Equality Florida celebrates Key West

Stenzels Equality Florida

The Equality Florida Key West Celebration will honor Jim and Cathy Stentzel with the Voice for Equality award.

“Jim and Cathy have always cared about the welfare of children,” said Equality Florida’s CEO and co-founder Nadine Smith. “For years, their donations, both personal and from their foundation, have been directed to combat bullying of LGBTQ students.”

Equality Florida initiated the Safe and Healthy Schools Project, which is becoming a national model. The Stenzels made an initial donation to help establish the life-saving program. Starting 18 months ago, the program has been implemented in 59 of the state’s 67 school districts, including Monroe County, to be proactive and supportive of all students so they can flourish.

“We have trained all elementary, middle and high school principals, district directors of all departments, as well as all guidance counselors, social workers and school psychologists pertaining to LGBTQ sensitivity, cultural competency and best practices,” said De Palazzo of Equality Florida, while working closely with Theresa Axford, Monroe County’s Executive Director of Teaching and Learning.

A representative from the district also attended a two-day school related LGBTQ conference in St. Petersburg, Fla. in February.

At the event, Smith will be delivering a State of the State address defining the accomplishments, risks and challenges that face the LGBTQ community.

“Our foundation’s mission is ‘peace, justice, and young people.’ We’ve hit the trifecta with Equality Florida; it serves all three goals, transforming the lives of young people in profound ways.” —Jim and Cathy Stentzel, honorees

Equality Florida Key West Celebration
Saturday, March 24, 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Harry S. Truman Little White House
Admission is free, but donations are encouraged
R.S.V.P. at eqfl.org or by calling 786-210-0613

Kristen Livengood is a Marathon High School and University of South Florida grad, mom of two beautiful little girls, and wife to some cute guy she met in a bar. She enjoys red wine, Tito's, Jameson, running (very, very slowly), and spearfishing.