FRONT PORCH

Five years ago, Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities, and his wife, Charlene Neal, made a substantial donation to Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County. In 2021, the philanthropic couple will mark the final stage of that years-long commitment.

Pat and Charlene Neal donated a total of $1 million to Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County to be paid out over five years. In 2021, the couple made the final $200,000 donation to the nonprofit that offers afterschool and summer programs, providing opportunities for Manatee County youth to learn and grow by achieving academic success and developing leadership skills.

The couple’s substantial donation was made in support of the nonprofit’s Invest in Kids campaign to rebuild its DeSoto Club campus. Their donation underwrote a new flex sports field at the DeSoto Club that has been named the Patrick and Charlene Neal Field.

“Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County appreciates all that the Neal family has done in support of our youth over the years,” said Dawn Stanhope, president and CEO of the nonprofit. “Their investment reflects a strong commitment to our community. Because of their generosity, we are able to encourage kids to address tough issues and build their resiliency through positive mentorship, in a safe and welcoming environment where everyone belongs.”

“Philanthropy has always been extremely important to us, both personally and in everything we do at Neal Communities,” said Pat Neal. “We understand how valuable and impactful it is to support the younger members of the communities in which we live and work. Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County does such a phenomenal job in helping local children and teens develop and thrive in the immediate while also preparing them for future success, and we’re so happy to be able to support the organization’s life-changing work.”

“The future is bright for our young people thanks to caring and dedicated leaders like Pat and Charlene Neal,” said Stanhope. “We are truly grateful for their backing of our mission which inspires others to get involved.”

Pat Neal founded Neal Communities in 1970, and since then, the award-winning homebuilder has created more than 90 acclaimed communities throughout Southwest Florida. Charlene Neal serves as president of Charlene Neal PureStyle and vice president of design at Neal Communities, overseeing the design for all new communities and the styling and décor in the models for Neal Signature Homes and Neal Communities.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County

Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County’s mission is “to enable all young people, especially those that need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.” In operation since 1946, Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County currently provides afterschool and summer programs for over 1,300 young people at six locations (2 traditional Clubs and 4 school-based Clubs). The Clubs offer a safe place to learn and grow, where members experience both life-enhancing and character-building programs focused on academic success, healthy lifestyles, and good character and leadership. For more information, call 941-761-2582 or visit www.bgcmanatee.org or www.facebook.com/BoysGirlsClubsManatee.