FRONT PORCH

Southwest Florida’s premier private homebuilder, Neal Communities, recently donated $6,500 to various community organizations in Sarasota and Manatee Counties and the Suncoast.

Neal Communities gave $2,500 as a premier event sponsor of the Suncoast Chapter of Jack and Jill of America’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities College Fair; $1,500 to sponsor the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties Leadership Breakfast; $1,000 as the Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc Humanitarian of the Year Sponsor for the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund 2022 Wine Soiree; $1,000 to Lakewood Ranch Baseball and $500 as a Birdie Sponsor of the Manatee County Public Works United Way Golf Tournament.

Neal Communities has a philanthropic culture and a core belief that “Where You Live Matters.” The latest giving is part of more than $7.5 million Neal Communities has donated to local charities and causes throughout Southwest Florida.

“We love to see our employees get involved in organizations that make a difference in the community, and we support them,” said Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities. Often, the organizations Neal donates to are selected because they are important to Neal Communities’ employees.

Neal Communities Area Sales Manager Elayne McKinney explained why Jack and Jill of America is meaningful to her and why she appreciates her employer’s sponsorship of the organization. “My Mother was one of the charter members of the Suncoast Chapter of Jack and Jill of America that was organized in the Spring of 1989. I grew up in these enrichment programs,” McKinney said. “As a child and teenager I was involved in philanthropic giving, leadership modules and strong value of commitment to family and community. I have served as president and presently on the executive board.”

Jack and Jill of America and its partners hosted the area’s only college fair for historically black colleges and universities (HBCU). The Virtual College Fair will took place on Sept. 15, giving attendees the opportunity to speak to alumni and admissions reps from colleges and universities and to learn about the college admissions process, financial aid, scholarships, Greek life and more. The virtual event was followed by an in-person panel discussion at Shorecrest Preparatory School in St. Petersburg on Sept. 17. The panel included Shorecrest’s director of college counseling, Myra Simpson, along with college admissions representatives.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties Leadership Breakfast was held on Friday, September 9, and honored Carolyn Mason and Steve Cantees, two individuals who are actively making a difference in the lives of teenagers in the local community. Ivory Matthews, Neal Communities’ vice president of community of governmental affairs, said, “We have participated with the Boys & Girls Clubs for years and it is incredible what they have been able to accomplish. The most important thing we can do for our community is to give our time and be a part of youth development. I challenge everyone, especially the leaders in our community, to volunteer their time and put in the work with our youth.”

“We are grateful to Neal Communities for their ongoing commitment to our mission and programs. With their support, we are ensuring that thousands of children and teens across Sarasota and DeSoto Counties have access to opportunities that will help them achieve their full potential,” said Bill Sadlo, president/CEO at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties. “This support empowers our Club members to excel in school, become leaders, live healthy lifestyles and create plans for success after high school graduation.”

To donate to The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties and support teen programming, visit www.bgcsdc.org.

The Manatee County Public Works United Way Golf Tournament will be held at 8 a.m. on Oct. 15, 2022, at Tara Golf and Country Club. This year marks the 27th anniversary of the event.

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