FRONT PORCH

Neal Communities, the area’s largest private homebuilder, recently donated $5,800 to help support community programs that benefit children and families. Five donations were given to school programs in Sarasota and Manatee counties, including $300 to sponsor the Kinnan Elementary School Walk-A-Thon, $1,000 to sponsor Sarasota Crew, $2,500 to sponsor the Manatee County 4H Association’s fishing tournament, $500 to sponsor the Sarasota High School Lady Sailors volleyball team, and $1,500 to sponsor the Venice High School Boys’ soccer team.

With a core belief that “Where You Live Matters,” Neal Communities has given more than $7.75 million to local charities throughout Southwest Florida and is committed to the communities where they live, work and build. Often, sponsorships are the result of an employee request.

Jennifer Villarreal, Neal Communities accounting supervisor, asked that the local home builder sponsor the Walk-A-Thon at Kinnan Elementary, where her son Sebastian is a student. The fundraiser took place on September 29, 2023, and raised $35,477 for the school, exceeding the goal of $25,000.

“Neal Communities supports many worthy local causes that are meaningful to its team members,” said Villarreal. “I am so proud to work for a company that reinvests in the communities it builds in, and I appreciate the support of my son’s school.”

Neal Communities’ $1,000 sponsorship of Sarasota Crew was requested by Jon Wasluk, Neal Communities construction manager, whose daughter is on the two-time state championship team. Sarasota Crew is one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing youth rowing clubs. The nonprofit organization has a mission to provide middle and high school youth in Sarasota County with positive, competitive rowing experiences that help develop personal integrity and self-esteem, promote teamwork and sportsmanship, and advocate a healthy lifestyle.

Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities, believes in supporting the causes that are important to employees of Neal Communities and the areas where the company builds. “We believe that where you live matters, and we want to be part of supporting our local communities and families,” said Neal. “I’m pleased that we can do this and enrich the lives of all the students that are involved in these programs.”

Neal Communities was also a platinum sponsor of the first annual Manatee County 4H “Reelin’ in the Future” fishing tournament, which took place on October 13 and 14. The tournament benefitted the Manatee County 4-H Youth Development Program, which is an education program for youth aged 5-18.

In addition, the Neal Communities sponsored both the Sarasota High School Lady Sailors volleyball team and the Venice High School Boys’ soccer team to help with uniforms, equipment and other expenses for the teams.

For more information about Neal Communities, visit www.NealCommunities.com.