Children's advocate Graci McGillicuddy to be honored in Florida Women’s Hall of Fame

Graci McGillicuddy read a newspaper article in 1986 about a 18-month-old Charlotte County baby who died from abuse by her mother and stepfather. Her body was left in a bag outside of a hospital. Shaken by the brutality, the Sarasota resident soon made ending child abuse and supporting the rights of vulnerable children her life's mission.

In 1987 McGillicuddy joined the board of directors of the Child Protection Center. In 2008 she spearheaded a $6 million Capital Campaign to build the Child Advocacy Center, a state-of-the-art facility that opened in May 2010 . She focused on collaborating with local, state and federal officials on initiatives to prevent and treat child abuse.

In honor of her dedication to the rights and welfare of abused children, McGillicuddy, co-founder of the All Star Children’s Foundation , has been selected for induction into the Florida Women's Hall of Fame by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The Florida Women’s Hall of Fame, established by Florida Statute in 1982 , honors women who have made significant contributions through their lives to the improvement of life for women and all Florida citizens. Up to three women are selected each year from 10 nominees recommended to the governor by the Florida Commission on the Status of Women .

The All Star Children’s Foundation, a Sarasota-based nonprofit, supports children living in foster care through evidence-based, trauma-focused interventions and support. The organization's 5-acre Campus of Hope and Healing broke ground in November 2017 and began accepting foster families in summer 2020.

"Graci McGillicuddy's tireless work and unwavering commitment have transformed the lives of countless children and families across the region,” said Douglas Staley, executive director of the Child Protection Center. “Her dedication to protecting our most vulnerable citizens is truly inspiring, and we’re thrilled her achievements have been recognized with this honor.”

McGillicuddy is a Lifetime Director of the Child Protection Center after serving many years as board chair and a board member. Her commitment to children extends to public service roles on multiple state councils and nonprofit boards where she contributes to arts, mentoring, and child abuse prevention initiatives. In 2022 McGillicuddy was recognized by The KNOW Women as a member of their “100 Women to Know in America.”

The Florida Senate honored McGillicuddy in 2009 with its “Spirit of Service” Award, the highest honor bestowed on civilians.

“[McGillicuddy's] passion and relentless advocacy have created a profound impact on the lives of those we serve," said Denise Marzullo, CEO of All Star Children's Foundation. "Her visionary leadership and compassionate spirit have been instrumental in fostering a safer and healthier environment for children in our community. This recognition is a testament to her extraordinary contributions and steadfast dedication."

Extraordinary service, leadership

McGillicuddy will enter the Florida Women's Hall of Fame at a ceremony this fall in Tallahassee. Also entering the Hall of Fame will be May Mann Jennings (1872-1963) and Penny Thompson (1917-1975). Each member of the Hall of Fame is honored with a bronze plaque on the Plaza Level in the Rotunda of the Florida Capitol building.

May Mann Jennings , who was Florida's first lady from 1901 to 1905, was active in a variety of causes, including women's suffrage, child welfare, prohibition and environmental conservation. She was a founding member of the League of Women Voters of Florida.

Gladys "Penny" Thompson was an aviator. During World War II, she joined the Civil Air Patrol as a volunteer and flew missions over the Gulf of Mexico searching for German submarines threatening Allied merchant ships. In 1946 she won the Bertram Trophy Race in Orlando sponsored by the Ninety-Nines, the women's pilot organization started by famed aviator Amelia Earhart.

The Florida Women's Hall of Fame includes philanthropist and "first lady of golf" Barbara Nicklaus (2021) , SEC trailblazer Dr. Ruth Alexander (2012) , Mote Marine Laboratory founder Eugenie Clark (2010), five-time Olympic swimmer Dara Torres (2010), 1985 Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Lucy W. Morgan (2006), philanthropist and eight-time Grammy winner Gloria Estefan (2003), philanthropist and International Tennis Hall of Famer Chris Evert (2000), and trailblazing African-American athlete Althea Gibson (1999).

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Children's advocate Graci McGillicuddy to be honored in Florida Women’s Hall of Fame