Where do Girl Scout Cookie funds really go? Earnings support projects, trips, and goals
The Girl Scout Cookie Program launched in January across the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida Council, including Manatee, Sarasota, DeSoto, and Charlotte counties, and ends on March 9. Girl Scout Cookie fans can still order in person or online by entering their zip code into the Cookie Finder at gsgcf.org/en/cookies/find-cookies.html and support local Girl Scouts.
When community members buy a box of Girl Scout Cookies, every penny stays local. Profits are divided between individual Girl Scouts and their council. The girls use their earnings to fund projects, trips, and personal goals, while the council reinvests in programming that creates camp adventures and dynamic activities for girls all year long.
Troop 610 recently turned their profits from the fall "Mags and Munchies" program, the sister program to the Girl Scout Cookie Program, into a community project – creating 50 Birthday Cake Kits, each filled with the ingredients to bake a cake, balloons, candles, and a disposable pan, and a hand-colored birthday card. The kits were donated to schools, ensuring that every child, regardless of financial situation, could celebrate their birthday.
'They really enjoyed doing this, and I'm glad we were able to donate to their schools so it could hit closer to home for them,' said Lisa Haney, Troop 610's leader.
Last year, a group of local Girl Scouts turned years of cookie sales into a Girl Scouts Destinations trip to London and Paris. The European adventure exemplifies the life-changing opportunities cookie funds can provide, empowering girls to explore the world and gain independence.
The Girl Scout Cookie Program also is the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world. By participating, girls gain five essential skills: goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics.
'Our Girl Scouts learn so much through the Cookie Program. It's not just about selling cookies; it's about building confidence, learning life skills, and giving back to the community,' said Mary Anne Servian, CEO of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida. 'When you buy Girl Scout Cookies, you're supporting these incredible experiences and helping develop the leaders of tomorrow.'
Girl Scouts across the Gulf Coast are still taking orders for the 2025 Girl Scout Cookie season. To find Cookies, visit girlscouts.org/cookies. Text 59618 to stay up to date on the latest Cookie news.
For more information about Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida or how to join or support a troop, visit gsgcf.org.
Submitted by Jessica Miano
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Did you buy Girl Scout Cookies? Here's where the money really goes
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Associated Press
7 days ago
- Associated Press
Profiles of Good Character and Inspiring Innovation: Honoring the Legacy of Mike Daniels
In Tribute to Michael A. Daniels Michael A. Daniels was many things — a visionary technologist, a principled leader, a supportive mentor, and a true friend. Across five decades, he helped shape industries, strengthen national security, and guide the digital evolution of the modern world. But those who knew him best will remember far more than the companies he built or the markets he transformed. They will remember his integrity, curiosity, steadiness, and above all, the way he invested in people. Daniels lived a life defined not by accolades, but by his impact on organizations, on ideas, and on the many individuals fortunate enough to work and walk alongside him. His legacy is not only one of extraordinary achievement, but of enduring character. A Foundation of Character Daniels grew up in the small town of Cape Girardeau in southeast Missouri. An active member of the Boy Scouts, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout and was later recognized with the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award — a reflection of his lifelong commitment to service and leadership. His early experiences in scouting left a lasting impression, instilling in him a deep appreciation for civic involvement and a love of the outdoors. Before rising to prominence in technology and national security, Daniels held a wide range of unassuming jobs. An ambitious young man, he worked as a janitor and was a truck driver in his father's business. Through each of these roles, he developed a strong work ethic and a belief that any job done with integrity is something to be proud of. Along this same thread, perseverance and commitment were values he carried with him throughout his life. His friends and colleagues often speak about his 'legendary down-to-earth, Midwestern work ethic' as a defining quality that served as the baseline for every accomplishment that followed. The Early Spark of Innovation Daniels earned both his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Northwestern University, attending as an undergraduate on a debate scholarship. Always intellectually curious, he sought out technology courses to better understand the digital revolution taking shape around him. That decision would lay the foundation for a lifelong career at the forefront of innovation. While studying at Northwestern, Daniels also served as a Naval Reservist. In 1969, he was called to active duty during the Vietnam War and assigned to the Office of Naval Research in Washington, D.C., the Navy's hub for advanced science and technology. There, he was selected by the Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPA) — now known as DARPA — to join the inaugural user group for ARPANET, the earliest iteration of the internet. ARPA had activated the ARPANET system just two months before