Nonprofit moves ahead with new campus

SARASOTA — The All Star Children's Foundation plans to break ground on its Center for Hope & Healing today.

According to a press release, the 5-acre campus in Sarasota will provide a place for children who have entered the foster care system due to abuse or neglect. Area philanthropists Dennis and Graci McGillicuddy are the co-founders of the nonprofit.

The campus will include a 12,000-square-foot building that will house trauma-informed treatment and therapy programs; a learning lab; John Hopkins All Children's Hospital research and development program staff; a children's boutique; and an aquarium. It will also include six single-family style foster homes that can accommodate individual children and siblings; a community recreation area; a playground; an outdoor theater; picnic areas; and a community garden.

“I have seen the effects of child abuse and neglect,” says Executive Director Lucia Branton in a statement. “Building our campus on the scientifically proven premise that the effects of trauma can be healed means hope and opportunity for the children we will serve.”

The foundation has raised $7 million toward its $13 million campaign. Supporters of the project include the Barancik Foundation; the State of Florida; individual donors, businesses and organizations; and the McGillicuddys.

Editor's Note: This article was updated to add the amount the foundation has raised and the campaign goal.