All Star Children’s Foundation marked a milestone evening at its Third Annual Twinkle Ball, where more than 400 guests gathered to champion the organization’s mission of transforming the foster care system. The elegant black-tie gala, held at The Ora, raised over $750,000 to support children and families impacted by trauma and foster care.

This year’s event was led by Gala Chairs Michael and Terri Klauber and John and Amy Hoskins, whose leadership and commitment helped elevate the evening’s success.

Guests were treated to a memorable night featuring a curated dinner by Michael’s On East, an exciting live auction of luxury travel and lifestyle experiences, powerful mission moments, and an inspiring paddle raise—all benefiting All Star’s trauma-informed programs and life-changing therapeutic services delivered on its Campus of Hope & Healing.

A highlight of the evening was the keynote address by Peter Mutabazi, renowned foster parent, author, advocate, and founder of Now I Am Known. Mutabazi shared his extraordinary personal journey and emphasized the urgent need for safe, stable, and nurturing homes for children in foster care. His message reinforced the core of All Star’s mission: helping children heal from trauma through innovation, science, and compassion.

“All Star Children’s Foundation’s supporters continue to show what is possible when a community rallies around its most vulnerable children,” said Stephen Fancher, Chief Advancement Officer. “The generosity we witnessed at this year’s Twinkle Ball makes it possible for more children in foster care to experience trauma-informed care, safety, and the steady support every child deserves. Our community’s commitment truly changes lives”

Funds raised will directly support All Star’s comprehensive mental health services for children affected by trauma, on-campus therapeutic foster homes, training for child-welfare professionals, and the organization’s ongoing efforts to strengthen families and transform the foster care system.

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All Star is proud to offer a nationally recognized training program in child trauma for mental health and psychology graduate students.   Over the past few years, our interns and fellows have joined us from across the country, including California, Arizona, Kansas, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina, for a one-year intensive training program designed to prepare the next generation of clinicians.   The program offers multiple levels of advanced training: a clinical social work practicum for Master’s in Social Work students, an advanced psychology externship for fourth-year doctoral students, a postdoctoral psychology fellowship for recent graduates, and an APA-accredited doctoral psychology internship in partnership with the Centerstone Consortium.   This year’s training cohort brings a diverse range of graduate experience and clinical interests. Current trainees have focused on areas such as Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), autism assessment, bullying in schools, and the juvenile justice system.   Trainees engage in a wide range of clinical and educational activities, including psychological assessment, consultation, evidence-based trauma-focused intervention, multidisciplinary team meetings, case conferences, individual and group supervision, didactic trainings, and peer supervision.   Through these experiences, trainees not only expand All Star’s capacity to provide high-quality services to children and families, but also bring with them the most up-to-date knowledge of evidence-based practices and research, ensuring that All Star remains at the forefront of trauma-informed care.   The continued growth of our training program has enriched All Star’s culture of learning and innovation. Hosting trainees has inspired fresh approaches to care, strengthened partnerships with universities and professional networks, and energized our staff by providing opportunities for mentorship and professional development.  Donate

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For employers in a wide variety of industries, employee turnover is a critical – and expensive – problem. Low retention rates result in lower productivity and the loss of institutional knowledge as well as the need to recruit new workers, which can be costly.

In the child welfare realm, there is an additional problem: the disruption, case delays, and trauma experienced by children and families every time they need to start over with a new case worker. According to data from the Florida Department of Children and Families, the statewide turnover average for child protective investigators is 37%, with some areas reaching as high as 80%, due to job stress and low wages.

In order to build a stronger, more resilient workforce, Safe Children Coalition (SCC) – with curriculum guidance and training delivery support from All Star Children’s Foundation (ASCF)  – has begun intensive training and made a commitment to becoming a trauma-informed organization. A trauma-informed organization can have a profound impact on its employees, both in terms of their own well-being and their ability to perform effectively in the workplace. By prioritizing safety, trust, empowerment, and sensitivity, a trauma-informed organization creates an environment that supports staff in their work, promotes their mental and emotional health, and minimizes the risk of burnout or secondary trauma.

The benefits of becoming a trauma-informed organization include: 20increased resilience; stronger employee engagement and job satisfaction; increased employee trust and loyalty; improved employee relationships; higher productivity and performance; more effective leadership development; enhanced belonging; and an overall workplace culture transformation.

“Trauma-informed training helps team members recognize the sensitivities and perspectives of the community we serve but also of our staff. Being a trauma-informed crusader in child welfare is what will set us apart from other community based care organizations. We have arguably one of the most challenging professions – we need this!”

– SCC Family Support Specialist Supervisor Desiree Brown.

The process began approximately a year ago, when SCC approached the All Star Children’s Foundation (ASCF) to support the agency-wide implementation of trauma-informed care practices through training and consultation. Since then, teams from both organizations – including leadership and training staff – have been working closely to plan and deliver the National Child Traumatic Stress Network’s “Child Welfare Trauma Training Toolkit” to SCC personnel at all levels. Over the past several months, ASCF and SCC’s training teams have jointly reviewed and adapted the curriculum to meet the specific needs of SCC staff. Facilitators from both organizations are co-leading the training sessions, combining ASCF’s clinical expertise with SCC’s deep knowledge of child welfare. This unique blend of perspectives ensures the material is both clinically sound and highly relevant to everyday practice in the field.

