I Can't Wait To . . .Page 1

Legacy of ValorPage 2

Special EventsPage 3

Girl LeadershipPage 4 - 5

Girl Scout Gold AwardsPages 6 - 7

Donor Recognition and Ways to Give

Page 8 – 11

The Girl Scout

Circle Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc. Newsletter

Fall / Winter 2013

Visit our website atwww.gsgcf.org

Do you remember the feeling you had when it was time to head back to school? The smell of the classroom, favorite new clothes, your new teacher, the crackle of opening new books and the anticipation of all the possibilities?

In Girl Scouting, girls are feeling excited too...

about getting “back to troop”, becoming a new kindergarten Daisy, earning leadership awards, and all the possibilities of fun, friendship and discovery.

Girls are always counting down to the next adventure they'll go on together. Maybe it's artistic. Maybe it's an experiment. Maybe it's getting outside or helping the community. Continued on page 2

INSIDE THIS ISSUEIt’s fall in southwest Florida and we are launching anenergized 2013 - 2014 membership year for girls and

volunteers of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida.

When Plymouth Harbor resident Ann Brackett met with several Girl Scouts and donated her vintage Girl Scout uniform last year she hoped to not only share her memories, but also wished to inspire them and other girls to realize their potential. On September 10, 2013, she was in the audience as one of the girls, Girl Scout Ambassador Nichole Peal, a senior at the Sarasota Military Academy, cut the ribbon on her Girl Scout Gold Award project - “Tilley’s Butterfly Garden,” dedicated to the memory of Mary “Tilley” Bessemer and the current residents of Plymouth Harbor.

When she met Ann, Nichole was intrigued to learn of the overgrown patch in the west gardens of Plymouth Harbor that was so dear to former resident Tilley. When she first visited the site, she soon saw the potential to restore

Dreams Take Flight!

Pictured from left: Sue Stewart, CEO, Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc., Nichole Peal, Girl Scout Ambassador and Senator Bob Johnson, Former Plymouth Harbor Trustee and Executor of Tilley Bessemer Estate.

Continued on page 3

Like us on Facebookwww.facebook.com/GirlScoutsofGulfcoastFlorida

2

Sue Stewart, CEOsues@gsgcf.org

Ann Carrisquillo, Presidentpresident@gsgcf.org

We want every girl to be so excited about her future that she can hardly wait for it, because she knows she can achieve anything she sets her mind to when surrounded by friends and those who believe in her.

And, that possibility starts with you.

Thank you for ensuring that every girl and every family knows about Girl Scouting, our mission, our values and our nationally recognized leadership experience*. The Girl Scout Research Institute study provides compelling evidence for the prominent role Girl Scouting plays in boosting girls’ academic engagement and achievement, and their leadership potential. You are invited to learn more at www.girlscouts.org/research.

Share with your friends, business partners, and community leaders, that Girl Scouting is critical for today’s girls and that our positive youth development model provides the skills and knowledge for the leadership needed for the next generation of civic, business and community success.

Thank you for ensuring that we have capable, plentiful and positive volunteers throughout our ten counties who understand that girls need them more than ever. Individual gifts, foundation investments and United Way support this past year has allowed us to provide high quality training for volunteers so that they are fully prepared to understand the behavioral and developmental needs of the girls they serve, insure emotional and physical safety, and carry out our girl led, experiential programming.

And, it is with sincere appreciation that we acknowledge your generosity of personal giving to support financial assistance for a girl to become a member of the Girl Scout

movement, to feel included by having her own uniform and books, and to experience outdoor leadership programming and travel. Fourteen graduating Girl Scouts each received a $1,000 award from the Dr. Elinor Crawford Scholarship Fund for her college experience.

Do you remember the first time an adult inspired you to be anything, to do anything? Do you remember when that inspiration changed your world? Help us provide that opportunity for all girls in our community.

Through your generosity, through your belief in the possibilities of girls learning, growing and exceeding all our expectations, thank you for investing in girls!

"I cant' wait to..." Continued from page 2.

