The Bay Park Conservancy (BPC), the non-profit organization responsible for overseeing the development of 53-acres of City-owned land along Sarasota Bay into an iconic public park, is participating for the first time in the annual Giving Challenge. Hosted by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and strengthened by The Patterson Foundation, the 2020 Giving Challenge is an annual 24-hour virtual fundraiser that connects generous donors to more than 700 non-profit causes in Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte and DeSoto counties. This year’s event will be held on April 28-29, from noon to noon.

“From the very beginning, The Bay has always been centered around community and in difficult times like these, it’s important to provide support for people and organizations that need help,” said Veronica Brady, Director of Advancement, The Bay Park Conservancy. “The Giving Challenge is a wonderful event that brings people together through the power of collective philanthropy, and it’s our hope that our community will show their love for the various organizations they support, including The Bay.”

The Bay is encouraging participation in the 2020 Giving Challenge through its “Show Your Love” campaign, with the goal of raising funding to support the development of the first 10 acres of the park. So far, several key components of Phase 1 of The Bay – such as the ecologically resilient shoreline, Fountain Garden and Mangrove Bayou Walkway – are either completed or underway, and enabled to advance thanks to strong partnerships with the city of Sarasota, local foundations and philanthropists, and broad community support.

“Having open access to Sarasota Bay, as well as abundant green space in a new public park, will improve the overall health and quality of life for everyone in our community,” said AG Lafley, Founding CEO, The Bay Park Conservancy. “Thanks to the City of Sarasota, our current investment partners, as well as new partners and future friends, The Bay Park will be a blue and green oasis for the enjoyment of not only current generations, but also generations to come.”

For their Giving Challenge Profile.