva islands. It’s a meaningful way for supporters to engage with our conservation efforts, particularly during the nesting season.”
The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida proudly hosted their annual Young Women of Distinction Ceremony on May 19th at the esteemed Charlotte Harbor Convention Center in Punta Gorda. This year’s ceremony, a celebration of excellence and achievement, honored an impressive cohort of 618 girls, recognizing their remarkable contributions with over 800 awards.
GSGCF CEO Mary Anne Servian sits on stage with Girl Scout Ambassador Olivia T. at the 2024 Young Women of Distinction Ceremony.
“During this inspiring ceremony, we witnessed the embodiment of courage, confidence, and character in each and every Girl Scout who received an award. As we celebrate their remarkable achievements, we reaffirm our commitment to nurturing the leaders of tomorrow with the same name, and the same mission for over 100 years. Together, we will continue to empower girls to unleash their full potential and shape a brighter future for us all,” said chief girl champion, CEO Mary Anne Servian.
The event, a testament to the dedication and perseverance of these young women, showcased a diverse array of accolades, including the prestigious Girl Scout Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards, Journey Summit recognitions, Religious Recognitions, 10-Year Pins, as well as acknowledgments for graduating Girl Scouts, Girl Scout College Scholarship recipients, and accomplished Cookie Entrepreneurs.
Sharon Matthews, esteemed co-chair of the GSUSA Governance Advisory Team, attended the ceremony as the keynote speaker. Drawing from her illustrious 40-year career in Human Resources, which encompassed senior leadership roles at industry giants such as Wells Fargo and IBM, Matthews shared invaluable wisdom and advice with the attending girls.
Sharon Matthews stands on stage with GSGCF Board President Richard Cyphers and CEO Mary Anne Servian.
The pinnacle of the evening was the announcement of the Girl Scout Gold Award winners, Ainsley Ellis, Michaela Fischer, Sarah Glass, Kaitlyn Jadevaia, Bryanna Sparks, and Gabriella Stafford. Their recognition was accompanied by the debut of their inspiring Gold Award videos. The videos are now available for viewing on the GSGCF YouTube channel.
As CEO Mary Anne Servian articulated during her address, the Girl Scout Gold Award is “truly the mark of the remarkable.” It stands as the highest honor in Girl Scouting, symbolizing true distinction and accomplishment. Prior to the ceremony, the families of Gold Award Girl Scouts gathered for a special brunch buffet, where they received their award pins amidst joyous celebrations with family and friends.
Another highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Dr. Elinor Crawford Girl Scout Scholarship Fund to six deserving recipients, including Tristan Blankenship, Harley Cross, Audrey Muller, Lilly Riggs, Bryanna Sparks, and Lucy Thomas. Established in 1987 by the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc. Board of Directors, the scholarship is named after Dr. Elinor Crawford, a lifelong Girl Scout and advocate for women’s rights in education. This scholarship fund has recognized the achievements of 315 graduating high school senior Girl Scouts, honoring their excellence in skills, leadership, and citizenship.
Bryanna Sparks, a distinguished Gold Award Girl Scout, was additionally awarded the Lyndi Cyphers Memorial Scholarship, presented by Richard Cyphers, Board President, in loving memory of his late wife.
Girl Scout entrepreneurs were celebrated for their outstanding achievements during the Fall Product Program and Cookie Program. Entrepreneurs who distributed over 1,000 boxes of Cookies were honored on stage, acknowledging their remarkable dedication to goal-setting, exemplary decision-making, exceptional people-skills, business ethics, and adept money management skills. Among these accomplished individuals, Savannah R. was the top entrepreneur during the Fall Product Program. The top Cookie seller, Grace P., distinguished herself by selling an impressive 7,437 boxes of Girl Scout cookies. Notably, Grace also secured the highest number of donations to military heroes through the council’s Gift of Caring initiative.
The accomplishments of these girls serve as a testament to the Girl Scout values of leadership, generosity, and community impact.
Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida proudly recognizes the six members of the 2024 Girl Scout Gold Award class who earned the highest award in Girl Scouting, the Gold Award.
