To look at Phil Adams and his beautiful family is to see success and happiness. But Phil’s road to where he and his loved ones are now was a difficult journey. For nearly ten years, Phil suffered terrible abuse at the hands of his stepfather.
“I was the lucky one,” Phil says. “I was able to escape when I was 12 and live with my father. But my siblings were never able to get out. I always say I was lucky and that’s why I want to give back.”
Phil went on to serve as a medic in the Navy, then built a two-decade career in the health care industry, recently as Director for Provider Outreach for all three Venice Regional Bayfront Health facilities. His wife, Fawne, has worked for the Auntie Anne’s Pretzels her whole professional life, owning her own Auntie Anne’s truck for two years.
Phil volunteers on behalf of the Child Protection Center, speaking about the abuse he suffered and how the CPC helps kids like he was. His relationship with the CPC began after hearing the CPC’s VP of Philanthropy Sheila Miller speak at the Venice Chamber two years ago.
“I went up to Sheila and told her, ‘I don’t know if you guys need any help, but I am your guy,'" Phil recalls. "I survived childhood abuse, I have a story to tell, and I want to do what I can to give back.”
Ever since, Phil has spoken about his experiences in support of the CPC, including as the keynote speaker at last year’s Night of Hope and Healing. He currently serves on the CPC’s advisory board and the couple donate some of their business profits to the nonprofit.
“The work that the CPC does for children is essential,” Phil says. “The CPC puts me in places where people can benefit from my story. When it comes to child abuse, you don’t want a child to rely on luck, you want to have systems in place to help them. And that’s what the CPC does.”
This year’s Night of Hope & Healing fundraiser for the Child Protection Center will be held on Thursday, Nov 4th, 6-9 P.M., at the Suncoast Air Center, 400 Airport Ave E, Venice. Tickets are $75. The event features food and drinks from a variety of restaurants in the Venice area, extensive silent and live auctions, and numerous games. CPCSarasota.org.
