VENICE, Fla. (Feb. 10, 2026) —  Gulf Coast Community Foundation (Gulf Coast) will host its annual Better Together Block Party on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at West Blalock Park in Venice. As an official City of Venice Centennial Event, and as Gulf Coast marks 30 years of service, this free gathering brings the community together to honor shared history and a continued commitment to expanding opportunity and impact across the region. 

Gulf Coast has curated hands-on, family friendly experiences that reflect several of its focus areas: Arts and Culture, Education, the Environment, and Health and Human Services. Activities will include a playful recreation of the Venice 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 can help spread messages of compassion and connection across the region. Complimentary access to the Old Betsy Museum and Venice Museum will also be available during the event. 

“Venice is at the heart of Gulf Coast’s story, dating back to our founding 30 years ago,” said Phillip Lanham, Gulf Coast’s President | CEO. “Better Together is a celebration of both Venice’s Centennial and the ways our region comes together to transform lives.” 

The event will also feature live music, food trucks along Nassau Street, face painting, a photo booth, and roaming entertainment.  
 

 “Better Together offers something for all ages while highlighting the real impact we can make as a community,” said Kelly Borgia, Gulf Coast’s Director of Brand Engagement. “Through hands-on activities, live entertainment, and opportunities to connect, we’re celebrating our hometown of Venice and the power of working together.” 

Registration is requested for the event and can be completed at 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.