Celebrating Leadership in Our Community: Antonio Brown and the Dillinger-McCabe Award

Our Executive Director, Antonio Brown, is a finalist for the Dillinger-McCabe Putting Children First Leadership Award, honoring champions in Pinellas County. This recognition is not just about one person. It reflects our collective dedication to ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive. Together, we are building a community where every child feels safe, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Join Us in Celebration

The winner of the Dillinger-McCabe Putting Children First Leadership Award will be announced at the KidsFirst Luncheon on Friday, October 24, 2025, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM. This annual event is a wonderful chance to celebrate the people and organizations that make Pinellas County a great place for children to grow up. It’s an opportunity to connect with fellow advocates, share inspiring stories, and renew our commitment to supporting local youth.

Tickets are $35.00, and lunch menu items are available in the link below.

Register for the luncheon here: https://registration.socio.events/e/kidsfirstluncheon2025

The Importance of Community Engagement

Community engagement is vital for the growth and development of our children. When we come together, we create a network of support. This network helps children feel valued and understood. It is essential for their confidence and literacy development.

In St. Petersburg, Florida, we are committed to making reading accessible and engaging. We believe that every child should have the tools they need to succeed. By hosting events in community spaces like barbershops, we can reach families where they are. This approach fosters a love for reading and learning.

Empowering Our Youth

Empowering young Black and Indigenous children of color is at the heart of our mission. We strive to create an environment where they can express themselves freely. Our programs focus on building literacy skills while also nurturing creativity and self-esteem.

We understand that representation matters. Seeing leaders who look like them can inspire children to dream big. Antonio Brown’s recognition as a finalist for the Dillinger-McCabe Award is a testament to this. His leadership embodies the spirit of advocacy that we aim to instill in our youth.

Building a Brighter Future

As we look ahead, we remain focused on our goal: improving literacy rates and reading confidence among young men, Black and Indigenous children of color. Each step we take is a step toward a brighter future.

We invite everyone to join us in this journey. Together, we can make a difference. Let’s celebrate our achievements and continue to support one another. The KidsFirst Luncheon is just one way to do that.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Dillinger-McCabe Putting Children First Leadership Award is more than an accolade. It symbolizes our shared commitment to nurturing the next generation. Let’s come together to celebrate, support, and uplift our children.

We look forward to seeing you at the luncheon. Together, we can create a community where every child thrives.

Don’t forget to register for the luncheon here: https://registration.socio.events/e/kidsfirstluncheon2025