Goal is to let people know that they matter
“Kindness is contagious — let’s make it go viral!” the Gulf Coast Community Foundation pointed out in a news release this week as it discussed its plan to launch “a region-wide movement to remind everyone that they matter.”
From March 24 through March 30, the Foundation is inviting everyone in the region “to join in by sharing YOU MATTER cards — a simple but powerful way to brighten someone’s day and create a ripple effect of kindness. Gulf Coast will share the cards with their donors, nonprofit partners, and the public,” the release adds.
Members of the public may pick up the “YOU MATTER” cards during business hours at the Foundation’s Sarasota Philanthropy Center, which stands at 1549 State St. in downtown Sarasota, or at its Venice headquarters, which are located at 601 S. Tamiami Trail in Venice.
Persons who pick up the cards are encouraged to pass them on:
“Give a card to a friend, colleague, your barista, a neighbor, or a stranger who might need a little boost,” the release says.
Then, the Foundation asks that those who pass out cards share their stories by scanning “the QR code on the card to join the YOU MATTER Facebook Group … and inspire others with your act of kindness!”
Finally, the release invites the public to join “the Gulf Coast team at Embracing Our Difference’s ‘A Celebration of Kindness’ event at Bayfront Park in downtown Sarasota on Sunday, March 30,” from noon to 3 p.m. “Come celebrate kindness, diversity, and the incredible people who make our community shine!” the release adds.