A happy home is part of the American dream. For many children, that dream can become a nightmare of abuse and neglect.
As a result, just under 700,000 abused or neglected children pass through America’s foster care system every year— more than 1,500 in Manatee, Sarasota and DeSoto counties alone. The problem is big, but easy for many people to ignore. I can’t ignore it, however.
I went through my own childhood trauma, and know what these children endure. I also know what a difference a support system can make.
The support I received empowered me to get my life back on track. The experience inspired me to commit my life to serving children and families whose lives have been shattered.
By JIMMY PETERS Arcadian Hometown Editor Aug 8, 2019
When I walked through the door of the Louis and Gloria Flanzer Boys & Girls Club, I was immediately bombarded with the happy shouts of energetic kids. Three young boys were huddled around a computer, a group of girls danced to a program on the television, and others were standing around the bumper pool table just talking about things young kids talk about. The teachers and volunteers were interacting with the children, some dancing to the music, some just talking, others giving hugs when needed.
Grateful patients often leave flowers or chocolates at the nurses’ station, but philanthropist Gloria Flanzer had the means to think big. In the early 2000s, she asked her personal physician, Dr. Raymond Dean Hautamaki, what she could do for Sarasota Memorial Hospital…
The 2nd Annual Hospital Gala hosted by Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation (SMHF) was held at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota on January 12th. The sold out event of 700 guests raised more than $1.2 million in support of Sarasota Memorial Hospital Cardiac Services…
The countywide collaboration known as First 1,000 Days Sarasota County — which started in April with the goal of supporting local families during a child’s most critical period of development — announced Thursday a donation that will fund a key initiative: hiring hospital-based navigators to guide new mothers through pregnancy, birth and beyond…
Perhaps the only thing more impressive than the great love Gloria and Lou showed for each other during their 66 years of marriage is the generosity behind their longstanding commitment to philanthrophy…
Philanthropist Gloria Flanzer died Monday, at the age of 87, at her home on Longboat Key.
Born May, 23, 1927, in Manhattan, N.Y., Flanzer was preceded in death by her husband, Louis Flanzer, who died in 2013 at the age of 93. Both were long-time residents of Longboat Key; they called the island home for 35 years.
Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Sarasota Manatee’s purchase of prime downtown Sarasota property was made possible by a $1.8 million from the Louis & Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic Trust.
- « Previous
- 1
- 2
Interesed in receiving more information or makIng a donation?
The Louis and Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic trust is a tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization not affiliated with any other member of the Flanzer Family.
