Advancement

Contributing Chargers

Shorecrest’s Mission is augmented by the generosity of our parents, grandparents, alumni and friends who support the school philanthropically or by effecting change locally, globally or right here at Shorecrest. We call these community members Contributing Chargers.

1923 Society Celebration

On February 10, 2023, nearly 120 members of the 1923 Society gathered together at the Morean Center for Clay for a centennial-themed event celebrating the impact of leadership level giving.

This annual event, recognizing donors who contribute $1,923+ to the Shorecrest Fund, featured remarks from Head of School, Nancy L. Spencer, where she revealed the six areas of focus of the new strategic plan set to debut later this year.

Attendees were also invited to participate in a new 1923 Society Celebration tradition – honoring the partnership, generosity, and commitment of a leadership donor family who shares a passion for the Shorecrest mission and has made the institution a philanthropic priority. This year the School honored the Root family for their nearly 50 years of generosity and commitment to Shorecrest’s mission.

Janet H'16 and Dr. Allen Root joined the community in the 1970's, when their two youngest children, Michael '85 and Jennifer '81, became Shorecrest students. Following in the footsteps of their father, the children all went into medicine. Michael was recently recognized as the 2019 Shorecrest Distinguished Alumni and currently resides in Ohio where he is a professor of Microbial Infection and Immunity at Ohio State College of Medicine. Jennifer attended medical school and completed her fellowship in the Northeast, later returning to her roots in Florida where she currently practices as a pediatric oncologist for Johns Hopkins All Children’s Cancer & Blood Disorders Institute. 
In her remarks at the event, Head of School Nancy Spencer shared,In every way that Janet was an advocate for Shorecrest, her husband, Dr. Allen Root, has been equally invested in making their shared dream for Shorecrest a reality. Their partnership has been an integral part of making the visual and performing arts co-curricular program what it is today."

Together in 2015, they established the Janet G. Root State of the Arts Endowment. More recently, Dr. Root has championed the creation of the Janet G. Root Award for Excellence in the Visual Arts and the Janet G. Root Circle to serve as a gathering and performance space. 

The Root family’s nearly 50 years of philanthropic support leaves an indelible mark on Shorecrest’s history and future.

Dr. Allen Root shared a few words on behalf of his family before being presented with a special gift from Shorecrest—a Scholastic Arts awarded painting titled ‘Perception’ by Heidi Hicks ‘21 (pictured)
 
This year’s event was proudly sponsored by Harrington Air Conditioning

The 1923 Society, named for the year of our School's founding, is made up of more than 150 donor families including parents, grandparents, alumni, business partners and friends. Their gifts to the Shorecrest Fund help support the School’s greatest needs and highest priorities by providing immediate resources for students, faculty, and programs. All Shorecrest Fund contributions are spent within the same school year they are given. 

To learn more about our Giving Circles and Societies, please visit www.shorecrest.org/giving.

Shorecrest Community Sponsors 

Shorecrest Preparatory School is grateful for the support from our community at large. 

If your business is interested in joining our Community Sponsors for the 2023-2024 academic year, please contact Sarah Heibein, Senior Giving Specialist, Community Partnerships sheibein@ shorecrest.org or 727-456-7533.
    • Community Sponsors 2022-2023

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Advancement Office Team

List of 5 members.

  • Photo of Michael Gillis

    Michael Gillis 

    Director of Advancement
    727-456-7514
    Bio
  • Photo of Laina Bennett Coburn

    Laina Bennett Coburn 

    Associate Director of Advancement for Shorecrest Fund & Giving Programs
    727-522-2111 x 178
    Bio
  • Photo of Sarah Heibein

    Sarah Heibein 

    Sr. Giving Specialist
    Bio
  • Photo of Olivia Segalman

    Olivia Segalman 

    Associate Director of Advancement for Community Engagement & Events
    Bio
  • Photo of Clark Sukaratana

    Clark Sukaratana 

    Stewardship Specialist – Donor & Information Services
    Bio

Shorecrest

5101 First Street Northeast
St Petersburg, FL 33703
Phone: (727) 522-2111  |  Fax: (727) 527-4191
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Shorecrest Preparatory School is a private, non-sectarian, coeducational, college preparatory day school for students preschool through high school, located in St. Petersburg, Florida.