Florida’s Children First Brought Napa to South Florida with “CHILL” Virtual Fundraiser

Florida’s Premiere Youth Advocacy Organization Went Virtual to Help Youth in Foster Care

Florida’s Children First (FCF), an award-winning non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the rights of at–risk children and youth in the foster care system, recently hosted its first virtual fundraiser for its supporters in Miami. As we all continue to navigate the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, FCF brought individuals together virtually to raise funds to support their critical work with foster youth, many of whom have been dramatically impacted by the pandemic.

“While we were disappointed to cancel this year’s annual awards ceremony, the CHILL event provided the perfect opportunity to safely gather, reconnect and have some fun while supporting and learning about a worthwhile cause,” said FCF Board President and founder Howard Talenfeld, who serves as Business Unit Leader of the Justice for Kids Division of Kelley Kronenberg.

Supporters from across South Florida, and across the country, joined the virtual event, participating in an at-home wine tasting led by a master wine expert from Napa’s renowned wine region. Prior to the event, participants had the opportunity to select their wines, which were then shipped directly to their homes. It was also an opportunity to learn more about the work of Florida’s Children First and the youth it serves.

“The struggles that many of us are facing during the Coronavirus are similar to what youth in foster care experience every day,” said Christina Spudeas, FCF Executive Director. “While we learned about fine wines it was also a great venue to educate our supporters on our continued work during this pandemic.”

CHILL was generously underwritten by sponsors that include the Event Sponsor, Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, Luminary Sponsor Stuart Building Products, Statewide Presenting Sponsor Kelley Kronenberg, and Statewide Sponsors The Guardian Trust, The Paul Palank Memorial Foundation, The Shane McGee Foundation, and the Florida Bar Foundation.

“At a time when we are all facing unprecedented challenges, we remain committed as an organization to help those who are less fortunate,” noted Heath Eskalyo, Principal Partner/Chief Financial Officer of Kelley Kronenberg. “We believe rising tides lift all ships – and if we can help Florida’s Children First provide a brighter future for thousands of vulnerable youth, we strengthen the fabric of our community.”

For more information about Florida’s Children First, please visit www.floridaschildrenfirst.org.

###
About Florida’s Children First:
Florida’s Children First is an award-winning non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the rights of at-risk children and youth in foster care. They focus on making big systemic changes that improve the system for thousands of youth in care today, and in the future. They developed the Florida Youth SHINE program to provide foster youth the support, mentorship, and empowerment they need to reach their full potential as advocates for their own needs.