Safe Children Coalition announces 2026 Champions for Children

On March 26, 2026, child welfare organization Safe Children Coalition (SCC) will present its 4th annual Giving Breakfast, with Leadership Sponsor Gulf Coast Community Foundation Legacy of Impact Fund. During the event, three “Champions for Children” will be recognized for their contributions to caring for children in our community as well as for their support and advocacy on behalf of Safe Children Coalition.

The organization proudly announces its 2026 Champions for Children: Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Phillip P. Lanham, President | CEO; The MSC Foundation, the charitable arm of Michael Saunders & Company, Drayton Saunders, Vice President; and nonprofit partner, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Sarasota and Manatee Counties, Colleen Thayer, CEO.

Since 1995, Gulf Coast Community Foundation has powered bold philanthropy and collaborative leadership to drive meaningful change across our region. Together with its donors, Gulf Coast has invested more than $610 million in health and human services, education, civic and economic development, arts and culture, and the environment. The bond between Gulf Coast and SCC is a partnership rooted in care, trust, and the shared belief that when children in our community thrive, our entire community is empowered to dream big. In recent years, Gulf Coast has sponsored SCC’s annual child welfare conference, provided funding in the wake of Hurricanes Ian and Milton to help foster families with emergency financial needs, and supported SCC’s ongoing Youth Shelter Campaign, to build a new facility to provide safe shelter for homeless and other vulnerable youths in Florida’s Circuit 12, among other areas of support.

The MSC Foundation, the charitable arm of Michael Saunders & Co, is leading a quiet army of philanthropists, to the tune of over 600 real estate agents and staff strong in our community. Through their donations of over $1.4 million to more than 260 nonprofits – including Safe Children Coalition – representing early childhood education, child welfare, seniors, and more, the foundation's goal is to improve lives by offering shelter, sustenance, education, and a path to self-sufficiency. Vice President Drayton Saunders’ involvement in our community doesn't stop with his leadership role at the foundation – he is committed to the success of our community with his involvement as a director at Gulfside Bank, Sarasota's Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation, and previous roles with the Sarasota County Economic Development Corporation (EDC), the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, and various other nonprofits.

When SCC needed a partner to enhance support for families, NAMI stepped up in a big way, with Colleen Thayer, APR, CPRC at the helm. As CEO of NAMI, she leads a team of peer specialists who work daily to help parents involved in the child welfare system and others experiencing mental health and co-occurring substance use challenges to find the resources needed to achieve wellness. Over the last three years, SCC’s partnership with NAMI has grown to include peer-to-peer programs for fathers, mothers, and youths aging out of foster care. With advisory circles offering real-life hope for moms and dads navigating court systems and case management requirements, NAMI’s involvement has resulted in the expedited reunification and prevention of re-entry into the child welfare system for families. Its peer-support programs are a beacon of hope for families in our community.

“Each year, we look forward to this gathering of individuals, corporations and organizations – with the biggest hearts in our community – who gather in collective support of Safe Children Coalition’s mission, ‘Protecting Children and Youth, Strengthening Families, and Building Community,’” said SCC President and CEO Brena Slater. “We can't wait to recognize our 2026 Champions for Children as well as to celebrate our organization’s achievements during our upcoming Giving Breakfast.”

SCC is the lead community-based care agency for Florida’s Circuit 12, comprising Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties. The core functions provided by SCC include child welfare case management, foster care, adoption, independent living, prevention/diversion, quality management, and support services.

This year the Giving Breakfast will “Reimagine the Future”; it takes place on Thursday, March 26, 8-9:30 a.m. at Michael’s On East (1212 East Avenue S., Sarasota). The Giving Breakfast is a sponsored event; sponsorships ranging from $1,000-$20,000 are now available and can be purchased online at sccfl.org/giving-breakfast.

For questions regarding sponsorships and/or the event, visit sccfl.org/giving-breakfast or contact Jacqueline House, SCC’s VP of Communications and Community Engagement: jhouse@sccfl.org or 941-371-4799, ext. 1127.

About Safe Children Coalition, Inc.
Safe Children Coalition, Inc. (SCC) serves as the lead agency for community-based care for Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties. SCC is a collaboration between local community agencies who provide services to children and families in need. SCC is committed to protecting children, strengthening families, and building community. The core functions provided by SCC include child welfare case management, foster care, adoption, independent living, prevention, diversion, quality management, and support services. Visit sccfl.org or call 941-371-4799.