Gulf Coast Receives “Shining Star” Award for Leadership

The Sarasota Coalition on Substance Abuse (SCoSA) last week presented Gulf Coast Community Foundation with a Community Leadership Award at its 12th annual Shining Stars luncheon.

According to SCoSA, the award recognizes the leadership demonstrated by the Gulf Coast Community Foundation over the past 22 years, especially through its initiatives to address the issues of homeless children and families and child hunger in our region. “The leadership shown by [President and CEO] Mark Pritchett, [former Board member] Elton White, and [senior vice president] Jon Thaxton has been a catalyst for change,” noted SCoSA in a press release announcing the awards.

At the luncheon, Pritchett in turn thanked and recognized Gulf Coast’s many partners in this work. They included the seven key agencies that make up the Family Haven Alliance of Sarasota County; the more than 30 other agencies that work with the Family Haven to provide wraparound services for homeless and formerly homeless families; and All Faiths Food Bank and its supporters in the annual Campaign Against Summer Hunger.

Also honored by SCoSA this year were:
•    Caroline Zucker, Chair, Sarasota County School Board – “Citizen of the Year”
•    Joey Arnold, Sarasota High School – “Student Shining Star”
•    Jakobie Green, Booker Middle School – “Student Shining Star”
•    Jewish Family and Children’s Service of the Suncoast – Community Leadership Award
•    Evie’s Restaurants – Drug Free Workplace

Congratulations to all of this year’s Shining Star honorees, and thank you, Sarasota Coalition on Substance Abuse, for celebrating the success of these community leaders!