November 6, 2020

Kelley Kronenberg Supports Florida’s Children First’s Creative Virtual Fundraiser in Tampa to Support Critical Work with Foster Youth

FLORIDA’S PREMIER YOUTH ADVOCACY ORGANIZATION OFFERS A UNIQUE WAY TO SIP, SUPPORT, OR SAY “THANK YOU” WITH A SPECIAL GIFT THAT SUPPORTS THEIR CRITICAL WORK

Tampa, Fla. – Florida’s Children First (FCF), an award-winning nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the rights of at-risk children and youth in the foster care system, is hosting the CHILL Virtual Wine Tasting fundraiser on Thursday, December 3, 2020, from 6 to 7 p.m. As part of its annual Greater Tampa Bay area fundraiser, patrons will enjoy a safe, socially distanced and fun way to “escape” from their local surroundings for a bit, while affording FCF the opportunity to raise funds and educate supporters on their mission of helping kids in and aging out of foster care.

“It’s been a difficult year for us all, so we wanted to create an entertaining and informative way to connect with our supporters,” said Christina Spudeas, FCF Executive Director. “By partnering with these talented and incredibly knowledgeable Napa wine experts, participants will learn about fine wines while also learning more about the important work we do, all from the comfort of their own home.”

Grayson Kamm, a former local news reporter and current Chief Communications Officer at the State Attorney’s Office, will serve as the evening’s Emcee. “I have hosted FCF’s annual fundraiser events for years and seen first-hand the tremendous impact the organization has had on the lives of thousands of our most vulnerable children.  I am thrilled that we will be able to toast to their achievements once again.”

During this unique fundraising event, participants will “escape to Napa” as renowned master wine expert Gillian Ballance explains the featured wines, what makes them special, how to best complement each one, and much more. Participants can choose from a variety of premium wines from Napa’s celebrated wine region, which will be shipped directly to their homes.  For those who want to support but not savor, the wine packages can also be gifted and shipped to others or sent as year-end corporate or holiday gifts. “A package of wine directly from Napa that also supports a nonprofit is a truly unique gift,” adds Spudeas.

“Everyone, particularly those in or aging out of the foster care system, has endured some very trying months. But all of us, especially the youth in foster care we serve, have shown tremendous resilience,” said FCF Board President and founder Howard Talenfeld, who serves as Co-Business Unit Leader of the Justice for Kids Division of Kelley Kronenberg. “This event provides an outlet to gather together, “CHILL” out, and celebrate amazing accomplishments and people with the Greater Tampa Bay community.”

One of the featured guests will be former foster youth Kenisha Anthony who will share how FCF’s youth advocacy and empowerment organization, Florida Youth SHINE, helped her transition from being an abandoned child of drug-addicted parents to an accomplished young woman and newly published author of “LABELED: Ward of the State.”

CHILL is generously underwritten by sponsors that include FCF Statewide Presenting Sponsor Kelley Kronenberg; and Statewide Sponsors: The Florida Bar Foundation, The Guardian Trust, The Paul Palank Memorial Foundation, and The Shane McGee Foundation.

“As we end a challenging year and begin the holiday season, what better way to celebrate than a virtual trip to Napa that also supports our society’s most vulnerable kids,” notes Heath Eskalyo, Principal Partner/Chief Financial Officer of Kelley Kronenberg. “At a time when we are all facing unprecedented challenges, youth in state care need our support now more than ever. We hope you will join us in supporting FCF on December 3.”

For more information about Florida’s Children First or the CHILL fundraiser and the packages available, please visit www.FloridasChildrenFirst.org. It is recommended to place wine orders by November 17 to ensure delivery by the event date.

About Florida’s Children First:

Florida’s Children First (FCF) is an award-winning nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the rights of at-risk children and youth in foster care. The organization focuses on making big systemic changes that improve the system for thousands of young people in care today, and in the future. FCF developed the Florida Youth SHINE program to provide foster youth the support, mentorship, and empowerment they need to reach their full potential as advocates for their own needs.

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ABOUT KELLEY KRONENBERG

Kelley Kronenberg is a multi-practice business law firm with nearly 400 employees, more than 175 attorneys and 11 locations throughout Florida and the United States. Founded in 1980, the firm is one of the fastest-growing law firms in Florida and amongst the largest in the U.S. The firm serves all types and sizes of public and private companies, including small businesses and individuals nationwide. Kelley Kronenberg has been recognized amongst the “Largest U.S. Law Firms” by the National Law Journal’s NLJ 500, Law 360 400, and Florida Trend in 2020, “America’s Top Corporate Law Firms” by Forbes and “Top 10” in NLJ’s Women’s Scorecard in 2019. The firm has been the recipient of many accolades most recently including in 2020: “Best Multi-Practice Business Law Firm – USA,” Acquisition International; “Top Workplaces,” Sun Sentinel; “Best Places to Work,” South Florida Business Journal;  “Business of the Year,” “Top 100 Private Companies,” “Top Law Firms,” and “Largest Law Firms,” South Florida Business Journal; “Largest Law Firms,” Tampa Bay Business Journal, Orlando Business Journal,  and Jacksonville Business Journal; “Biggest Law Firms in Florida,” Florida Trend; “Top 100 Law Firms,” South Florida Business & Wealth; Florida’s Largest Law Firms,” American Lawyer’s, Daily Business Review “Review 100” and “Best Law Firms,” U.S. News – Best Lawyers®. For more information, visit www.kklaw.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Michelle Martinez Reyes, Chief Relations Officer
mmartinezreyes@kklaw.com