Gulfport, MS (October 16, 2025) — The Gulf Coast Community Foundation (GCCF) recognized the generosity of its donors at its annual Donor Appreciation Breakfast held October 10 at the Knight Nonprofit Center.
At the event, GCCF presented the second annual $20,000 GivHer Circle Grant to Back Bay Mission. The grant will support Back Bay Mission’s programs providing child welfare and educational supplies; wellness and hygiene kits; and preventative care to underserved individuals. The grant is made possible by the generosity of GivHer Circle members.
Representatives from 10 nonprofits benefiting from the recent Your Barefoot Neighbor Community Charitable Fund fundraiser were also recognized at the event. The fundraiser, created by Matthew Bounds, known as Your Barefoot Neighbor on social media, provided grants to 20 nonprofits across six states, supporting programs in child welfare, food insecurity, education and community outreach.
Over the last year, 12 new funds were created, and the new donors were also honored at the breakfast.
Another highlight was celebrating the service of three retiring Board of Directors members: Ron Barnes, Dorothy Shaw and Virginia Shanteau Newton. Each has served more than 15 years on the Board.
“The Donor Appreciation Breakfast is a special time to reflect on the past year and thank our donors for their generosity. It’s also a time to celebrate what’s on the horizon for our region and GCCF,” said Dr. Christen Duhé, president and executive director of GCCF. “One of things we love most about the Coast is the generosity of our community. Because of their support, we can put their passion into action to serve a wide range of causes.”
For more information about GCCF, visit mgccf.org, call 228-897-4841 or email info@mgccf.org.
About the Gulf Coast Community Foundation
Gulf Coast Community Foundation is a nonprofit public charity that has been serving the people of South Mississippi since 1989. GCCF’s primary mission is to increase philanthropy by assisting donors in establishing endowments and legacy giving plans, making grants to worthy causes, and providing leadership in response to the community’s changing needs. Over the years, GCCF has been a leader in addressing the most pressing needs in the community, from disaster relief and recovery to supporting education and child welfare initiatives. To learn more about GCCF and the important work it does in the community, visit mgccf.org.