“We are so excited to be walking alongside the Safe Children Coalition on their journey to becoming a trauma-informed agency,” said All Star Clinical Director Chelsea Hernandez, LCSW. “Their commitment to recognizing the impacts of trauma and fostering understanding and resilience is clear in every conversation during the planning and delivery of training. Building these relationships with SCC and its staff has been incredibly rewarding, and we at All Star hope this is just the beginning of a meaningful partnership for years to come.”

So far, SCC team members have participated in the first phase in the effort, consisting of multiple classroom training curricula targeted toward various levels and roles within the organization. “Trauma 101” included a curriculum for all segments of the SCC workforce focused on understanding different types of trauma and their impact on those who experience it; how trauma intersects with safety, permanency, and well-being; the critical role of resilience in helping children, youth, and families heal; and how  a trauma-informed organization can have a profound and positive impact on employees.

“Trauma-informed organizations are more likely to create a positive, supportive environment that enhances trust, engagement and healing, while reducing harm and burnout,” said SCC President and CEO Brena Slater. “Feedback on the training here at Safe Children Coalition has been very positive thus far; we are grateful to the All Star Children’s Foundation for its support and excited to see the benefits to our team and to the children and families we serve in the months and years to come.”

For more about Safe Children Coalition, visit sccfl.org.

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Thank you — You Made This Summer Shine!   This summer, we celebrated five years of hope and healing at All Star Children’s Foundation—and you made it unforgettable. Through our Five Years of All Star Summer Giving Campaign, we shared stories from foster parents, a Guardian ad Litem, and a community partner whose dedication has shaped our Campus of Hope and Healing.   Because of your generosity, we raised over $50,000 to support children in foster care and the families who care for them… we could not do this work without you!   These funds will provide therapy, trauma screenings, foster parent training, and wraparound supports that help kids feel safe, valued, and loved.   Thank you for helping us build brighter futures—together. Missed the videos? Here’s a link to the “Five Years of All Star” playlist. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and share with a friend! All Star hosted Bal-A-Vis-X training for 40 community providers. Bal-A-Vis-X is a program that focuses on balance, auditory, and visual integration to support the coordination of left and right brain function. All Star staff Laura Roggenbaum, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist, and Regan Schultz, Advanced Doctoral Psychology Intern, represented All Star at the American Psychological Association Convention in Denver, CO. We’re proud to partner with Safe Children Coalition to lead the Child Welfare Trauma Training Toolkit (CWTTT) this fall!   Our team is stepping up to strengthen trauma-informed care across the child welfare system—equipping professionals with the tools they need to better support children and families. Follow along on Instagram @allstarchildren to see where we’re headed next! As we continue to celebrate All Star’s 5th Anniversary, we’re inviting dedicated community members and businesses to join us as Ambassadors or Sponsors for the Annual Twinkle Ball gala.  By partnering with us for this milestone event, you’ll help create a memorable night that supports our mission to bring hope and healing to children in foster care.  Join us in making this year’s gala our most impactful yet—together, we can light the way to brighter futures.  Become a Twinkle Ball Ambassador or Sponsor today – call Stephen Fancher at 941.259.3706 or email at StephenF@allstarchildren.org. Donate

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As we wrap up our Five Year Summer Giving Campaign, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you who has supported All Star Children’s Foundation. Your generosity over the past five years has created lasting change in the lives of so many children and families in foster care.   Together, we’ve built a community of hope, healing, and opportunity. Your support has made it possible for us to offer trauma-informed care, educational resources, and the essential tools that help children and foster families not just survive, but thrive.   As we look to the future, our commitment to improving the lives of children in foster care has never been stronger. Through your contributions, children in foster care know they are seen, valued, and loved.   Thank you for being a part of this journey. With your continued support, we are poised to make an even greater impact—transforming lives and creating meaningful, lasting change for years to come.   Your gift will allow us to expand our reach, deepen our trauma-informed approach, and ensure every child has the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive.   Together, we can create a brighter future and change the narrative for children who have faced abuse and neglect.     With gratitude, Denise Marzullo CEO, All Star Children’s Foundation   Donate

Donate

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The grant will support comprehensive trauma-informed assessments, consultations, and therapy services delivered by ASCF’s multidisciplinary team. Customized to each child’s needs, these services include evidence-based therapies, trauma and developmental assessments, and case consultation support.  This aligns with ASCF’s mission to build brighter futures for children in foster care through innovation, science, and compassion, addressing the critical gap in accessible trauma-informed care for children and families in our region.

“United Way Suncoast’s support allows us to reach children in foster care earlier, when timely intervention matters most,” said Denise Marzullo, CEO of All Star Children’s Foundation. “Their partnership expands our impact—and together, we’re helping children heal, grow, and thrive.”

