Safe Children Coalition announces 2027 Champions for Children

This spring, Safe Children Coalition (SCC) will hold its 5th annual Safe Children Coalition Giving Breakfast. The organization will celebrate three remarkable partners and individuals whose leadership, generosity, and commitment to children and families are helping turn vision into action, and action into reality.

The Giving Breakfast will be held on Thursday, March 25, 2027 at The Ora Sarasota (578 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota). This year's Champions for Children are:

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Philanthropists Elton and Gordie White have dedicated their lives to creating opportunities for children and families, guided by their belief that education can break the cycle of poverty. Their own experiences at Berea College, where they received educational opportunities that helped shape their futures, deeply influenced their commitment to philanthropy. Since moving to Sarasota, Elton has served in numerous business and nonprofit leadership roles, while Gordie has devoted countless hours to volunteer service, particularly supporting children and families. Together, they prioritize organizations focused on education, homelessness prevention, and helping children reach their full potential.

SCC views the Community Foundation of Sarasota County as a partner in creating stronger futures for children and families. Through its three areas of impact – Community Care, Empowerment and Success, and Belonging and Culture – the Community Foundation brings donors, nonprofits, and community partners together to create opportunities for families across generations. Its two-generation approach recognizes that helping children thrive also means supporting the parents and communities around them – and that meaningful change happens when vision is transformed into action. SCC has been especially thankful for the Community Foundation's partnership in SCC's successful campaign to build and open a new Youth Shelter.

Accepting the award on the Community Foundation's behalf will be Jessica Muroff, who began her tenure as the third president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County in January 2026.

SCC is proud to recognize its long-term partnership with The Florida Center for Early Childhood through Early Childhood Court, a specialized program serving infants and young children in the child welfare system. Together with the 12th Judicial Circuit Court, the partners use a two-generation therapeutic approach to help children and parents heal from trauma, strengthen their relationships, and achieve permanency more quickly. Families who participate experience faster permanency and lower rates of returning to care – demonstrating what is possible when organizations unite around a shared vision for children.

Accepting the award on behalf of The Florida Center will be its CEO Dr. Kristie Skoglund, whose leadership continues to strengthen The Florida Center's commitment to building strong families and expanding the potential of young children.

"This year's Giving Breakfast is more than an opportunity to celebrate – it is a chance to come together with others who believe that when we invest in children and families, we create stronger communities for everyone," said SCC President & CEO Brena Slater. "It will also be a chance to celebrate the opening of SCC's new Youth Shelter, which was only possible thanks to visionary community leaders and generous donors, foundations and business throughout the region. From vision to action, and from action to reality, the work we do together makes a difference."

SCC is the lead community-based care agency for Florida's Circuit 12, comprising Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties. The core functions provided by SCC include child welfare case management, foster care, adoption, independent living, prevention/diversion, quality management, and support services.

The Giving Breakfast is a sponsored event; sponsorships ranging from $1,500-$20,000 are now available and can be secured online at sccfl.org/giving-breakfast. For more information, contact Jacqueline House, Vice President of Communications and Community Engagement, at jhouse@sccfl.org or 941-371-4799, ext. 1127.

About Safe Children Coalition, Inc.
Safe Children Coalition, Inc. (SCC) serves as the lead agency for community-based care for Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties. SCC is a collaboration between local community agencies who provide services to children and families in need. SCC is committed to protecting children, strengthening families, and building community. The core functions provided by SCC include child welfare case management, foster care, adoption, independent living, prevention, diversion, quality management, and support services. Visit sccfl.org or call 941-371-4799.