*The content of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience curriculum has been correlated by grade level to national Common Core Standards, 21st Century Skills standards, Financial Literacy education standards, and curriculum such as Health and PE, Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies learning objectives for all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Legacy Of Valor Initiative

Girl Scouts and adult volunteers are embracing participation in the Legacy of Valor Initiative to honor veterans, inspire patriotism and embrace freedom as partners with a variety of community groups in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Twenty - five Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors are training to work with 4th and 5th graders in Sarasota County schools to teach patriotism and flag

protocol along with classroom teachers, members of the Military Officers Association of Sarasota County, Veterans groups, JROTC instructors and students, and Sarasota Military Academy. Girl Scouts are also collaborating with the Senior Friendship Center, Van Wezel, Baltimore Orioles, and other innovative activities being planned for this year leading up to the dedication of Patriot Plaza in 2014.

http://www.thepattersonfoundation.org

3

Over 100 community leaders joined us at The Daniels Pavilion of Artis-Naples for an evening of inspiration and discussion of barriers, opportunities and success stories of female leadership. Avnee Mistry, Girl Scout Ambassador and guest speaker, confirmed that it takes an organization like Girl Scouts for girls to realize their potential and provide opportunities for girls to learn leadership skills and achieve

When Girls Succeed, Society Succeeds!

their goals. The evening also featured outstanding community speakers - Stephanie Spell, Noreen Thomas, Sue Stewart, Kathleen van Bergen and Jessica Macera.

Alumnae events were also held this summer in partnership with Clive Daniel Home in Naples, The Twisted Vine in Fort Myers and the home of Elayne Dorsey, Girl Scout Alumnae.

Have You Joined theGirl Scouts Alumnae Association?

Once a Girl Scout, Always a Girl Scout!

Share memories . . . Tell your story . . . Reconnect with others!

Visit our website atwww.gsgcf.org/for-alumnae

Join the movement to support girl leadership.

Check in on alumnae newsletters and blogs.

Be informed on all that is happening atGirl Scouts on a national and local level.

Help us reduce our carbon footprint by reducing the amount of paper we use!

Sign up to receive our newsletters via email.Email gsgcf@gsgcf.org and tell us

you want to GO GREEN!

Girl Scouts

the former sanctuary and the opportunity blossomed to earn her Girl Scout Gold Award, Girl Scout’s highest achievement. During the months of February through August, Nichole planned and created,

she recruited the assistance of fellow Girl Scouts, family and volunteers, and sought advice from experts in order to perfect the peaceful place of solace that now stands.

Not only is a wondrous garden filled with native plants and 170 species of butterflies flourishing, but deep and caring relationships have been rooted across generations.

Dreams Take Flight! Continued from page one

Artis-Naples Event

Artis-Naples Event Elayne Dorsey Event, Sarasota

4

Pathways to Action: Cadette Leadership WeekendJuly 26-28, 2013 at Camp Honi Hanta

Survey summary from participants after participating in the weekend:

♦ 52.9% agree a lot, and 27.5% agree, feel more confident about being a leader.

♦ 43.1% agree a lot, and 33.3% agree, have new ideas on how to participate in their community.

♦ 70.6% agree a lot, and 21.6% agree, that during the Leadership Weekend, they created meaningful relationships with other participants.

♦ 70% agree a lot, and 12% agree, that they would recommend the Leadership Weekend to a friend.

Thanks to:

Katy Bergen, Rachel O’Hara, Gabrielle Russon - Herald Tribune journalists and photojournalists

Dr. Deri Ronis, PhD - skilled mediator and advocate

Lyn Bollmeyer and Chris Garber - Master Naturalists, University of Florida

Betsy Benac, Carolyn Mason, Lorna Alston, Susan Maulucci, Vanessa Baugh, Victoria Brill - elected officials, representatives of officials, civic leaders and circuit court magistrate.

The fun and friendship of a weekend away with sister Girl Scouts in grades 6-8 included developing advanced leadership and advocacy skills, group norms and behaviors, bullying prevention skills, and exploring relationships with peers and the media.

The weekend of discovery was designed and facilitated by Emma Downey, summer intern, sophomore at St Olaf College, Girl Scout alumnae and Gold Award recipient. Throughout the weekend, ten counselors-in-training, eight staff and a dedicated group of civic and community volunteers were on hand as sixty-four girls enjoyed breaking barriers and making new friends while exploring and developing their individual leadership potential and Pathway to Action!