The rigorous selection process by United Way Suncoast’s 40 external reviewers highlights ASCF’s impact and alignment with community needs. “This grant is a testament to our shared commitment to empowering families,” said Stephen Fancher, Chief Advancement Officer. “It fuels our work to create a trauma-informed foster care system where every child feels safe and valued.”

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As we celebrate five transformative years at All Star Children’s Foundation, we’re honored to share the deeply moving story of Dave and Gina Barkema, one of the first families to call our Campus of Hope and Healing home in Fall 2020.   As pioneers on our Sarasota campus, they opened their hearts to children, creating a nurturing haven where healing began and hope flourished. Their dedication helped shape our mission to provide trauma-informed care and build a brighter future for children in foster care. In this touching video, Dave and Gina share how their time at All Star transformed their lives and those of the children they welcomed.   Though no longer fostering on our campus, the Barkemas continue to foster in our community, bringing the same compassion and commitment to children in need. They remain part of the All Star family, regularly accessing our evidence-based clinical services to support the children in their care. Dave and Gina are very active in their church and work as advocates for improvements to the foster care system, ensuring brighter futures for vulnerable youth.   Join our Summer Giving Campaign to honor trailblazers like Dave and Gina and sustain our work in our community. Your support empowers children with the love, safety, and healing they deserve. Donate today to help us build on five years of hope and transformation!     Donate

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Clare Price-CAP, a financial advisor with deep experience in wealth management and legacy planning, joins the board with a passion for creating lasting impact. With a strong understanding of philanthropic strategy and generational giving, Price has helped countless families align their financial goals with their values. Her Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP) designation underscores her commitment to meaningful giving. She brings this same intentionality to her role at All Star, where she hopes to help secure the foundation’s long-term sustainability. Her commitment to serving vulnerable children through strategic support makes her a powerful addition to the organization’s leadership.

John Hoskins, CEO of Sheldon Precision, LLC, is a business leader known for his strategic mindset and heart for community service. “I believe every kid deserves a shot at a safe, stable future, something too many have been denied,” Hoskins said. Leading a company known for innovation and precision, he now brings that same strategic focus to foster care. Hoskins and his wife, Amy, are already actively engaged—co-chairing this year’s Twinkle Ball, All Star’s signature fundraising gala taking place November 12, 2025, at the Ora.

The addition of Price and Hoskins comes as All Star marks five years since launching its innovative Campus of Hope and Healing—an integrated foster care model with an on-site Pediatric Mental Health Treatment Facility, trauma-informed care, mental health services, and individually licensed homes for children who have experienced abuse or neglect.

“We are honored to welcome Clare and John to our board,” said Denise Marzullo, All Star’s CEO. “Clare’s expertise in legacy planning and John’s strategic leadership will be invaluable as we continue to grow and evolve to meet the needs of children and families in foster care.”

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We’re thrilled to share Missy Parmenter’s inspiring story of collaboration in our summer 2025 fundraising campaign video! As a volunteer with All Star since 2020, Missy has been a vital member of the All Star community, bringing compassion and dedication to children in foster care.   She is the Executive Director of Harbor 58 https://www.harbor58.org/, a Sarasota/Manatee-based organization that supports foster youth transitioning to adulthood.  Her compassionate leadership and community involvement have been instrumental in advancing trauma-informed practices and fostering brighter futures for children. Her unwavering commitment continues to light the way for brighter futures.   Support our $50,000 campaign at https://allstarchildren.org/summer-giving/ to join Missy in transforming lives!   Donate

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This June, in honor of National Reunification Month, All Star Children’s Foundation recognizes the children longing to return home, the parents working to rebuild their lives, and the professionals guiding them toward healing. Through trauma-informed mental health care, structured family visits, and ongoing support for both children and caregivers, All Star helps families reconnect and recover—together.

In foster care, reunification is often the primary goal—and the most powerful outcome. “Reunification is more than a plan; it’s about belonging, safety, and love,” says Dr. Kristin Hoffman, Chief of Programs at All Star. “When children can reunify with their parents safely, that’s a powerful expression of healing. Our role is to walk alongside children and families as they work to become whole again.”

She adds, “National Reunification Month reminds us that every child deserves a permanent, loving home—and that with the right support, many families can be restored. All Star Children’s Foundation is proud to stand beside those families and help make reunification a reality.”

All Star’s approach to supporting reunification includes:

• Early, ongoing communication between foster caregivers and birth parents beginning the day of placement;
• Supportive, consistent visitation to help children and parents rebuild trust;
• Collaborative family team meetings with caregivers, clinicians, and child welfare professionals;
• Multidisciplinary partnerships that honor each family’s history, culture, and strengths while addressing adversity.

On its Campus of Hope and Healing, All Star provides both children and their parents with mental health services that address past trauma and strengthen their ability to move forward together. These services go beyond compliance—they nurture resilience and help rebuild the relationships that matter most.

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