Our Mission

"Supporting Local Children, Teens & Adults With Special Needs Since 1985"

Organizing Events - Raising Funds - Changing Lives

Suncoast Charities for Children is where fun meets philanthropy here on the Suncoast. Special event fundraisers held throughout the year bring people together to ensure that their investment has a long-lasting, positive impact on local children, teens, and adults with special needs. Funds raised help support ten local non-profit organizations listed below, which offer critical programs and services to over 10,000 individuals and their families.

Thunder By The Bay Music & Motors Festival

February

Suncoast Summer Fest

June – September

Holiday Boat Parade
of Lights

December

Once a child in their program, Abby returned to Children First as a dedicated employee and parent determined to build a better life. With access to education, career training, and comprehensive support for her children's growth, Abby has overcome challenges to achieve stability and success for her family.

Krista was able to receive onsite therapies during her preschool day at Starfish Academy. Through regular occupational therapy, speech/language sessions, and social groups, she overcame a language delay and a lack of self-confidence.

Having access to early education, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, Rhett and Thiago are building the skills they need to grow, connect, and thrive.

Hannah is thriving thanks to a smaller classroom size and attention from her teachers. She is excelling in her studies and is receiving the encouragement every parent hopes for their child. St. Mary Academy is a special place where children with special needs can be seen, supported, and truly shine.

Ben is receiving vital peer interaction and has improved his socialization, speech, and fine motor skills. Thanks to Loveland, Ben discovered his talent as an artist! He has also gained important life skills like cooking and budgeting to make him more independent, and moved into a home of his own this year.

Sophie benefits from physical therapy and sensory rooms on campus. The therapy she receives helps build her confidence, mobility, and ability!

Vaughn has worked at Rise Up Cafe, our job training program / worksite, for two years. Thanks to the help from job coaches, occupational therapists, and shop managers, he has received job skills training, social skills practice, secure employment, and a safe/ supportive place to learn and shine.

Special Olympics Athletes like Mollie can participate in year-round sports training and competitions, athlete leadership programs, Camp Shriver, and health screenings at no cost to the participant.

Since Emma cannot play in the usual way, she can now experience a sport that never seemed possible and make friendships along the way.

Andy had never spoken a word in his life before playing with the Challengers. He spoke his first words during his 4th season, and they were "Coach Carroll" and "Baseball". Venice Challenger Baseball helped Andy find his voice and become a leader amongst other players.