5

Keep Manatee BeautifulKeep Manatee Beautiful recently recognized Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc. for community commitment with their Public Service Award for Youth Volunteers during their Annual Award Celebration. The acknowledgment is the result of the recent beautification of the Bradenton Girl Scout House which was possible due to the hard work of local Girl Scouts, the generosity and volunteerism of the Pittsburgh Pirates/Bradenton Marauders, John Kuntz of Universal Paint and Design, The Manatee River Garden Club, and council volunteer Mel Hyatt.

Dr. Elinor A. Crawford and College Scholarship Recipients

Dr. Elinor A. Crawford College Scholarship Fund Recipients

Lindsey BethanyTania Cruz

Lauren GolomEmily Grubbs

Heather HanwackerKathryn Hiles

Brennah McVey

Natalie ReidMorganne Riggs

Brittany RingAudrey Shapiro

Jessica SmithAmanda Smithman

Meghan Warner

Dr. Elinor A. Crawford College Scholarship Fundand 2013 Contributors:

AnonymousMarilyn L. Arnall

Dr. and Mrs. Thomas CarrasquilloDr. Elinor A. Crawford

Rae DowlingDr. Cecelia "Cheech" Hill

Harry Leopold FoundationColleen McGueJuliana C. Meek

Sanibel Captiva Trust CompanyTracy Seider

Christine B. Yekel

$14,000awardedin 2013!

Community Troop Day!Through the financial support of many generous donors and volunteers, girls from throughout Sarasota County

gathered together for a day at Camp Honi Hanta.They were introduced to camp and had the

opportunity to make new friends.

A Special Thank You to Our Donors!

Judy Alexander ♦ Gerald LublinKathleen McDonald ♦ Alix Morin ♦ Mark Pritchett

Jessica Stantcheva ♦ Susan R. Stewart

6

2013 Girl Scout Gold Award Recipients

These outstanding young women join a distinguished group of young women whohave met the challenge of achieving the Girl Scout Gold Award. The highest

national award for Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors.

Clara CaudillClara has lived in Arcadia her whole life, has fond memories of time spent as a Girl Scout, and recognizes the importance of productive, meaningful and fun troop meetings. Wishing to have a positive impact on the Girl Scout Leadership Experience for both current and future girls, she focused on the significance

of learning proper flag etiquette and other traditions. She connected with other girls using the Arcadia Girl Scout House, noted their wish lists and organized a makeover to meet their needs into the future. Clara more formally enhanced the flag pole area allowing for a vastly improved and usable flag circle for girls to learn and practice a proper flag ceremony. She also replaced lighting to better serve girls using the facility. The aim of this project was to benefit girls using the facility while improving the image of Girl Scouting in the community.

“I felt empowered when I first realized I could actually make a big change in my community. After I completed my project, I couldn't picture it any other way.”

Katie Dunn-RankinKatie designed a two-part project to help middle-school youth develop healthy relationships and self-esteem. She organized, wrote, and led a weekly six-month program called “Hangout,” focusing on character development, friends, and family. This involved the development of lesson plans

and the organization and editing of presentation and teaching materials. She also created "Girl Power,” a two-day retreat just for girls. The event reached over 20 middle school-aged girls, including several Girl Scout troops and students from her church. It emphasized the importance of recognizing personal beauty and inner strength through several interactive mini-sessions. Both programs reinforced values that will last into the future.

“The challenges of completing this project has reinforced that I will be able to do even bigger things throughout my life.”

Katherine GammageKatherine considers herself a small-town Girl Scout who wants to make a difference in her community. Upon completion of the Gold Award workshop, Katherine was determined to make her project benefit other Girls Scouts into the future. She

focused on the need to provide improved meeting areas both outdoors and indoors at the Arcadia Girl Scout House. She went to work and addressed both of these issues. She created a more formal outdoor meeting place to introduce the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to girls, complete with picnic tables. The inside meeting area was freshened up with a new coat of paint.

“I hope to inspire other Girl Scouts to realize they can make a difference in their community and the world, and encourage them to complete their Gold Award.”

Kathryn HilesKathryn has been a Girl Scout for 12 years, since first grade. She was one of the Teen Volunteer Coordinators for our council, and managed weekly volunteer efforts. She attended Pine View School, and is attending the University of Alabama, where

she plans to major in environmental engineering. With an understanding of the importance of literacy, the aim of her project, the “Children's Exchange Library,” was to increase access to reading materials in the Old Miakka Community. The members of this community have to drive almost thirty minutes to get to the nearest public library. To combat this, she established a Children's Exchange Library at Old Miakka United Methodist Church. Kathryn collected children's books, built the bookshelf, stocked the shelves with books, and the library was open for business. Now children from around the area come to the church on Wednesday nights to exchange their old books for new ones.

