VENICE, Fla. (Mar. 17, 2026) — Both the City of Venice and the Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners have recognized March 14 as “Better Together Day” to honor Gulf Coast Community Foundation (Gulf Coast)’s annual day of community connection.

During the annual Better Together Block Party held on Saturday, March 14, City of Venice Mayor Nick Pachota presented Gulf Coast President | CEO Phillip Lanham with the proclamation in front of a large crowd at Venice’s West Blalock Park.

Earlier this month, Commissioner Mark Smith of the Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners recognized Better Together Day during the March 3 County Commission meeting. Several members of the Foundation’s leadership team were on hand to accept the proclamation.

“This is a meaningful honor because it shows that leaders across our region recognize the importance of community connection—and that when we come together, our whole community thrives,” said Lanham of the dual designations.

Better Together Day serves as a community-wide recognition that honors the shared history and continued commitment to expanding opportunity and impact across the region. This year’s Better Together Block Party featured curated, hands-on, family-friendly experiences reflecting several of Gulf Coast’s focus areas: Arts and Culture, Education, the Environment, and Health and Human Services.

This year’s celebration honored both Venice’s Centennial and 30 years of Gulf Coast impact. Activities included a playful recreation of Venice’s Shark Spotting, inviting guests to search for hidden sharks throughout the park; Venice trivia at the Education booth; an opportunity to create a piece of art to take home; and the return of Gulf Coast’s YOU MATTER Kindness Campaign, where participants helped spread messages of compassion and connection across the region. Complimentary access to Venice landmarks including the Old Betsy Museum and the Venice Museum was also available during the event.

The event also featured live music from local band Jah Movement, food trucks along Nassau Street, face painting, a photo booth, and roaming circus entertainment.

“From the beginning, Better Together has been about bringing people together to celebrate the heart of our community,” said Kelly Borgia, Gulf Coast’s Director of Brand Engagement. “Seeing neighbors, families, and community partners gathered on a beautiful Saturday in the park was a powerful reminder of how shared moments continue to strengthen our connection to one another and the special place we call home.”

Interviews with Gulf Coast leadership are available upon request. Additional event images are also available upon request. For more information on Better Together, please visit gulfcoastcf.org/bt26.

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About Gulf Coast Community Foundation

Since 1995, Gulf Coast Community Foundation has powered bold philanthropy and collaborative leadership to drive meaningful change across our region. Guided by values of authenticity, curiosity, collaboration, grit, and a trailblazing spirit, we work side-by-side with donors, partners, and community members to tackle our region’s biggest challenges and unlock its greatest opportunities. Together with our donors, we’ve invested more than $625 million in health and human services, education, civic & economic development, arts & culture, and the environment. Headquartered in Venice, with a second office in downtown Sarasota, Gulf Coast is nationally recognized for excellence, earning multiple “Best Nonprofits to Work For” honors and accreditation from Community Foundations National Standards®. Learn more at GulfCoastCF.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.