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Protecting Our Children: CGF Honors Judge Who Helped Foster Children
1200 Children
now in State's Care
SARASOTA, FL Nov. 13 – Children’s Guardian Fund recently honored
retired Judge Durand Adams for his efforts to provide support for the 1200
children in the state's care.
For his years of leadership in the 12th Judicial Circuit, CGF presented him with its "Lifetime Child Advocacy" award, its first,
for leadership in child protection.
The luncheon was the 13th annual event, held at Michael's on East November 9. Over 200 people attended, including a dozen
Guardian ad Litem volunteers. Recently retired president of the Child Protection
Center Dr Hal Hedley served as honorary chair.
This event, said Alan Quinby, president of CGF, supports the educational and other needs of children who have
been abused, abandoned or neglected and who are now in state-ordered care.
Quinby and Dr. Hedley presented Judge Adams with the award, a sculpture of
children climbing a metaphorical ladder.
Judge Adams founded the Family Violence Council of Manatee County in 1993. In 1994, the Florida Supreme Court appointed
Judge Adams to assist in implementing the family law initiative in all 20
judicial circuits in Florida.
Dr Hedley was the second executive director of the
Guardian ad Litem program in the 12th judicial circuit. Until his recent
retirement he had served for nine years as president/CEO of the Child Protection
Center, Sarasota. Co-chairs were Nancy and Chuck Parrish, and Carol and Mort
Siegler.
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Children's Guardian Fund
Appoints Tonya Schrott as Development Coordinator
SARASOTA, Sep. -- Tonya Schrott has been named development
coordinator of the tri-county Children’s Guardian Fund, an organization that helps
children who have been abused, neglected or abandoned and who are now in dependency.
Schrott has over 14 years experience in the nonprofit profession and most recently
served as Development Director for the Venice Symphony. A graduate of Hodges University,
she is currently pursuing a MS in marketing... Originally from Cincinnati, she and her
husband, Adam and their two sons, Bobby (20) and Alex (14) live in Bradenton and Fort Myers.
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Former Guardian ad Litem
Volunteer Jack O`Donnell Gives $37,000 Towards Endowment Fund.
SARASOTA -- Children’s Guardian Fund received an initial bequest
of $37,000 this winter from the estate of former Guardian ad Litem volunteer
Jack O’Donnell. The bequest was used to create a CGF endowment fund. O’Donnell,
who died in February 2010, was a dedicated volunteer and the recipient of the
2009 Marilyn Rhein-Kollar Award presented by the CGF. He is remembered as a
gentle giant who loved the children.
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University Park Women's Club Launches Successful Amenities
Drive
SARASOTA -- University Park Women’s Club recently gathered two
carloads of amenities for teenagers served by volunteers in the Guardian ad
Litem Program Personal hygiene items that teenagers do not normally have,
included shampoo and deodorant, as well make-up and curling irons were
distributed to group homes. “This is like Christmas in March,” one GAL teen said
when the delivery arrived. The UPWC has adopted The Children’s Guardian Fund as
one of the non-profits it is supporting this year.
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Sunset Cocktail Cruise Produces $12,000 Fundraiser for CGF
SARASOTA -- More than 50 supporters cruised around Sarasota Bay
on March 2 aboard the historic boat, Yacht Freedom. The gala fundraiser,
organized by Board member Nancy Parrish and her husband, Chuck, raised over
$12,000 for the Children’s Guardian in this first-ever memorable party. Yacht
Freedom, sister ship to Presidential Yacht “Sequoia,” was launched in 1926. Now
privately owned, the present owners restored it over the last five years.
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Lakewood Ranch Rotary Club Awards $5,000 Grant
SARASOTA -- Children’s Guardian Fund received a $5,000 grant from
the Lakewood Ranch Rotary Club, presented at an Awards Luncheon March 3. CGF is
one of 25 charities chosen to receive funds, raised through its annual Wine
Festival.
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Children’s Guardian Fund
The mission of the Children’s Guardian Fund is to raise funds to ensure that every abused, neglected and abandoned child in the 12th Judicial Circuit of Florida has a court-appointed Guardian ad Litem and that financial assistance is available for the child’s health, educational and social needs.
Guardian ad Litem
The mission of the Guardian ad Litem program is to advocate for the best
interests of all children who are allegedly abused, neglected or abandoned and
who are involved in court proceedings. (See also
www.12gal.org)
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