“I have felt empowered to make a difference through my efforts in the community and hope I inspired others, who share or want to share a similar passion, to take on their own projects or take steps to improve literacy rates in children.”

7

Gillian Palino Gillian always knew, even as a little girl, that she would one day achieve her Gold Award. Through her project “TLC for OLQM” she not only met her goal of a Gold Award, but also improved the overall appearance of classrooms at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs

Church. As a student attending classes in the rooms since the age of four, she recognized the current conditions were a constant distraction to those utilizing the areas. She managed a makeover project complete with volunteer recruitment and organization of materials necessary to accomplish the task. The finished result of Gillian’s project was not merely improved facilities, but also improved morale and inspiration for other youth in the church to take action.

“My gold award made me take on challenges I would not have otherwise taken on. This type of real world experience taught me countless skills.”

Meghan WarnerMeghan currently attends Ida S. Baker High School and is dual enrolled at Edison State College taking classes at night. Her Gold Award “Project at Pine Manor” was inspired by her involvement in the school’s Medical and Educational Academies, and her future career path in Nursing. She addressed the importance of proper nutrition and availability of fresh vegetables by planning, developing, and growing a garden to help support the nutritional and financial needs of the Pine Manor Community. Meghan recruited and instructed teens to assist with three above-ground gardens and seven tire gardens for planting. Crops from the gardens, located at the Pine Manor Community Center, will be used for families participating in food preparation classes at the center, and for selling. Teens trained through this process will

continue to share their knowledge with adults and youth striving to improve healthy habits.

“It is great to know that through my project I have made a positive impact in a community and assisted familieswith better nutritional options that can continue through their involvement with this project.”

Claudia PonzioClaudia attended Mariner High School where she served as the captain of the varsity cheerleading team. She also served as a Girl Representative on the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida Board of Directors and in 2011 served as a National Delegate at the Girl

Scout National Convention in Houston, Texas. Through her project “One Drop, One Life” Claudia addressed the issue of blood and plasma shortages in Lee County. She met with other Girl Scout Senior troops, civic clubs, and community organizations raising awareness of the issue and encouraging them to donate. She organized multiple blood drives and donation sights benefiting those in need. Claudia’s involvement resulted in a long-term impact in her community, and Gavin’s Ace Hardware commitment to host future monthly blood drives.

“In my growth as a leader I have learned to get out into the world and spread the word about what I believe in. As a result, all of my blood drives were successful and I couldn't be happier.”

Jessica Morris From the age of three, Jessica wanted to be a pediatrician. Upon entering high school, she took a CNA class and while working with seniors during her clinical hours, she discovered the need for her project “Warming Hearts and Laps.” Jessica,

focused on this need, reached out to Hardee Manor, a local nursing home, and made lap quilts for every resident. Through her Gold Award experience, Jessica demonstrated her ability to identify community issues and became a resourceful problem solver and advocate for others. These traits are important as she continues her education at Florida Atlantic University as a pre-med student, majoring in Biology, with plans to transfer to the University of South Florida to complete a double major in Pre-med and American Sign Language. Upon graduation, Jessica aspires to have her own pediatric practice to accommodate both the deaf and hearing.

“While working on this project I met many new people who have made a great impact on my life, and gained leadership skills and sewing skills that I will remember for the rest of my life. I hope other girls working on their Gold Award have the same life changing experience I have experienced.”

Casey O’BrienWhile researching meaningful projects for her Gold Award, Casey learned of families in Appalachia, Kentucky who live with hardships and 3rd world living conditions daily and knew she wanted to make a difference. Through her project “Children of the Mountains” she coordinated a clothing drive striving to lend

assistance to the families of Appalachia, while promoting a sense of community in our own country. She used grass root efforts, social media and word of mouth to organize her efforts and encourage donations. When confronted with unanticipated transportation and delivery costs, she worked through a solution and didn’t waver.

“I have become aware of the world around me and I have learned how to motivate and encourage others to lend a helping hand.”

8

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc. is proud to be a member agency of United Way of Manatee County, Central Florida (Hardee & Highlands), Suncoast (Sarasota & DeSoto), South Sarasota, Charlotte County, Lee Hendry & Glades, and Collier County.

