Advancement News

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.

This week we would like to recognize the grandparents of Ethan Bekurs ‘24, Karen and Bill Watson, as our Contributing Chargers. As grandparents, Karen and Bill enhance our community all the way from Baton Rouge, LA! Their generosity to the Shorecrest Fund supports the people and programs at Shorecrest.

Contributing Chargers: Watson Grandparents
11/17/2021
Olivia Segalman, Director of Donor Relations

This week the Shorecrest Advancement Office would like to recognize the grandparents of Ethan Bekurs ‘24, Karen and Bill Watson, as Contributing Chargers. As grandparents, Karen and Bill connect with the Shorecrest community all the way from Baton Rouge, LA, through their generosity to the Shorecrest Fund. With their donation this year, they included this note.
Read More

End of Year Gifts

As we approach the year’s end, there are charitable giving incentives which those considering a gift to the Shorecrest Fund may want to take advantage of.

Gifts made on or before December 31:

Are tax-deductible for the 2021 fiscal year to the fullest extent of the law. New this year: expanded tax benefits help individuals with deductions of up to $600 available for cash donations by non-itemizers. To learn more, visit www.irs.gov.
Have an immediate impact on our students and programs—allowing us to invest in enhancements used throughout the remainder of this school year and beyond.
Inspire others to give and help us reach our goal of at least 70% participation by year-end

*Gifts of $1,923+ before December 31 ensure a donor's inclusion at the 1923 Society Celebration, our annual Giving Society stewardship event, on February 11, 2021.

To make a gift online, visit www.shorecrest.org/give.

If you have any questions about the Shorecrest Fund, please contact Laina Coburn at 727-346-1807 or lcoburn@shorecrest.org.

The Shorecrest Community Sponsors Program is designed to connect businesses in the Tampa Bay Area to the Shorecrest community through a variety of annual, program, and event sponsorship opportunities. Throughout the year, Community Sponsors receive recognition and appreciation through many different communication channels and special events.

To inquire about Community Sponsor opportunities, please contact Laina Coburn, Director of Philanthropic Giving, at lcoburn@shorecrest.org, 727-522-2111 x178. You may also download or print a menu of opportunities here.

*Name

*Email Address

I am a:

Advancement Office Team

List of 5 members.

Michael Gillis

Director of Advancement

727-456-7514

Bio
Michael Gillis, his wife Rosalind and their two daughters, moved from NYC to allow Michael to become the Director of Advancement in 2017. Following commencement from Choate Rosemary Hall, Michael spent a year studying at The Goethe Institute in Salzburg, Austria. He then earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociolinguistics and German from the University of Vermont, and a Fundraising School Certificate at the Lily School of Philanthropy at Indiana University. Mr. Gillis spent the first portion of his career as a producer and director with companies including Fox Home Entertainment, Sony Studios, Columbia Tristar and GMG, Inc. In recent years, he has directed the major gifts program at North County School and a capital campaign for Manhattan Country School. The Gillises have two daughters at Shorecrest, Luna '26 and Sada '28.
Stacy Alexander

Director of Alumni and Community Engagement

Bio
Stacy Alexander graduated with a B.A. in Sociology and Mass Communications from the University of Florida and a M.A. in Higher Education from the University of Louisville. Prior to joining Shorecrest, Stacy served as the Assistant Vice President for Community Relations and Communications for Mote Marine Laboratory located in Sarasota. She is a recent graduate of the Leadership St. Pete program through the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce.

In addition to her work with Shorecrest Chargers Alumni, Stacy serves as a Junior Advisor in the Upper School, and sponsors Shorecrest’s Student Ambassador Program and the Guardian ad Litem Club. Stacy grew up in Palm Harbor and St. Petersburg, Florida.
Laina Bennett Coburn

Director of Philanthropic Giving

727-522-2111 x 178

Bio
Laina Bennett Coburn is originally from Palm Harbor, and returned to the Tampa Bay Area after previously living in Minneapolis and Atlanta. She joined Shorecrest after working most recently as a fundraiser for The Atlanta Opera. Mrs. Coburn has experience working in non-profit arts organizations, broadcast media and database management. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Olaf College where she majored in music, management and media studies.
Olivia Segalman

Director of Donor Relations and Advancement Services

Bio
Olivia Segalman joined the Shorecrest Advancement Office as the Advancement Associate in the summer of 2019. A native of Baltimore, MD, she has lived in Tampa, FL, for the past nine years after attending the University of Tampa, where she earned her bachelor's degree in Advertising and Public Relations. She also holds a master's degree in Public Administration from the University of South Florida. Olivia came to Shorecrest from Tampa Preparatory School where she served as the Communications Coordinator.
Clark Sukaratana

Database & Financial Services for Advancement