“We are so proud to honor the remarkable achievements of our girls who have earned their Gold Award,” said Mary Anne Servian, CEO of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida. “Through their dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to making a difference, these young women have exemplified the true spirit of Girl Scouting. Their Gold Award projects not only leave a lasting impact on their communities but also serve as an inspiration to us all. Congratulations to each and every one of these extraordinary individuals for embodying the values of courage, confidence, and character that define the Girl Scout movement.”
Gold Award Girl Scouts make positive impacts on our local communities by addressing some of our most pressing issues, including maternal mental health, honoring military heroes, racial inequality within the education system, water safety, managing grief after loss, and student mental wellness.
Gold Award Girl Scouts become innovative problem-solvers, empathetic leaders, confident public speakers, and focused project managers. They learn resourcefulness, tenacity, and decision-making skills, giving them an edge personally and professionally. As they take action to transform their communities, Gold Award Girl Scouts gain tangible skills and prove they’re the leaders our world needs.
According to recent research, Gold Award Girl Scouts are more likely to fill leadership roles at work and in their personal lives and are more civically engaged than their non-Girl Scout peers. Eighty-seven percent (87%) of Gold Award Girl Scouts agree that earning their Gold Award gave them skills that help them succeed professionally. Seventy-two percent (72%) said earning their Gold Award helped them get a scholarship. Changing the world doesn’t end when a Girl Scout earns her Gold Award. Ninety-nine percent (99%) of Gold Award Girl Scout alums take on leadership roles in their everyday lives.
The Projects of the 2024 GSGCF Gold Award Class
The 2024 Gold Award Girl Scout class identified issues in their communities, took action, and found or created solutions to earn their Gold Awards, addressing real-life problems such as racial equality, mental and physical well-being, maternal welfare, and awareness for military families. Their projects demonstrate the breadth of issues American teens feel are most prevalent in society today.
Bryanna Sparks, a senior at Manatee High School, took on the challenge of addressing the lack of awareness and education surrounding maternal mental health with her Girl Scout Gold Award project titled “Maternal Mental Health Matters.” Recognizing the root cause of this issue as the insufficient knowledge about perinatal mood disorders, Bryanna embarked on a mission to provide support and resources for new mothers in her community. By providing care packages filled with hygiene products and informational brochures to new mothers at Manatee Memorial Hospital, Bryanna sought to equip women with the knowledge and tools to recognize and manage maternal mental health challenges. Additionally, informational posters were strategically placed in local pediatric and OBGYN offices, the Manatee County Health Department, and stores frequented by new mothers to broaden awareness. Bryanna developed a dedicated website to ensure ongoing access to resources, thereby promoting long-term sustainability and support for maternal mental health initiatives. To ensure sustainability and measure her impact, Bryanna created a website including project details, additional resources, and a feedback form. Through her diligent efforts, Bryanna raised awareness and provided tangible support for maternal mental health, leaving a lasting impact on her community.
“I learned to improve my time management skills, and I also developed better communication and collaboration skills by leading a team and working with my project advisor,” Bryanna said.
Kaitlyn Jadevaia, a senior from Riverview High School and Girl Scout Troop 459 in Sarasota, Florida, embarked on her Girl Scout Gold Award project titled “Taking Flight.” To address the lack of established milestones for families in grief therapy programs. Kaitlyn worked with the Blue Butterfly Family Grief Center to create a graduation step to make room for new families seeking support. Kaitlyn managed a team to develop various elements such as invitations, certificates, and an interactive art piece symbolizing progress. She measured impact through tangible outcomes like space creation for new families and attendance at the graduation ceremony. Blue Butterfly has agreed to continue implementing the graduation step permanently. Reflecting on her leadership journey, Kaitlyn learned the importance of empathy, time management, and adaptation to overcome obstacles. The project not only empowered families in their grief journey but also served as a testament to Kaitlyn’s commitment to community service and personal growth.
“It’s been an incredible process utilizing my creativity and leadership to make a positive impact on my community,” Kaitlyn said. “And being able to give back to Blue Butterfly, an organization that provided support to my Mom and I during our darkest times, feels like the most meaningful way to express my gratitude for everything they have done for my family.”