GIRL SCOUTS OF GULFCOAST FLORIDA HAS COMPLIED WITH THE FLORIDA SOLICITATION OF CONTRIBUTIONS ACT, REGISTRATION #CH-183. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BEOBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.

Donor SpotlightGirl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc. celebrates our partnerships and support from a variety of businesses, organizations,and individuals. We thank all of our donors and wish to highlight these special contributions of time, talent, and treasures.

Donor Recognition • Acknowledgement of gifts made between April 15, 2013 to October 1, 2013

We wish to express our sincere gratitude to Publix and Publix Super Markets Charities, Inc. for their continued support and generous donation of $20,000 in support of Girl Scouting and girl leadership in our communities. This donation, coupled with the support received by Publix employee volunteers as needed and the availability of store locations during the seasonal cookie program demonstrates their commitment to positively impact the future of our youth.

Pictured (L-R) Barbara Lewis - GSGCF Board of Director, Sue Stewart - CEO GSGCF, Brian West - Publix Media & Community Relations Mgr. Southwest Florida, Christine Yekel - GSGCF Board of Director

History and Archives Display Case at the Collier Girl Scout HouseAlpha Company 101, LLC

Charles and Jean Engasser Foundation

Marciadee Zolot

Paul C. Kelly

Shannon Family Foundation

2013 Event Sponsors

Big Girls Day at Camp

Phyllis Siskel ♦ Co-ChairSue Garland ♦ Co-Chair

Celebrating Girls and Women - Naples

Artis-Naples ♦ Host

Wynn's Catering ♦ Partner

A+ Skills Tutoring ♦ Business SponsorFidelity Investments ♦ Business SponsorPurpose Journey - Lisa Gruenloh ♦ Business Sponsor

Susan R. Stewart ♦ Individual SponsorEllen Taylor ♦ Individual SponsorMarciadee Zolot ♦ Individual Sponsor

Young Women of Distinction

Dr. Cecelia "Cheech" Hill ♦ Gold SponsorGarnette Scholl ♦ Gold Sponsor

Florida Power & Light Co. ♦ Silver SponsorHealthSource of Manatee East ♦ Silver Sponsor

Ann Celani ♦ Bronze SponsorSusan R. Stewart ♦ Bronze Sponsor

Mike Martin Agency ♦ Sponsor

Save The Dates!Reception - Juliette Gordon Low Society,

Planned Giving CelebrationTuesday, February 11, 2014

4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

4780 Cattlemen Rd Sarasota, Board Room

Presentation by Dianne Belk and Lawrence Calder,and Board of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc.

3rd Annual Leadership LuncheonWednesday, March 12, 2014

11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Fete Ballroom at Polo Grill, Lakewood Ranch Thank You!

9

Family Partnership Campaign 2012 - 2013

April 15, 2013 to October 1, 2013

Annual GiftsApril 15, 2013 to October 1, 2013

Lifesavers $500 to $999

Jessica MaceraChris and Debe Van Pelt

Campers $100 to $499

AnonymousAnn BrackettKay ConsignyNancy FasslerMr. and Mrs. Peter E. ForkgenSonya GazdikLeslie Kim GradwellMarie GraziosiChelsea N. HavelkaMazie E. QuigleyMike Martin AgencyPatricia MartinEmily Pauline MitchellSusan PattonJohn and Barb RobinsonJennifer Michell SaslawSusan R. StewartAmy ValentineDeborah WilberWomen of the Moose Gulf Gate Chapter #1770Christine Yekel

Friends $25 to $99

Shannon AllisonRenee ArmstrongMelissa M. BurtlessDr. and Mrs. Thomas CarrasquilloEboni N. CurryJohn DennisDolores C. Donnelly

Friends $25 to $99

Debbie DurranceCatherine FeminellaAmy GaineyNancy W. HamiltonJoanne D. HenneberyNicole KingEdith KingsleyJulie KruegerPatricia MahaneyTami ManevitchDr. and Mrs. Durfee MarshallConnie MartinNathalie W. McCullochLorraine B. MuellerCynthia PalmerStephanie PersonPatricia RamthunAlicia RanceFrances and John RobineDawn RuleyTracy SeiderGordon Sneller Ellen TaylorLori TomlinsonNancy TurnerCarol UrofskyRebecca VaccarielloKenneth J. VidaJerri VincentSandra WashingtonGloria WebelJenifer WelchMatthew West and John WestCorinne WrightMarciadee Zolot

