Heath Eskalyo and Howard Talenfeld
FLORIDA’S PREMIERE YOUTH ADVOCACY ORGANIZATION OFFERS A UNIQUE WAY FOR TAMPA BAY AREA PATRONS TO SIP, SUPPORT OR SAY “THANK YOU” WITH A SPECIAL GIFT THAT SUPPORTS THEIR CRITICAL WORK
Florida’s Children First (FCF), an award-winning nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the rights of at-risk children and youth in the foster care system, is hosting the CHILL Virtual Wine Tasting fundraiser on Thursday, December 3, 2020 from 6 to 7 p.m. As part of its annual Greater Tampa Bay area fundraiser, patrons will enjoy a safe, socially distanced and fun way to “escape” from their local surroundings for a bit, while affording FCF the opportunity to raise funds and educate supporters on their mission of helping kids in and aging out of foster care.
“Innovation and impact have been a hallmark of our organization this past year and we cannot wait to share our progress with supporters and the community,” said Robin Rosenberg, FCF Deputy Director. “We’d rather be in person, but we’re bringing that same innovation to this event. By partnering with a team of talented Napa wine experts, participants will enjoy and learn about fine wines while also learning more about the important work we do, as we celebrate the season together virtually.”
Grayson Kamm, a former local news reporter and current Chief Communications Officer at the State Attorney’s Office, will serve as the evening’s Emcee. “I have hosted FCF’s annual fundraiser events for years and seen first-hand the tremendous impact the organization has had on the lives of thousands of our most vulnerable children. I am thrilled that we will be able to toast to their achievements once again.”
During this unique fundraising event, participants will “escape to Napa” as renowned master wine expert Gillian Ballance explains the featured wines, what makes them special, how to best complement each one, and much more. Participants can choose from a variety of premium wines from Napa’s celebrated wine region, which will be shipped directly to their homes. For those who want to support but not savor, the wine packages can also be gifted and shipped to others or sent as year-end corporate or holiday gifts. “A package of wine directly from Napa that also supports a nonprofit is a truly unique gift,” adds Rosenberg.
“Everyone, particularly those in or aging out of the foster care system, have endured some very trying months. But all of us, especially the youth in foster care we serve, have shown tremendous resilience,” said FCF Board President and founder Howard Talenfeld, who serves as Co-Business Unit Leader of the Justice for Kids Division of Kelley Kronenberg. “This event provides an outlet to gather together, “CHILL” out, and celebrate amazing accomplishments and people with the Greater Tampa Bay community.”
One of the featured guests will be former foster youth Kenisha Anthony who will share how FCF’s youth advocacy and empowerment organization, Florida Youth SHINE, helped her transition from being an abandoned child of drug-addicted parents to an accomplished young woman and newly published author of “LABELED: Ward of the State.”
CHILL is generously underwritten by sponsors that include FCF Statewide Presenting Sponsor Kelley Kronenberg; and Statewide Sponsors: The Florida Bar Foundation, The Guardian Trust, The Paul Palank Memorial Foundation, and The Shane McGee Foundation.
“As we end a challenging year and begin the holiday season, what better way to celebrate than a virtual trip to Napa that also supports our society’s most vulnerable kids,” notes Heath Eskalyo, Principal Partner/Chief Financial Officer of Kelley Kronenberg. “At a time when we are all facing unprecedented challenges, youth in state care need our support now more than ever. We hope you will join us in supporting FCF on December 3.”
For more information about Florida’s Children First or the CHILL fundraiser and the packages available, please visit www.
About Florida’s Children First:
Florida’s Children First (FCF) is an award-winning nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the rights of at-risk children and youth in foster care. The organization focuses on making big systemic changes that improve the system for thousands of young people in care today, and in the future. FCF 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.