Daniels's arrival. He and his fellow users sat at terminals, sending electronic messages across locations, which was a revolutionary concept that marked the first known use of email. Among the government contractors he interacted with during this time was CACI, where he first met members of the technical team. After completing his active-duty service in 1971, Daniels returned to Missouri to pursue a law degree at the University of Missouri School of Law. Ten months before graduation, a former contact from CACI, Dr. J.P. (Jack) London, who had since become the company's CEO, reached out with a job offer in their technology business. Daniels completed his degree and accepted the role, moving back to Washington to join CACI in January 1974. First Steps in Leadership At the time he joined, CACI was a small company occupying just a floor and a half of office space in Rosslyn, Virginia. But Daniels believed in the promise of humble beginnings. 'Great people can build great companies that last for long periods of time,' he said. 'If there's one thing I've learned, it's that great companies usually start with a small handful of people. Those people have a vision; they have a dream.' One of the first people Daniels met at CACI was co-founder Herb Karr. He worked closely with Herb, admiring his dedication to the company and his determination to make a lasting impact in the technology space. Daniels stayed at CACI for five years, gaining firsthand experience in what it took to grow a mission-driven business. Eventually, he made the decision to follow his own entrepreneurial instincts. In 1979, he founded Computer Systems Management, a government contracting firm supporting the defense and intelligence communities as well as DARPA. By 1986, the company had grown to a team of 200 technical professionals. That year, Daniels began exploring what might come next. He met with Dr. Robert Beyster, the founder and CEO of Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) and came away from the meeting convinced he had met one of the sharpest technical entrepreneurs in the business. Later that year, Daniels sold Computer Systems Management to SAIC, and the entire team joined the company in December 1986. This marked the beginning of his journey as a senior executive with SAIC and the start of a successful business partnership with Beyster. For Daniels, one of the most important lessons in growth and success was knowing when it was time to move on. Each step forward created new space for opportunity — and this next chapter would prove to be his most defining yet. Seeing the Future Before It Arrives In early 1987, shortly after selling his first company, Daniels received a call from the same lawyer who had helped him close the deal. A small, relatively unknown firm named Network Solutions was seeking an acquisition partner. Daniels met the founders, saw promise in their vision, and began awarding them subcontracts to better understand their work. Over time, that relationship deepened and positioned the company for a breakthrough opportunity. In 1992, Network Solutions secured the National Science Foundation Cooperative Agreement, a competitive contract that any U.S. company could bid on. The agreement made Network Solutions the official registrar of domain names ending in .com, .org, .net, and .edu, placing them at the heart of the internet's commercial infrastructure during a pivotal moment in its development. Daniels closely followed the company's growth. While the broader market remained unaware of its potential, he saw what others didn't. In 1995, acting on that insight, he orchestrated SAIC's acquisition of Network Solutions for $4.7 million. Just two years later, the dot-com boom began. By 2000, SAIC sold the company to VeriSign for $19.3 billion, which was one of the most extraordinary returns on investment in business history. A colleague recalled, 'Mike was a chairman who was always bringing out the best in his team, inspiring a diverse set of talent, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.' That leadership helped Network Solutions become a cornerstone of the early internet age. The full story was later chronicled in Names, Numbers, and Network Solutions: The Monetization of the Internet, a book Daniels co-authored with Beyster. Their account captures a critical era in digital history and the foresight that helped shape it. The Work of a Lifetime Some described Daniels as having the Midas touch, but he would be the first to say that success never came without grit, foresight, and the courage to take calculated risks. Following the sale of Network Solutions, Daniels entered a period marked by sustained success in the private sector. He became known not only for his business instincts but for his ability to guide companies through moments of transformation. 'Mike has succeeded in every situation I've seen him in, and he has done so with grace and integrity,' one colleague reflected. He served on the boards of high-growth firms including Mobile365 and GlobalLogic, helping guide both to transformative exits. At Invincea and later Two Six Labs, Daniels provided not just leadership but mentorship, guiding CEOs through complex transitions. He saw value others overlooked and championed long-term vision over short-term gain. 