Dennis and Christie AlvaroCraig and Tracy BlairSaiba and Naomi DeanMr. and Mrs. William B. DillardMr. and Mrs. Michael M. DooleyCandace FogoSandy ForsythKathi and Jim GentileBrenda GibsonElizabeth A. HealyCatherine Hook-SheaAmy HowellJulie IngrahamJoseph and Lisa LegiecMelanie MaggardJerron MeyerAlicia PershellMike and Angela PetersenRachael PhillipsMr. and Mrs. Charles M. PinkneyDebra SanchezKatie Scherer-HummelDonna TischLaura WoolfLaura BrauchState Farm Companies Foundation

Troops That Participated in the Family Partnership Campaign

Troop 121Troop 122Troop 206Troop 212Troop 212Troop 212Troop 212Troop 392Troop 398Troop 58Troop 58

Troop 243Troop 62Troop 705Troop 748Troop 773Troop 873Troop 873Troop 873Troop 873Troop 91Troop 920

Acknowledging the support of all our donors is very important to us. If you have a correction or question,please feel free to contact the Development Department at development@gsgcf.org.

Did you know . . .You can provide a Girl Scout Starter Kit(uniform, insignia, leadership books) for a new Girl Scout for $72?

Thank You!

10

Foundations and GrantorsMany thanks to the following foundations for responding for Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc.’s grant requests for special projects and programs.

Cape Coral Community FoundationGirl Scout Promise Fund • Cape Coral

Charles SchwabPathways to Action - Girl Scout Cadette Weekend

Charlotte Community FoundationVolunteer Training Materials

Manatee Community FoundationFriends First - Bullying Prevention Program

Pittsburgh PiratesGirl Scout Day at the Marauders

Publix Super Markets Charities, Inc.The Girl Scout Leadership Experience

Sarasota Kiwanis Foundation, Inc.The Girl Scout Leadership Experience

Service Club of Manatee CountyFinancial Assistance - Manatee County

The Daniel R. and Anne M. Harper Foundation, Inc.Girl Scout Community Troops - Lee County

Vern & Florance Martin Charitable TrustThe Girl Scout Leadership Experience - Englewood

Endowment FundAmerican Accounting Service, Inc.

In memory of Mildred M. Mason

Betty J. WebbPublishing of the 50th Anniversary Girl

Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida History Book

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph P. RheinIn memory of Al Purmort

Shirley and Jim RitcheyIn Honor of Linda Getzen

Susan R. StewartIn honor of Marian Dailey's Special Birthday

The Family of Barbara H. LaneIn Memory of Our Girl Scout Mom

Juliette Gordon Low Society - Planned Giving

Bequests and TrustsDianne Belk and Lawrence Calder

M. Chester Cole Trust *Dr. Elinor A. Crawford

Elizabeth EthalLinda Getzen

Vincent and Anna Mae Pasqua Trust * *Deceased

Corporation Matching Gifts and Volunteer

Hour MatchMany companies have matchinggift programs through which they

match dollar-for-dollar employees’ donations or hours of volunteerism.

Thank you to the followingphilanthropically-minded companies:

Bank of America Matching Gifts

GAP Foundation Gift Match Program

Illinois Tool Works Foundation

Merck Partnership for Giving

Mile High United Way

Pepsico Foundation

State Farm Companies Foundation

TruistUnited Way Suncoast - Tampa Bay FSECC

Donor Recognition • Acknowledgement of gifts made between April 15, 2013 to October 1, 2013

Government GrantsGet Real Mentoring Program

Gifts In KindMatthews-Currie Ford

Did you know . . .That for a gift of $170, one girl can join a Community Troop in North Sarasota, Immokolee or Fort Myers, for a year long experience?

11

Ways to Give toGirl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida

Giving your way is the best way!Here are some options to consider

Annual Donations

Annual Donations made to the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida supports general operations which helps to serve nearly 9,000 girls and 3,000 volunteers in a 10-county jurisdiction. Today’s Girl Scout makes her leadership journey through a number of pathways including camp, travel, events, series, troop, and virtual programs. More than ever, your annual contribution is needed to maintain these programs and inspire more girls to discover who they are, connect with others, and take action in their community and around the world.

