Through partnership, we can do so much more together. The Bay Sarasota shows the power of successful cross-sector partnerships forging together for common good. Across foundations, government, community and generous philanthropists, The Bay stands as a shining example of uniting together for greater impact.

Nestled along Sarasota Bay, The Bay preserves, restores and transforms 53 acres of city-owned land into a blue and green oasis, a legacy public space, that provides opportunities for all, representing a beautiful bayfront gathering space for our entire community and future generations to treasure. The creation of The Bay marks a milestone in our city’s history, as the City of Sarasota entered its first ever public-private partnership with The Bay. From its grassroots start-up to current implementation, The Bay has been transformative in every way.

Join us as we blow out a birthday candle and celebrate The Bay’s one year community celebration from October 18 – 22. The Gulf Coast team will be out in full force at “Boo! At The Bay,” one of the many activities you’ll find during their five-day event. 

All local foundations in our area have supported The Bay, ensuring that partnership was a part of the process every step of the way. What a unique showing of common ground – that we all see the possibilities for this park that is open and accessible to all. 

Generous philanthropists in our region poured into this project. Their catalytic giving brought the project through milestones time and time again, the attraction being a collective vision of a transformational park that would impact generations to come. 

Our community leaders saw the vision and joined us in this quest to make it a reality. The Bay and local leaders, including those at Gulf Coast Community Foundation, partner together to ensure this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will remain a top priority.  With support from our local government, a successful partnership of this magnitude across multiple sectors has made this dream of a park for all a reality. Through partnership, we truly can do so much more together.

To learn more about The Bay’s programming and ways to get involved, please visit www.thebaysarasota.org. We hope you’ll celebrate with us as The Bay Turns One from October 18-22: www.thebayturnsone.org. 

Phillip P. Lanham is President and CEO of Gulf Coast Community Foundation.