'Mike is a true leader with an exceptional reputation amongst his peers given his extraordinary success as a board member, and he is someone who has clearly demonstrated the best corporate governance practices, from Fortune 500 companies to cutting-edge, high growth tech companies to community-leading non-profits.' Daniels also served as Chairman of LMI, a company dedicated to supporting national security missions through logistics innovation. Through every role, he remained a calm, strategic presence, and was someone sought after not just for what he knew, but for how he led. Guiding CACI's Next Chapter Daniels rejoined CACI in 2013 as a member of the Board of Directors, bringing with him decades of experience across the technology and national security sectors. From his first meeting, it was clear he brought both strategic vision and a steady hand. Following the unexpected passing of longtime Chairman Dr. Jack London, the Board unanimously elected Daniels as his successor. In that role, he became a trusted advisor to leadership and a cultural touchstone for the company. 'Mike's values and priorities set that tone — honesty, integrity, strategy, and character,' one executive noted. 'He brings out the best in people.' 'Not only is this a great company, but it has the right mission: to help the United States of America,' said Daniels. 'I want to thank every one of you at CACI for all you've done, and all those who came before us who helped build this great enterprise.' A Legacy of Mentorship and Service For Daniels, leadership was never just about business outcomes, it was about investing in people. Known for his candor, patience, and clarity, he earned a reputation as a compassionate mentor who told people what they needed to hear — not just what they wanted to hear. 'Personally, and professionally, Mike Daniels is an outstanding corporate citizen, business leader, innovator, husband, father, and friend of the highest caliber. His care and concern for individuals and the greater good continue to highlight his remarkable achievements.' He served as a senior advisor to the National Security Council and the White House on defense technology and held advisory roles with Blue Delta Capital Partners and the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. He also remained closely involved with the Boy Scouts of America, serving on the National Capital Area Council's Executive Committee and as Chair of its Board. In recognition of his remarkable career, Daniels received numerous honors, including two lifetime achievement awards in 2024: the B. Kenneth West Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association of Corporate Directors and a Virginia Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award. 'Life is about the people you meet. If you really get to know and befriend a few extraordinary people over time, you're fortunate. Mike's simply extraordinary.' A Life Well-Lived Outside of his professional accomplishments, Daniels found his greatest joy in the life he built with his wife, Bonnie. The two met as students at Northwestern University in the 1960s and were married for more than 50 years. Their partnership was a constant — grounded in love, mutual respect, and a shared sense of adventure. Bonnie nurtured Daniels's love of hiking, skiing, and travel. Together, they sought out some of the most remote and awe-inspiring places on earth. Among his favorite destinations were the Mount Everest Base Camp and Svalbard, the northernmost tip of Norway. For Daniels, standing on a quiet ridge with nothing but the wind and the view was a reminder of perspective — a sense that life was much bigger than the day-to-day, and that humility was essential to understanding it. The Daniels family gave generously of both their time and resources, always with the goal of making the world better, and never with a need for recognition. Their impact has been felt quietly, but meaningfully, across the communities and causes they cared about most. To those who knew him personally, Daniels was a devoted husband, a proud father, and a steadfast friend. His life was not only one of remarkable achievement, but of deep integrity, enduring love, and true presence with the people who mattered most. What Remains Michael Daniels's accomplishments speak for themselves, but the full measure of his legacy lives in the stories shared by those who knew him, the leaders he shaped, and the values he modeled every day. He had a gift for seeing the big picture and the human one at the same time. He brought out the best in others not by demanding greatness, but by believing in it. To work with him was to learn. To know him was to admire him. And to walk through life beside him — as a colleague, a friend, or a member of his family — was a rare privilege. He leaves behind a world better than he found it, a standard higher than most dare to reach, and a memory that will continue to guide and inspire all who carry his lessons forward. About CACIAt CACI International Inc (NYSE: CACI), our 25,000 talented and dynamic employees are ever vigilant in delivering distinctive expertise and differentiated technology to meet our customers' greatest challenges in national security. We are a company of good character, relentless innovation, and long-standing excellence. Our culture drives our success and earns us recognition as a Fortune World's Most Admired Company. CACI is a member of the Fortune 500™list of largest companies, the Russell 1000 Index, and the S&P MidCap 400 Index. For more information, visit us at There are statements made herein which do not address historical facts, and therefore could be interpreted to be forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are subject to factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated results. The factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated include, but are not limited to, the risk factors set forth in CACI's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, and other such filings that CACI makes with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. Any forward-looking statements should not be unduly relied upon and only speak as of the date hereof. # # # Corporate Communications and Media: Lorraine CorcoranExecutive Vice President, Corporate Communications(703) 434-4165, [email protected] Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from CACI