Endowment Funds

Endowment funds can support the ongoing operating expenses of the organization or for purposes such as scholarships, projects, programs, institutes, professorships, or any aspect of its charitable work. Endowments offer organizational stability in that they supply revenue in years in which donations are down, or charitable need increases, and they can be a resource for new programs and innovations in prosperous years.

Juliette Gordon Low Society - Planned Giving

Have you or are you considering including Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida in your estate plan or will? Bequests, both small and large, will positively affect girls in our area and give them the rewards of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Other benefits to choosing a planned giving option may include a needed tax deduction; or in the case of annuities - a source of income now, with the benefit of giving later; and finally, a way of leaving an impactful legacy that can continue in perpetuity. Through the Dianne Belk and Lawrence Calder Legacy Fund Challenge, you have the opportunity to have your legacy gift to the council matched.

If you are considering or have already included Girl Scouts in your estate plans, please call and let us know. We’d very much like to show our appreciation for your thoughtful gift and by letting us know, we can help ensure your intentions are carried out.

Volunteer Time

Volunteers are always needed as leaders of troops, presenters for day events or series, as adult learning facilitators, administrative help, and more. Your time and talents are invaluable to our girls!

Donations can be made online at www.gsgcf.orgor feel free to contact the Development Department

at 941-921-5358 ext. 307 or by email at development@gsgcf.org

Needs List

Benefitting the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.

Your gift supports:

$1,000: an outstanding Girl Scout Ambassador to receive the prestgious Elinor A. Crawford College Scholarship Award, May 2014

$1,600: camp supplies in every unit house

$1,900: 10 girls to experience marketing and merchandising with the Junior retail sales program experience

$2,400: older girls receive training and support to progress toward achieving their silver and gold awards

$3,200: 20 older girls learn advocacy through weekend events and a trip to Tallahassee to visit our state legislatives in April 2014

$4,780: 40 girls experience the "Be a Friend First" bullying prevention six week series

$6,700: 400 girls and 50 adults in community troops across our council pay their membership fees

….. adult volunteer development: the leaders behind the leaders

$640: recognition for outstanding volunteers on the spot with a “Thank You” gift

$1,600: scholarships to provide CPR, first aide and kayak certification and lifeguard training

$3,500: background screenings for volunteers working with girls

A PUBLICATION OF:

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc.4780 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, Florida 34233Email: gsgcf@gsgcf.org

OFFICERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

Ann Carrasquillo, President - South Central RegionStacey Carbone-DeLoynes, First Vice President - Northern RegionChristine Yekel, Second Vice President - Northern Region Mary Disher, Treasurer - Central RegionRichard Cyphers, Secretary - North Central RegionSusan R. Stewart, CEO - Ex Officio

MEMBERS AT LARGE

Northern RegionRae Dowling (Bradenton)Carolyn Griffin (Bradenton)

North Central RegionMarilyn Arnall (Venice)Barbara Lewis (Sarasota)Tracy P. Lux (Sarasota)Colleen McGue (Sarasota)Tracy Seider (Sarasota)

Central RegionCecelia Hill (Port Charlotte)

South Central RegionLaTasha Armstead (Fort Myers)Reneé Armstrong (Cape Coral)Nadja Lieberwirth (Fort Myers)

Southern RegionJessica Macera (Naples)Juliana Meek (Naples)

Board Development CommitteeVioleta Huesman - Northern RegionStefanie Ink-Edwards - South Central RegionNadja Lieberwirth - South Central RegionJuliana Meek - Southern RegionTracy Seider - North Central RegionDaisy Vulovich - Northern Region

Girl RepresentativesKatie Dunn-Rankin - North Central RegionGillian Palino - Northern RegionAbigail Schulte - North Central Region

Non-ProfitOrganization

U.S. Postage PAIDManasota, Florida 34260

Permit No. 355

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc. is chartered by Girl Scouts of the USA and serves more than 9,000 girls in Manatee, Hardee, Highlands, Sarasota, Southern Sarasota, DeSoto, Charlotte, Glades, Lee, Hendry, and Collier counties.

A United Way Member Agency

941-921-5358www.gsgcf.org

Features auditorium with large stage

Audio/visual equipment

Available for business meetings and conferences

4740 Cattlemen RoadSarasota, Florida 34233

Conveniently located off I-75

Gulfcoast Event &Conference Centerof Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc.