For the seventh year, Neal Communities is sponsoring a team for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, presented by the American Cancer Society. The walk is a fundraiser, but it’s also a celebration of courage and hope, uniting those impacted by breast cancer. It raises lifesaving funds that support patients, survivors, thrivers and caregivers through every step of the journey.
For Raylene Gaines, the leader of the Neal Communities team, participating is a passion. Several people close to her have been impacted by breast cancer, including a close friend, her uncle and her mother, Margaret Bovinett. This is her thirteenth year leading a team for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk.
“Early detection saves lives and that’s what this is all about,” said Gaines. “Getting the word out about the prevalence of breast cancer is incredibly important, and I’m very passionate about it because I know so many people who have been affected by it.”
Gaines is the office manager at Charlene Neal PureStyle, The Neal Communities team, called Building Hope with Pink Pride, is open to anyone who would like to join. Members of the team raise funds individually, and Neal Communities has also contributed $3,500 to the cause. So far, the team has raised $5,077 and is working towards a goal of $10,000.
This year’s walk will take place on Saturday, October 21, at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota, beginning at 7:30 a.m. The walk is noncompetitive, with both a 1-mile and 3-mile option, and strollers are welcome. After the walk, live musical entertainment and food trucks will keep the celebration going.
“Anyone is welcome to join our team,” said Gaines. “Just go to www.MakingStridesWalk.org/SarasotaManatee and look for the Neal Communities team. Or start your own!”
Part of the fun is seeing the crowds of walkers dressed in pink. Some take it a step further with creative costumes, including Gaines’ son Shane. Last year, he donned a decorative pink bra over his t-shirt. Gaines said it is always fun to see what Shane wears, and she appreciates his walking to support his family members and their battles against the disease.
Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities, frequently supports the causes that are important to employees of Neal Communities and the communities where the company builds. “We are honored to support such a worthy cause in the local community while also supporting one of our employees,” said Neal. “Raylene Gaines and the rest of the Building Hope with Pink Pride team make us proud with their dedication of time and resources to this cause.”
So far, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer has raised $245,720 towards a goal of $490,000. Additional walkers and teams are welcome. For more information on how you can get involved, visit www.MakingStridesWalk.org/SarasotaManatee.