Michaela Fischer, a senior at The Canterbury School and a member of Girl Scout Troop 292, undertook the “In Their Honor” project for her Gold Award. Recognizing the need to raise awareness and honor Gold Star Families in Southwest Florida, Michaela created a public Gold Star Family Garden at Veterans Park and Recreation in Lehigh Acres. By collaborating with Lee County Parks and Recreation, Michaela designed and implemented a garden featuring a five-point star made of eastern gray granite, each point adorned with cast bronze insignias representing the five branches of the military. A plaque at the base of the star provides information about Gold Star Families and directs visitors to https://goldstarfamilygarden.org/, a website Michaela built, offering further education and tribute opportunities. Funding her project through personal savings, family contributions, and proceeds from the Girl Scout cookie program, Michaela measured her impact through website traffic, social media engagement, and feedback from Gold Star Families and community members. With hundreds of unique website visitors and heartfelt responses from visitors, Michaela successfully achieved her goal of raising public understanding and gratitude for local military heroes and Gold Star Families. Through her project, Michaela honored the sacrifice of fallen service members and fostered a deeper appreciation for their legacy within the community, leaving a lasting impact for years to come.
“Through this project, I learned about both my strengths and my weaknesses,” Michaela said. “I learned I am a powerful communicator. It was essential to continue open communication with my team even when we weren’t actively working on the project.”
Gabriella Stafford created the “Equal Opportunity to Succeed” project for her Girl Scout Gold Award, aiming to address racial inequality within the education system, particularly in gifted programs. During her senior year at Sarasota High school, she identified the root cause as socioeconomic disparities, which result in the disproportionate placement of Black and Latino students in lower-level classes, leading to unequal access to quality education. Gabriella addressed this issue by creating a documentary and a website, featuring research, personal essays, and potential solutions for school administrators and parents. Gabriella measured the success of her project through consumer surveys and plans to continue promoting it through social media and local school networks. She learned valuable leadership skills, including project management, collaboration, and problem-solving, and gained confidence in pursuing her career goals in film production.
“I learned I have it in me to fully pursue my career goals,” Gabriella said. “This experience gave me the confidence and affirmed my love and capability for film right before leaving for film school.”
Ainsley Ellis, an 18-year-old student at Lakewood Ranch High School, undertook the “Water Safety” project for her Girl Scout Gold Award, aiming to combat the lack of education surrounding water safety, which contributes to drowning incidents. She addressed this by creating a comprehensive website featuring crucial information on drowning prevention, rip currents, and diving risks, collaborating with various organizations and experts. To ensure sustainability, she researched reliable web hosting and actively promoted the website in the community. Ainsley measured the project’s impact by tracking website traffic and engagement over time. Throughout the project, she learned valuable lessons in resilience, problem-solving, and the power of technology to bridge gaps and connect communities, ultimately empowering individuals with life-saving water safety knowledge.
“This experience has taught me the invaluable lesson that setbacks should not discourage me,” Ainsley said. “Instead, they should serve as an incentive for resilience.”
Sarah Glass undertook the “Mindfulness Rooms” project for her Girl Scout Gold Award during her senior year at Bonita Springs High School. Recognizing the insufficient safe spaces for mental wellness education in alternative high school environments, Sarah addressed this issue by creating comfortable and welcoming mindfulness rooms in three ALS schools, equipped with materials like bean bag chairs, pillows, worksheets, posters, and brochures. She made the project sustainable by involving ALS schools to continue utilizing the spaces beyond her involvement. Sarah measured the impact through pre and post surveys on comfortability, coping skills, and mental health knowledge. Through this project, Sarah learned valuable lessons in time management, self-management, and discipline.
“I learned to be kind to myself and not put too much pressure on myself to complete the project as fast as possible,” Sarah said. “I focused on one small part at a time rather than the big picture.”
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 recently set sail for a lunch cruise through the inter-coastal waters of the Gulf of Mexico aboard the Marina Jack II on Sunday, April 14. This special cruise, hosting the GSGCF CEO Luncheon, served as a reward for Girl Scouts who distributed 2,024+ packages of Cookies during the 2024 Cookie Program.
Girl Scouts and their families dined and delighted in maritime views during the event. A total of 45 girls attended the cruise, along with their family members and enjoyed a spread of chicken marsala, salmon, rice, salad, cake, and key lime pie. They had the opportunity to meet and speak with the CEO of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Mary Anne Servian.