Newsweek
21-07-2025
- Newsweek
Girl Scouts CEO Says Investing in Girls Is Key to a Bright Future
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Beyond the cookie sales and green vests filled with colorful patches, Girl Scouts is a legacy organization that has been helping girls become stronger leaders for over a century. "Our mission is to build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place," Girl Scouts of the USA CEO Bonnie Barczykowski told Newsweek in an email. "We want them to know the future is theirs to lead." Leading Girl Scouts of the USA as the CEO since 2023 is both a "tremendous responsibility and a tremendous opportunity," Barczykowski said. She said her goal is to ensure the organization remains relevant in what it offers girls and to close the gaps that exist so that more girls, volunteers and communities can "fully experience the life-changing benefits of Girl Scouts—especially those we have yet to reach." Barczykowski joined Girl Scouts at the local level in Missouri as a board member and then COO in 2012, ultimately serving as CEO of Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri for nearly a decade. There, she transformed the program, expanding access to include more girls while leading a $50 million fundraising campaign. Prior to working at Girl Scouts, Barczykowski began her career as an elementary school teacher. She then transitioned into sales and marketing for a major airline before opening and operating five Curves fitness franchises. She told Newsweek that all her experiences and the perspective she's gained from them deeply inform her leadership today. "I bring both local and national insight to the table, and I lead with clarity, conviction, and an unwavering belief in the power of girls," she said. "My career has never followed a straight line, and that's what makes it unique. It's proof that courageous moves and unexpected turns can lead to extraordinary outcomes." Girl Scouts was founded by Juliette Gordon Low in 1912 in Savannah, Georgia, at a time when women and girls had limited opportunities. The organization has since grown to include nearly two million members from 111 local Girl Scout councils and troops in more than 92 countries through USA Girl Scouts Overseas. The Girl Scout Law promotes honesty, fairness, courage, respect, sisterhood and service — values that serve as the foundation of an organization existing in an ever-changing world. "The girls we serve are always moving forward—fast—and it's our responsibility to stay in step with their pace and potential," she said. "So we'll continue to evolve to make the Girl Scout experience relevant, exciting and accessible for every girl, ensuring her individual goals and dreams are reflected." Women's Global Impact: Bonnie Barczykowski Women's Global Impact: Bonnie Barczykowski Newsweek Illustration Leading an organization that has been around for over 100 years can be daunting. But Barczykowski is up to the task. The Girl Scouts of today have different interests, priorities and challenges than scouts of the past. "My biggest, and most exciting, challenge as the CEO of an organization with such a powerful legacy—113 years of building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place—is ensuring that that legacy endures and that Girl Scouts is thriving for 113 more years," she said. When leading an organization that centers on building girls' character and teaching them the importance of "leaving the world better than they found it," Barczykowski said practicality and empathy are equally important to being a solution-minded leader. Along with her "talented and dynamic" leadership team, and 111 council CEOs across the country, Barczykowski is committed to "revolutionizing" engagement with members, amplifying impact and "securing tomorrow as responsible and passionate stewards of Girl Scouting." Noorain Khan said being a Girl Scout changed her life – the organization brought her lifelong friendships, encouragement from adult mentors and opportunities to get involved with leadership and social justice programs. That formative experience kept her involved in the organization through adulthood, serving as a young adult volunteer, a National Board member and now as the National President and Daisy troop leader. Khan said Barczykowski is an incredible leader and partner, describing her as wise, kind, intentional, strategic and clear. "As a former council CEO, she knows what it means to deliver for our girls day in and day out," she said. "She always listens and tries to understand. And she's a visionary who believes that the impossible is possible—and, very importantly, she knows how to bring people along in that vision." Understanding and empathy are key when leading Girl Scouts through fast-paced technological advances and a post-pandemic society. The organization's internal research shows that more than half of girls ages five through 13 said they think the idea of being a grown-up sounds scary. In recent years, Girl Scouts has increased efforts to prepare girls to tackle the world's most pressing issues. After a recent study showed that nearly 70 percent of girls experience loneliness, Girl Scouts launched the Mental Health Initiative in 2021 in response to the growing mental health crisis among girls, in partnership with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and HCA Healthcare. This includes new mental health-related patch programs designed to facilitate important conversations and provide resources and materials to scouts and troop leaders. In the last year, Girl Scouts has also received a $30 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to support character