Tag Archives: community

Community Foundation Grant Empowers Economically Disadvantaged Girls in Sarasota County Through Girl Scouts

by Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida

Sarasota, FL – Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida is proud to announce a transformative grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County through the Athena Progressive Giving Circle. This grant will enable the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida’s  Promise Fund to provide critical financial assistance to economically disadvantaged girls in Sarasota County. This funding will ensure access to the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE), a proven model for building courage, confidence, and character in girls.

The Athena Progressive Giving Circle’s grant will empower K-5 grade girls to develop essential skills, including self-reliance, self-esteem, and self-advocacy. Through the GSLE, girls will engage in hands-on, girl-led, and cooperative learning opportunities designed to inspire them to discover their strengths, connect with their communities, and take action to make the world a better place.

“This grant from Athena will open doors for girls in Sarasota County to participate in Girl Scouts, regardless of their economic background,” said Mary Anne Servian, CEO of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida. “The Girl Scout Leadership Experience transforms lives, and with this support, we’ll continue to shape the next generation of confident, empowered leaders.”

The GSLE emphasizes:

  • Girl-Led Learning: Girls take the lead, from choosing their activities to achieving their goals.
  • Hands-On Discovery: Interactive experiences help girls build resilience and confidence.
  • Collaborative Growth: Teamwork and mutual respect foster a sense of belonging and shared success.

Athena Progressive Giving Circle’s mission is to fund impactful programs that improve the lives of women and girls in the community. By supporting Girl Scouts, Athena is investing in a sustainable, measurable approach to enhancing young girls’ self-worth and leadership potential.

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. 

Publix Super Markets Charities  Grant Empowers Girl Scouts in Gulfcoast Region

by Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida proudly announces a generous grant from Publix Super Markets Charities, which will directly support the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) and help expand opportunities for girls in the Gulfcoast region. This funding will enable the formation of three new Girl Scout troops and provide critical resources for troop leaders and members.

The grant funds will supply necessary items, including uniforms, GSLE curriculum books, and troop supplies, ensuring all girls can fully participate in troop activities. The grant may also fund vehicle charters to transport girls to programs and events, breaking down barriers to access.

Additionally, with this generous grant, Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida will provide stipends to teachers who establish new troops at their schools. Troop leaders are instrumental in guiding and mentoring the next generation of female leaders. The grant funds will supply necessary items, including uniforms, GSLE curriculum books, and troop supplies, ensuring all girls can fully participate in troop activities. The grant may also fund vehicle charters to transport girls to programs and events, breaking down barriers to access.

“This partnership with Publix Super Markets Charities allows us to reach even more girls in our community with meaningful programming that nurtures their development and leadership potential,” said Mary Anne Servian, CEO of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida. “We are grateful for their ongoing commitment to empowering girls and creating opportunities that align with our mission.”

Through the GSLE, Girl Scouts gain skills and experiences that prepare them to lead with courage, confidence, and character. Publix Super Markets Charities’ investment in this vision ensures girls from diverse backgrounds have the tools and support they need to succeed and make the world a better place.

The Girl Scout Leadership Experience is grounded in three keys to leadership:

  • Discover: Girls learn to understand themselves and their values, building confidence and personal awareness.
  • Connect: Girls develop empathy, teamwork, and leadership skills as they inspire and collaborate with others.
  • Take Action: Girls apply their skills to make a positive impact in their communities and the world.

For more information about Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida or how to join or support a troop, visit www.gsgcf.org.

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 of Gulfcoast Florida Recognizes Exceptional Volunteers at Annual Celebration

by Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida

The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida (GSGCF) proudly honored the dedication and selfless contributions of their volunteers at the recent Volunteer Celebration, at The Plantation Golf & Country Club in Venice, FL.

The Volunteer Celebration is a prestigious occasion to recognize the incredible individuals who bring the Girl Scout experience to life for girls in their communities. These outstanding volunteers have gone above and beyond to create life-changing opportunities for girls and further the Girl Scout mission both locally and nationally.

Tania Harmon, Volunteer Operations Manager, expressed her admiration for the dedicated volunteers, stating, “Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida has been historically blessed with selfless volunteers that go above and beyond to create opportunities for girls and support the council and national Girl Scout mission. We are proud to celebrate and honor them.”

Distinguished speakers for the event include Mary Anne Servian, Chief Girl Champion and CEO of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Barbara Borderieux, Alum,Volunteer and Trainer, and Olivia T., Girl Scout Gold Award Ambassador and GSGCF Girl Board Member.