“It was a joy to connect with these young leaders and witness their passion for making a positive impact in our communities,” Servian said. “This special luncheon exemplifies our commitment to recognizing and rewarding the hard work and dedication of our Girl Scouts. Together, we sail towards a future filled with boundless opportunities for growth, empowerment, and girl leadership.”
Through the Girl Scout Cookie Program, girls acquire invaluable skills in goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, business ethics, and more. Girls who participate in the Cookie Program can opt in to earn rewards, like the CEO Luncheon, based on both personal and troop successes. The rewards program incentives aid girls in goal-setting and decision-making.
Girls who met their goals to distribute 1,000 boxes or more during the 2024 Cookie Program will be honored at the Girl Scout’s Young Women of Distinction Ceremony at Charlotte Harbor Convention Center in May.
On Monday, April 22, Troop 655 had the honor of meeting with Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson at City Hall. The Girl Scouts delivered cases of Cookie donations to the city, and during a City Council workshop meeting, the girls had the unique opportunity to observe local governance in action and participate in a city council meeting.
Mary Anne Servian, CEO of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, who attended the meeting, expressed her admiration for the troop’s dedication and community involvement, stating, “These Girl Scouts, through their community service and leadership, reflect the values of leadership, service, and empowerment that we strive to instill in every girl. Their participation in the Girl Scout Cookie Program and engagement with local leaders underscore the impact Girl Scouts can have on their communities and beyond.”
The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida are proud to announce the outstanding achievements of the Girl Scouts through the 2024 Cookie program, with a remarkable participation of 2,202 girls and 1.1 million boxes distributed. Not only did these young entrepreneurs engage in valuable learning experiences, but they also demonstrated their commitment to serving their communities.
Through the annual Gift of Caring program, over 50,000 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies were donated to military personnel and hometown heroes, embodying the Girl Scout spirit of generosity and service. These heartfelt donations are being hand-delivered by dedicated Girl Scouts across the gulf coast, showcasing their dedication to making a lasting impact in their communities.
Mayor Anderson recognized the troop during the meeting and allowed them to make a short presentation, fostering civic engagement and leadership skills among the young scouts. Following the workshop, Mayor Anderson engaged with the girls, sharing insights into city government and presenting them with thoughtful gift bags containing sunglasses, pens, and his business card.
The troop then visited the City of Fort Myers Police Department, where they delivered Cookie donations and met with Chief of Police Jason Fields. Chief Fields generously spent time with the girls, discussing the responsibilities and rewards of serving as a police officer in the community. Each girl received a special gift from the Chief, including a keychain and a police uniform patch, further inspiring their appreciation for public service.
These experiences exemplify the Girl Scouts’ commitment to empowering young girls to become leaders and active contributors to society. By participating in the Cookie program and engaging with local leaders, Troop 655 and Girl Scouts across the gulf coast are creating change and leaving a positive legacy in their communities.
Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida Inc (GSGCF) is proud to announce that it has received a generous grant of $5,000 from the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation. This grant will support the organization’s operating expenses and efforts to expand membership among girls throughout the 10-county council in 2024.
“Our recent donation to Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida is an investment in the future leaders, innovators and change-makers of our communities,” said Kourtney Berry, Executive Director, Suncoast Credit Union Foundation. “Empowering young females with the skills and tools they need to be successful builds confidence and fuels them to follow their dreams.”
GSGCF is committed to building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. Through the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE), girls are empowered to lead their own adventures, collaborate with others, and engage in hands-on activities of their choice. The organization focuses on fostering personal and academic success in girls, preparing them for their chosen careers or life paths, all within a girl-led, girl-focused environment.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation for their generous support,” said Mary Anne Servian, CEO of GSGCF. “This grant will enable us to continue our mission of empowering girls throughout Southwest Florida and ensuring that all girls have access to the invaluable experiences and opportunities that Girl Scouts provides.”
With over 5,000 Girl Scouts and Volunteer Leaders, GSGCF serves the communities of Charlotte, Collier, Desoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Lee, Manatee, and Sarasota counties. Membership is open to all girls from kindergarten through twelfth grade.
The support from the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation will help GSGCF reach more girls and provide them with the tools and resources they need to thrive. Through this partnership, GSGCF will continue to make a positive impact in the lives of girls and in the communities it serves.
For more information about Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida and how to get involved, please visit http://www.gsgcf.org.
Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc.: Girl Scouts create the world they want to live in and strive to make it better every single day. They explore their strengths, take on new challenges, and can always be themselves, regardless of background or ability. Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida council has a membership of nearly 3,500 girls in grades K-12, and more than 1,500 adult members. GSGCF is chartered by Girl Scouts of the USA and serves girls in ten counties including: Manatee, Hardee, Highlands, Sarasota, DeSoto, Charlotte, Glades, Lee, Hendry, and Collier. The council is governed by a volunteer board of directors who represent the geographic, ethnic, and social demographics of the council’s jurisdiction. For more information about Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida visit www.gsgcf.org.
About Suncoast Credit Union
Suncoast Credit Union is the largest credit union in the state of Florida, the 8th largest in the United States based on membership, and the 11th largest in the United States based on its $17.7 billion in assets. Chartered in 1934 as Hillsborough County Teachers Credit Union, Suncoast Credit Union currently operates 78 full-service branches and serves more than 1.2 million members across Florida. As a community credit union, anyone who lives, works, attends school, or worships in Suncoast Credit Union’s service area is eligible for membership. In 2021, Suncoast Credit Union’s field of membership was expanded to include public K-12 teachers, college educators, and educational support staff from all of Florida’s 67 counties. Suncoast is passionate about community support. Since its founding in 1990, the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation has raised and donated more than $44 million to organizations and initiatives that support the health, education, and emotional well-being of children in the communities that the credit union serves. For more information, visit suncoast.com or follow us on social media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.
Girls who participate in the Girl Scout Cookie Program learn and practice five valuable skills: goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics.
The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida proudly announces the conclusion of another successful Girl Scout Cookie Program, which ran from January 3 to March 3, spanning the vibrant communities along the Gulf Coast. The Girl Scout Cookie Program provides an important ingredient for leadership by helping girls develop five key skills: goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills and business ethics.
This year’s program showcased remarkable achievements, with over 2,200 girls participating in the Cookie Program this year, and 17 girls attaining Top Seller status by distributing over 5000 boxes each.
One of the highlights of the GSGCF’s Cookie Program is the emphasis on giving back to the community. Through the Gift of Caring Program, customers can donate cookies that will be gifted to local hometown heroes, active military personnel, and veterans, both locally and overseas. Girl Scouts who contribute over 20 packages towards this initiative earn the prestigious Gift of Caring patch, recognizing their commitment to making a positive impact in their communities and abroad.
The Gift of Caring Program exemplifies the Girl Scouts’ dedication to serving those who serve our communities and country selflessly. At the conclusion of the program, GSGCF’s local Girl Scout troops personally deliver cookies to local military organizations. Additionally, the organization will partner with Soldier’s Angels, a renowned charity, to ensure that cookies reach deployed military personnel, bringing a taste of home to those serving far away from their loved ones.
In total, the Gift of Caring Program collected an impressive 50,007 boxes of Cookies, which will be distributed to support military personnel overseas, local police, firefighters, teachers, doctors and nurses, and to local senior centers and food pantries. Furthermore, the GSGCF’s Cookie Program achieved outstanding success, with a total of 1.1 million packages sold across the gulf coast, showcasing the enthusiasm and dedication of Girl Scouts and their supporters.
“We are immensely proud of the success of our 2024 Cookie Program and the meaningful impact it has had on our communities,” said Mary Anne Servian, CEO at GSGCF. “Through the generosity of our customers and the hard work of our Girl Scouts, we have been able to express gratitude and support to our local heroes and military personnel, both near and far. This program truly embodies the spirit of giving that is at the heart of Girl Scouts.”
As the 2024 Cookie Program draws to a close, GSGCF extends its appreciation to everyone who contributed to its success, including the dedicated Girl Scouts, supportive families, and generous customers.
The Estate of Sandi Stewart has generously provided a $10K match for donations made Noon to Noon April 9-10 as part of the 2024 Giving Challenge.
Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida is thrilled to announce a significant $10,000 match generously provided by the Estate of Sandi Stewart for the upcoming 2024 Giving Challenge. Sandi Stewart, whose profound dedication to empowering young girls spans over three decades, has left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire and uplift.
Sandi’s journey with Girl Scouts began as a dedicated volunteer, driven by her passion for empowering young girls to become confident leaders. Over the years, she climbed the ladder within the organization, serving as the finance director and ultimately becoming the CEO in 1998. For a remarkable 23 years, she devoted herself to shaping the future of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc. During her tenure as CEO, Sandi accomplished incredible milestones, leaving an indelible mark on the organization and on the lives of countless young women.
“Sandi believed in the philanthropic nature of our community to support our wonderful local, non-profit organizations, and we are honored to be able to provide the match to support the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida,” said Allison Stewart.
A true visionary, Sandi Stewart instilled in young girls the belief in their ability to dream big and realize their full potential as leaders of courage, confidence, and character. Her legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of those she inspired, fueling the mission to create a brighter future for generations of young women.
“We are deeply honored to receive this generous match in memory of Sandi Stewart,” said Mary Anne Servian, CEO at Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida. “Her passion for empowering girls has had a profound impact on our organization, and this match will enable us to continue her legacy of fostering courage, confidence, and character in young women.”
As the 2024 Giving Challenge approaches, Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida invites supporters to join in honoring Sandi Stewart’s remarkable legacy and contributing to the mission of empowering young women. Donations made during the Giving Challenge will be matched, doubling the impact of every gift.
Prior to the Giving Challenge, supporters are encouraged to mark their calendars for April 9th and 10th to #BeTheOne to #SupportGirlLeadership. For more information and to participate in the Giving Challenge, please visit https://www.gsgcf.org/en/support-us/2024givingchallenge.html.
During the Giving Challenge, individuals are invited to #BeTheOne to #SupportGirlLeadership by making a matching donation to honor Sandi Stewart’s legacy. Additionally, gifts up to $100 will receive a 1:1 match from The Patterson Foundation, amplifying the impact of every contribution.
Join Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida in honoring Sandi Stewart’s extraordinary legacy and supporting the next generation of female leaders during the 2024 Giving Challenge.
Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc. is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded a $3,000 grant from the Rotary Club of Fort Myers. This generous contribution will support our mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.
Since our organization expanded to Fort Myers 62 years ago, Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida Inc has been a cornerstone of the community, serving girls across 10 counties and nearly 10,000 square miles in Southwest Florida. Our comprehensive programs, rooted in the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE), offer a wide array of age-appropriate, girl-led activities that prepare girls to tackle challenges in their lives while fostering personal and academic success.
“We are immensely grateful for the support of the Rotary Club of Fort Myers,” said Mary Anne Servian, CEO of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida Inc. “This grant will ensure that any girl residing in Fort Myers and surrounding communities in Lee County who is interested in participating in Girl Scouts can do so, regardless of their family’s financial situation.”
The funding will be utilized to cover fees such as uniforms, activity fees, and other essentials, enabling girls from diverse backgrounds to access the enriching experiences Girl Scouts offers. Our programs are offered at various locations throughout Lee County, including schools, churches, community centers, and public housing facilities, ensuring accessibility for all girls.
The impact of Girl Scouts extends far beyond the organization itself. Our programs are designed to instill a sense of self, positive values, challenge-seeking attitudes, healthy relationships, and community problem-solving skills in girls, contributing to their overall well-being and long-term success. Girl Scouts offers a comprehensive enrichment program that encompasses various activities, including STEM, outdoor adventures, entrepreneurship, and leadership development.
The grant from the Rotary Club of Fort Myers marks another milestone in our ongoing efforts to empower girls and create positive change in our communities. We look forward to continuing our partnership with organizations like Rotary Club of Fort Myers to make a difference in the lives of girls across Southwest Florida.
“Through our partnership with the school system and our presence at community events, we strive to reach every girl in grades K-12, offering them opportunities to develop confidence, values, and essential life skills,” added Mary Anne Servian. “The support from the Rotary Club of Fort Myers will significantly enhance our ability to serve the girls of Lee County and surrounding areas.”
Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc. 