World Rowing Championship organizing committee receives $25,000 grant

The 2017 World Rowing Championships organizing committee got extra help as it prepares to host the event starting this weekend. 

The Gulf Coast Community Foundation awarded the committee $25,000 to help welcome 1,7000 rowers and support staff to Nathan Benderson Park and the surrounding area. It will also help fund the Opening Ceremony and the Adopt-a-Team program, among other initiatives, per a release. 

The WRC announced the grant on Tuesday, although it was awarded earlier. 

“We are extremely grateful,” said Meredith Scerba, the executive director of the 2017 World Rowing Championships, in the release. “Thanks to the generosity of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, we have an even greater opportunity to highlight our region’s residents and cultural heritage to visitors from around the world.”

The Gulf Coast Community Foundation was created in 1995 through the sale of the Venice Hospital. Since then, it has invested more than $260 million in grants in the areas of health and human services, civic and economic development, education, arts and culture, and the environment.

“One of Gulf Coast’s regional priorities is enhancing our unique places,” said Gulf Coast Community Foundation President and CEO Mark S. Pritchett. “Nathan Benderson Park is just such a place, and investing in the World Rowing Championships will generate both economic and quality-of-life returns for our community.”