• Alternate Text
  • Loading

  • Holiday Gift Guide
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App
  • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • LWR Life
  • Galleries
  • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Red Tide Map
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Longboat
    • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • LWR Life
  • Galleries
  • More
    • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Red Tide Map
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Holiday Gift Guide
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

Second Giving Breakfast focuses on helping children


  • By Observer Staff
  • | 9:15 a.m. March 17, 2024
  • Black Tie
  • Share

With bright smiles and a cheery atmosphere, the Safe Children Coalition welcomed more than 275 attendees to its second Giving Breakfast, held March 14 at Michael’s On East.

During the event, the nonprofit honored four individuals for their work in helping children in the community and serving as advocates for SCC: Melissa Larkin Skinner, CEO Centerstone of Florida; Graci McGilicuddy, co-founder of All Star Children’s Foundation; and Joan and Bob Geyer, with Academy at Glengary and Sunset Automotive Group.

The Safe Children Coalition’s mission is to improve the well-being of children and families in the community, with a specific focus on improving and supporting the child welfare system. Its work entails everything from supporting adoptions and foster parents to providing temporary shelter for children and offering programs that work to prevent child abuse and neglect.

Honoree Centerstone of Florida CEO Melissa Larkin Skinner and Rodney Skinner
Honoree Centerstone of Florida CEO Melissa Larkin Skinner and Rodney Skinner
Photo by Lori Sax
Orion Geyer and Honoree Joan Geyer
Orion Geyer and Honoree Joan Geyer
Photo by Lori Sax
Darren Gambrel and President and CEO of Safe Childrens Coalition Brena Slater
Darren Gambrel and President and CEO of Safe Childrens Coalition Brena Slater
Photo by Lori Sax
Cyndi Zangari with Tom and Diana Britt
Cyndi Zangari with Tom and Diana Britt
Photo by Lori Sax
Kristie Skoglund and Kent Hayes
Kristie Skoglund and Kent Hayes
Photo by Lori Sax
Ann Marie Jones, Jessica Kruzo, Denise Grimes and Melissa Signor
Ann Marie Jones, Jessica Kruzo, Denise Grimes and Melissa Signor
Photo by Lori Sax
SCC President and CEO Brena Slater and SCC Vice Chair Lee Lipton welcome their guests.
SCC President and CEO Brena Slater and SCC Vice Chair Lee Lipton welcome their guests.
Photo by Lori Sax
SCC President and CEO Brena Slater and SCC Vice Chair Lee Lipton
SCC President and CEO Brena Slater and SCC Vice Chair Lee Lipton
Photo by Lori Sax
Roland McGillicuddy with Chairs and Co-founders of All Star Children's Foundation Graci and Dennis McGillicuddy
Roland McGillicuddy with Chairs and Co-founders of All Star Children's Foundation Graci and Dennis McGillicuddy
Photo by Lori Sax
Graci McGillicuddy is recognized as a
Graci McGillicuddy is recognized as a "champion for children."
Photo by Lori Sax
Sarah Reynolds, Ann Marie Jones and Kristin Bohan
Sarah Reynolds, Ann Marie Jones and Kristin Bohan
Photo by Lori Sax
Wendy Deming and Carlos deQuesada
Wendy Deming and Carlos deQuesada
Photo by Lori Sax
Amy Conciio and Nancy Bailey
Amy Conciio and Nancy Bailey
Photo by Lori Sax
Dan Bailey and Keith Stewart
Dan Bailey and Keith Stewart
Photo by Lori Sax
Tina Nugent and Claudia Bridgeham
Tina Nugent and Claudia Bridgeham
Photo by Lori Sax
Charles Whitfield and Jaqueline House
Charles Whitfield and Jaqueline House
Photo by Lori Sax
Joe Girvan and Tania Hutchinson
Joe Girvan and Tania Hutchinson
Photo by Lori Sax
SCC board member Ann-Marie Jones, SCC President and CEO Brena Slater,
SCC board member Ann-Marie Jones, SCC President and CEO Brena Slater, "Champion for Children" honoree Melissa Larkin Skinner, and Andrea Jackson, representing presenting sponsor Sunset Automotive Group
Photo by Lori Sax
Photo by Lori Sax
SCC Board Member Rob Goldstein, SCC President and CEO Brena Slater, Honoree Graci McGillicuddy and Andrea Jackson, representing presenting sponsor Sunset Automotive Group
SCC Board Member Rob Goldstein, SCC President and CEO Brena Slater, Honoree Graci McGillicuddy and Andrea Jackson, representing presenting sponsor Sunset Automotive Group
Photo by Lori Sax
VP Lee Lipton, CEO Brena Slater, Honorees Joan and Bob Geyer and Andrea Jackson, representing  Sunset Automotive Group
VP Lee Lipton, CEO Brena Slater, Honorees Joan and Bob Geyer and Andrea Jackson, representing Sunset Automotive Group
Photo by Lori Sax
Lisa Mitchell offered a testimonial about the power of SCC's HIPPY program, SCC President and CEO Brena Slater, and Jone Williams, director for SCC's HIPPY and Achievers programs
Lisa Mitchell offered a testimonial about the power of SCC's HIPPY program, SCC President and CEO Brena Slater, and Jone Williams, director for SCC's HIPPY and Achievers programs
Photo by Lori Sax

