Love Out Loud Outreach at the Florida Keys Children's Shelter
New exterior painting is in the works for FKCS. After 21 years, the building needs a little color to brighten things up! As a part of the Fort Lauderdale and Florida Keys Calvary Chapel Outreach project, Love Out Loud, several gathered to begin the painting. If you would like to help with this volunteer effort, please contact Janey R. Wawerna at 305-731-4741. We will gratefully accept volunteer labor, the donation of supplies and funds to complete the painting.
Save the Date for the 2010 Black & White Ball!
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Marriott Bay Beach Resort, Key Largo
We have a lot to commemorate during this year’s Ball. We are kicking off our 21st year of serving children, teens and families by providing help, hope and healing in the Keys. And most importantly, we will dedicate the evening to the lives of the more than 22,000 children, teens, and parents served by FKCS programs - all made possible by the help of people like you! The celebration will include a Champagne Reception, Dinner, Dancing and Auction.
During the Black and White Ball, we raise money and awareness to support the many programs provided by the Florida Keys Children's Shelter (FKCS). FKCS serves children, teens and families throughout all of Monroe County. Last year alone, we served over 700 children and families.If you believe in children and happy childhoods, I must ask, will you please support our important work through joining us for an evening of fun and celebration at our upcoming Black and White Ball! This has been a tough year for many and we realize that. That is why we have reduced the tickets to $150.00 per person. We are counting on the Ball to raise our spirits and the necessary funds needed to take care of our kids! Be a part of this exciting event!We need your support now more than ever! The many and differing needs for our programs are on the rise; however, the funding is falling short of meeting our program needs. We are counting on the proceeds of the Black and White Ball to help close that ever-growing gap. There are several other ways you can help.
Wyland Paints Friday, February 5, 2010; 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
73 High Point Road, Tavernier, Florida "A Work in Progress"
Join us as we view a work in progress featuring outstanding artists.
As part of Project Inspiration, Wyland was onhand during an Open House at The Florida Keys Children’s Shelter on February 5, 2010.
Hailed a “Marine Michaelangelo” by USA Today, Wyland’s work is sought by millions of collectors and his galleries throughout the United States are considered a must-see on the itineraries of travelers everywhere. His equally successful Wyland Foundation, in partnership with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, is actively engaged in teaching millions of students about our oceans, rivers, lakes, streams, and wetlands.
Project Inspiration was begun by Lisa Lansden, Mrs. American Dream 2009-2010, as a way to promote volunteerism and to help renovate and decorate the bedrooms at the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter thereby improving the quality of life for the children. Since beginning in August, several murals have been painted in the bedrooms with the children. Then the bathrooms and hallways began to receive attention. Many of the artists have decided to begin routine art lessons at the shelter as well.
The artists involved in Project Inspiration are Adam Scott Rote, Wyland, Brooke Spaulding, Darryl Norem, Diane Schleider, Kathleen Denis, Stacie Krupa, Pasta Pantaleo, Kelly Hostetler, and Morna Stenghold. Many other local volunteers have made a tremendous difference in Project Inspiration. They are Marcia and Chip DeClue, Dr. True Lansden, Gary Lentz, Grace Greene, Bob Michael, local news media, and staff and administration at the shelter! Once the painting portion of the effort is done Project Inspiration will continue by getting the floors of the shelter replaced.
View Videos of the Event (Split into Three Parts)
Mayor’s Ball Benefitting FKCS
The Mayor’s Ball 2010 was the place to be on January 9, 2010. More than 170 people came together to support the important work of the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter (FKCS).
The Florida Keys Children's Shelter continued to celebrate more than 20 years of service during the Mayor’s Ball held on January 9, 2010, at the beautiful and historic Casa Marina Beach Resort. The cold weather did not deter many of Key West’s finest from joining Mayor and Mrs. Cates in an evening of dinner, dancing and fun -- benefiting the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter.
The evening was filled with excitement as the large group of guests joined in celebration. The Cates family hosted dignitaries such as, Ron Saudners, Bob Peryam, Mark Rossi, Rick Ramsey, Joseph Burke, Lawrence Tyree, Andy Griffiths and several more notable Keys’ area citizens.
During the night there was time set aside for Kathy Tuell, President and CEO of FKCS, to thank several very special friends and partners of the shelter. Tuell stated that, "the Florida Keys Children's Shelter, through the hard work and help of others, has been able to protect and care for more than 22,000 children and families in Monroe County." Tuell reminded the group of the ongoing challenges children, teens and families are facing every day in our current economic climate.
The evening was a wonderful success allowing the Florida Keys Children's Shelter to express their tremendous gratitude to all their many supporters and to secure much needed funds to continue serving Monroe County's most vulnerable citizens by offering shelter and services leading to help, hope and healing.
Following the dinner, Tuell recognized the special partnership with Key West and the Mayor by presenting Craig and Cheryl Cates with an appreciation award and flowers.
For more information on becoming involved with the Florida Keys Children's Shelter, you may contact Janey Miller, Chief Development Officer at 305-852-4642 ext. 222 or by email at janeymiller@fkcs.org.
Florida child-abuse deaths up 21% in 2008 By Amy L. Edwards and Bianca Prieto
Orlando Sentinel Published: January 6, 2010
Tyler Rodgers died just two months shy of his second birthday — killed by a bullet fired from his father's gun.
The Ocoee toddler, who was shot in March 2008, was one of 201 children who died as a result of child abuse that year in Florida, according to an annual report released Wednesday.
Tyler is part of a startling new statistic: Child-abuse deaths in Florida spiked about 20 percent in 2008 from the previous year.
