More than 500 children from low-income families in Sarasota County turn to Children First for Early Head Start and Head Start. These programs provide full-day pre-school, infant care, and health care assistance. They also provide meals and guidance from qualified teachers and staff. These services are provided at 13 Sarasota County locations.

The organization also works with the children’s families providing parenting skills and literacy classes, job training, and other assistance.  Philip will share the details of the important work that Children First does and highlight how the recent sequester has impacted their ability to provide services.

In an effort to support this organization, we encourage you to bring needed items to the December luncheon for Children First to distribute.  Suggested items are:

• Diapers
• Wipes
• Formula, especially “Good Start”
• Baby food
• Non-toxic children’s crayons
• Construction paper 8½ x 11 size
• Non-toxic markers
• Gift cards for gas (Hess, Shell, BP etc)
• Gift cards for groceries (Walmart, Publix, Target etc)

Reservations are required.

Read instructions below carefully.

To make a reservation, e-mail reserve@sarasotadems.com and indicate the name of your guests and your menu choices, or leave that information on the voice mail at 941-379-9233.

Menu choices for this month are:

• Roasted Pork, Rosemary Roasted Potatoes, & Vegetable Medley OR
• Chicken Marsala, Rosemary Roasted Potatoes, & Vegetable Medley OR
• Pasta Primavera with Parma Rosa Sauce
• Dessert: Red Velvet Cake
• Menu choice NOT guaranteed past noon

The luncheon is held at Laurel Oak Country Club, 2700 Gary Player Blvd, Sarasota, FL. Travel 2 miles east of I-75 on Bee Ridge Road. Turn left at the light at Gary Player Blvd. Bent Tree will be on your right. Proceed past the guard shack, through one stop sign, and the club house will be on your left.

Social Hour starts at 11 with the program beginning promptly at noon.

Cost for Members is $24 each. Cost for non-members or walk-in’s is $26 each. You may pay by cash, Mastercard, Visa or with a check made payable to the DCS. Please fill out your checks ahead of time.

IMPORTANT – Reservation Deadline is Wednesday, December 11^th.