 

Latest News

Longboat Key Police Deputy Chief Frank Rubino (left) accepts a framed display of medals, patches and pins that demonstrate his 45-year career in law enforcement.
  • December 13, 2025
Longboat deputy chief with 45 years of experience to retire
The building at the corner of N. Boulevard of the Presidents and Madison Drive may be the location of a revived Shore Restaurant on St. Armands Circle.
  • December 12, 2025
Shore Restaurant could return to St. Armands
Part of the renovation of Fruitville Library is a new History Center, replacing a building in Osprey a document calls "aging and inadequate to house the county's collections of historic artifacts.''
  • December 12, 2025
Fruitville Library renovations begin with Dec. 18 closure
Former Sarasota City Attorney Robert Fournier has drafted an updated noise ordinance for the city, which was approved by the City Commission on first reading.
  • December 11, 2025
City asks: How much noise is too much?

Sponsored Health Content

Sponsored Content

The best of Your Observer, delivered directly to your inbox

Get the latest in news, sports, schools, arts and things to do in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Longboat Key and East County.

Sign Up

Latest in Black Tie

SPARCC Holiday Luncheon co-chairs Melissa Silva, Tina McGovern and Cator Hartley
  • December 11, 2025
SPARCC holiday luncheon welcomes record turnout
Co-chair Kara Wootson, Planned Parenthood Director of Philanthropy Lauren Stroman, Co-chairs Lissa Murphy, LaVerne Green and Roz Painter-Goffi
  • December 8, 2025
Supporters Rise & Shine for Planned Parenthood brunch
Britnie Sutika, CEO Kristie Skoglund, Kimberly Treharne, Paola Pinillos and Kate Reed
  • December 7, 2025
Florida Center for Early Childhood hosts 2nd annual Wonder Gala
Celia Young, Pat Reinhart, Ina Goldberg and Sherry Wheeler channel their inner flapper style for the Great Gatsby-inspired Poinsettia Luncheon.
  • December 5, 2025
Sarasota Opera Guild rings in holidays at Poinsettia Luncheon
Bill and Robyn Sadlo, Barb and Jay Lancer and Marjolaine and Steve Townsend
  • November 23, 2025
Boys and Girls Clubs' Champions for Children honors Baranciks' legacy
Kristin Morton, John Grady Burns, Pat Mudgett and Kellie Menke
  • November 21, 2025
Founders Garden Club welcomes celebrity floral designer to annual luncheon

App

Download the Your Observer app

Stay in the know with the latest local news. Any device, anytime, anywhere.

DOWNLOAD NOW

Contact

  • 1970 Main St.
  • Third Floor
  • Sarasota, FL 34236
  • Phone: 941-366-3468
  • FPN Verified

Extra, Extra!

  • Newsletters
  • App
  • Crossword
  • Contests

more

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Classifieds
  • Advertise
  • Rack Locations
  • Jobs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Options

sister sites

  • Business Observer
  • Jax Daily Record
  • Orange Observer
  • Accessibility Options
  • Copyright © 2025 Observer Media Group Inc., All Rights Reserved
Sign Up for Daily Headlines

A daily dose of news from Longboat Key, East County, Sarasota and Siesta Key.

Sign Up for In Case You Missed It

A Saturday dose of the week's top stories from Sarasota, Longboat Key and East County.


The Your Observer App is Here!

Get local news you can trust — now on your phone, tablet or laptop. Fast. Free. Easy to Use.
Stay informed, wherever you are.

Download Now