Venice, FL – June 24, 2025 – Caldwell Trust Company, an independent financial institution committed to community engagement and charitable giving, is proud to announce a $10,000 contribution to the Family First Institute, a transformative program led by Philip Tavill, CEO of Children First.
The gift includes a $5,000 grant from Caldwell’s Board of Directors through the company’s Trustee Annual Giving Program. That amount was matched dollar-for-dollar through a federal matching initiative, doubling the donation’s impact to $10,000.
The Family First Institute—developed and operated by Children First—has been empowering families for five years through comprehensive workshops focused on parenting, early childhood development, career readiness, English language skills, and financial literacy. The program equips parents and caregivers with the tools needed to build healthy, stable, and successful lives.
“We’re honored to support the Family First Institute and the outstanding leadership of Philip Tavill,” said R.G. “Kelly” Caldwell, Jr., President and CEO of Caldwell Trust Company. “Their focus on building strong, resilient families directly aligns with our mission and values.”
The Caldwell Board Giving Committee—established in 2014 by President and CEO Kelly Caldwell—met four times this spring to identify nonprofit partners that reflect the company’s core values. The Family First Institute was selected for its measurable impact and alignment with Caldwell’s philanthropic priorities in education, healthcare, and social services.
Caldwell Trust Company Board Member Marge Maisto, a longtime volunteer with Children First, has seen the program’s results firsthand.
“This initiative changes lives. Supporting it means investing in the future of our entire community,” Maisto said.
To date, the Trustee Annual Giving Program has donated $43,000 to regional nonprofits. Previous recipients include:
- Sarasota Military Academy, Cadet to Cadet Training – $3,000 (2015)
- State College of Florida, BSN Nursing Scholarship – $5,000 (2016)
- Take Stock in Children, Two-Year Florida Prepaid Scholarships – $5,000 (2017 & 2019)
- Children First, Family First Institute – $5,000 (2018 & 2025)
- All Faiths Food Bank, COVID-19 Feeding Program – $5,000 (2020)
- Easter Seals SW Florida, 75th Anniversary Gala – $5,000 (2021)
- Church of the Redeemer, Barnabas Aid – $5,000 (2022)
- Tidewell Foundation, Blue Butterfly Grief Program – $5,000 (2023)
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota & DeSoto Counties – $5,000 (2024)
This year’s contribution will help expand Family First’s outreach, providing more families with the essential tools to overcome challenges and build long-term success.
PHOTO: R.G. “Kelly” Caldwell, Jr, President and CEO, Caldwell Trust Company, Philip Tavill, CEO, Children First, and Caldwell Trust Company Board Members, James (Mack) Reid and Marge Maisto
To learn more about Caldwell Trust Company, visit www.ctrust.com or email info@ctrust.com