development initiatives and partnered with the League of Women Voters to support the Promote the Vote program and other civic engagement opportunities within Girl Scouts. "My greatest hope is to ignite that same spark in today's girls—to help them discover who they are, what they care about, and how powerful they already are," Khan said. "Because I'm not just helping build the future of Girl Scouts—I'm giving back to the sisterhood that helped build me." Khan said Girl Scouts has always tried to "meet girls where they are" to help best prepare them for the challenges ahead. This includes the addition of the Girl Scout Advisory Board, which features 22 Girl Scouts from across the country who help shape the organization by advising on everything from global leadership to mental wellness, outdoor exploration and the future of the Girl Scout Cookie Program. "Through all this evolution, our purpose has never been clearer: we don't just prepare girls for the future; we prepare them to lead it," she said. As society has progressed to expand the rights, freedoms and opportunities for women, Girl Scouts must keep up to promote diversity and accessibility for all girls. Barczykowski said Girl Scouts from all walks of life bring their own unique perspectives, passions and energies to their journeys within the organization. And it is Girl Scouts' organizational priority, she said, to reach every girl in every community and eliminate any obstacle that prevents any girl from getting involved. As a young hijab-wearing Muslim girl, Khan said she didn't look like most of her troop, but she felt seen, supported and celebrated. It was that sense of belonging that helped her believe in herself and inspired the culture she wants to continue as a leader. "One of my top priorities is making sure every girl feels she truly belongs in Girl Scouts—and knows this is a place where she can grow, lead and thrive," she said. "That means doing more to engage communities of color, girls with disabilities, girls who don't feel like they belong and girls who face financial barriers. They deserve to feel safe, welcomed and fully supported—and to experience the same powerful outcomes as every Girl Scout." Khan said her goals are rooted in purpose – building a thriving organization with flourishing local councils and a powerful, united movement that continuously grows in strength and relevance. She is the first Muslim American and Millennial to hold the position of National Board President. At the 2023 National Council Session, where she was elected National President, the body also voted to codify anti-racism into its constitution to eradicate discrimination within the organization. Girl Scouts is "one of the most unique and enduring forces for good in the world," she said, and said she's deeply committed to ensuring more girls in every corner of the country have access to its "life-changing power." "When girls become Girl Scouts, the impact doesn't stop with them—it ripples outward into families, neighborhoods and communities," she said. "That's why I'm focused on helping build an organization that's not only healthy and future-ready, but one that is as welcoming as it was when I walked into my first troop meeting." Barczykowski wants girls all over the world to know their worth, trust in their potential and make their dreams a reality. For everyone else, her advice is to invest in girls. "They're not just the leaders of tomorrow—they're leading in incredible ways today, and they want to put their skills to use," she said. "Introduce a mentorship program, invite a Girl Scout troop to learn more about your field, create an internship program for Gold Award Girl Scouts, or encourage your staff to volunteer with their local Girl Scout council. It's never too early to start inspiring our future workforce." Bonnie Barczykowski is one of the panelists at Newsweek's Women's Global Impact Forum that will take place at Newsweek's headquarters at One World Trade Center in New York City, on August 5, 2025. The forum aims to connect senior female executives across all industries and job functions with rising stars on the path to C-suite positions to discuss leadership, innovations and how they are inspiring all women to succeed in the business world.
CBS News
01-07-2025
- CBS News
Girl Scouts sell lemonade, helping Pittsburgh nonprofit raise thousands of dollars
Sometimes life can be sour in a real way. And as the old saying goes: if life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Some girls in Wexford, along with several other people around Allegheny County, spent all day Monday selling lemonade, trying to help people going through a tough time. Twenty Girl Scouts set up outside of the Oxford Athletic Club were trying to make cash in a very refreshing way. The only thing sweeter than the sales staff was what they were supplying. "We have regular lemonade with boba, pink lemonade with boba, then there's two regular and cookies," said Girl Scout Reagan Lynn Kennedy. Amy Fleming, the co-founder of 412 Gives Back, said, "We're a group of all-female volunteers, and our purpose is to team up with local nonprofits in the Pittsburgh area and raise money and awareness on their behalf." This year, the target organization was One Day to Remember, which provides outings to families with young children when a parent has advanced-stage cancer. The girls outside the Oxford Athletic Club weren't the only ones working. "This year, we have 27 stands throughout Pittsburgh," Fleming said. The girls at the Oxford Athletic Club also provided their own artistic advertising, and it seemed like business was pretty good. "I think we're doing better this year," said Girl Scout Madison Ann Kennedy. 412 Gives Back tallied over $16,000 for One Day to Remember this year.