The ceremony featured the presentation of several prestigious awards, presented by Madison Witherspoon, Gold Award Girl Scout, Alum, and GSGCF past Girl Board Member, to deserving individuals, including the following categories:

Honor Pin Awardee:

  • Stephanie Klosterman (Manatee 1)

Appreciation Pin Awardees:

  • Nancy Centers (Highlands 651)
  • Theresa Marks (Sarasota 12)
  • Carrie Price (Collier 13)

Volunteer of Excellence Awardees:

  • Crystal Burritt (Charlotte 12)
  • Ashley Laird (Sarasota 15)
  • Kristina McCauley (Sarasota 12)
  • Lora Wolff (Charlotte 11)

Green Angel Award Awardees:

  • Elizabeth Roessner-Knighting (Charlotte 11)
  • Pamela Brownell (Sarasota 15)

This inspirational event truly was a celebration of the Girl Scout spirit of leadership, community, and empowerment. To enjoy additional photos of this celebration please visit our Facebook page.

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida Gratefully Receives Grant from Gulf Coast Community Foundation

by Jessica Miano

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida is proud to announce it has been awarded a generous grant from the Women’s Fund at Gulf Coast Community Foundation. This funding will directly support underserved girls and fund vital mental health programming within our organization.

The grant will be used to expand access to Girl Scout programs for girls 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. In addition, the grant will enhance mental health initiatives designed to support emotional wellness and resilience among girls in Sarasota and Charlotte counties.

“We are incredibly grateful to Gulf Coast Community Foundation for their continued 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.”

In addition to supporting underserved girls, the grant will help implement mental health-focused activities, equipping Girl Scouts and their families with tools to manage stress, practice self-care, and promote emotional well-being. This initiative aligns with our commitment to holistic development, ensuring girls have the resources they need to navigate life’s challenges.

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.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Gulf Coast Community Foundation for their investment in the next generation of leaders.

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 Gulf Coast Community Foundation 
Headquartered in Venice, Fla. and with a second office in downtown Sarasota, Fla., Gulf Coast Community Foundation has transformed the region through bold and proactive philanthropy for nearly 30 years. Serving the needs of the region as a partner in philanthropy and leader in community initiatives, Gulf Coast has surpassed granting over $570 million in the areas of: health and human services, civic and economic development, education, arts and culture, and the environment. Gulf Coast was named one of the “Best Nonprofits To Work For” nationally by The NonProfit Times in 2010, 2011, 2017, 2020, 2021, and 2023. To learn more visit GulfCoastCF.org and follow us on Facebook.    

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Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida Troop 601 Takes Flight with Aviation Workshop

by Jessica Miano

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida Troop 601 recently soared into the world of aviation with a hands-on workshop hosted by female pilot Sahara at The Pilot Place in Sarasota, FL. The workshop, aimed at fostering interest in aviation among young girls, provided an immersive experience into the principles of flight, aircraft design, and the pivotal role of pilots in the aviation industry.

The Pilot Place, renowned for its flight school services catering to the Sarasota area, generously hosted Troop 601 for a day filled with educational activities.

The girls engaged in a captivating scavenger hunt using VFR sectional maps. A VFR sectional chart, also known as a sectional aeronautical chart, is a navigational map used by pilots for visual flight rules (VFR). It’s the primary map used by VFR pilots to navigate between airports and operate at new or unfamiliar airports.

They also had the unique opportunity to explore the cockpit of a Cessna airplane, igniting their curiosity about the inner workings of aircraft.

12 girls participated in the workshop, including Summer, Hannah, Amelia, Jenna, Victoria, Avelyn, Addison, Aliyah, Indy, Charlotte, Lainey, and Kyleigh.

Despite advancements, women remain underrepresented in aviation, including as airline pilots. In 2022, only 4.9% of all pilots with FAA certificates as airline pilots were women, highlighting the importance of initiatives like this workshop in encouraging young girls to explore aviation as a viable career path.

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida supports such initiatives through its STEM career exploration badges, designed to introduce girls to various STEM fields, including aviation. These badges empower girls to discover their potential in STEM careers such as computer science, engineering, and environmental science, fostering a diverse and inclusive future workforce.

“Our STEM Career Exploration Badges play a crucial role in inspiring the next generation of leaders by nurturing their curiosity and helping them envision a future where they can excel and make a meaningful impact,” said Mary Anne Servian, CEO of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida.

“We are pleased to see Girl Scout troops taking advantage of local resources, such as this aviation workshop, to introduce girls to diverse fields and hands-on learning,” Servian added. “At Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, we are dedicated to empowering girls to discover new skills and explore career opportunities through engaging and educational experiences.”