Category: Giving Back

Neal Communities Donates $15,000 to Venice MainStreet

Neal Communities, Southwest Florida’s largest private homebuilder, donated $15,000 to Venice MainStreet to sponsor its Friday night concert series and marketing efforts. The homebuilder is the first annual sponsor for this popular entertainment series in downtown Venice.

For 35 years, Venice MainStreet has supported the city of Venice’s historic downtown district by hosting special events like the Friday night concert series. On the 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month, free music performances take place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Centennial Park. The series, which is open to the public, has an annual average attendance of 10,000. The program helps attract both tourists and residents downtown and stimulates economic spending in dining, shopping and recreational activities.

“Venice MainStreet is grateful for Neal Communities for supporting our mission through sponsorship of our annual concerts in the park series. The funds will be used to pay local artists to perform and support marketing efforts for downtown” said Kara Morgan, CEO of Venice MainStreet. “We look forward to an exciting roster of performers throughout the summer months and we hope everyone will try to catch a concert downtown this year!”

Venice MainStreet is an accredited Main Street organization through the Florida Main Street Program and Main Street America. Its mission is to preserve and enhance the character, beauty and economic vitality of historic downtown Venice. The organization achieves its goals through marketing, promotions, special events and historic preservation advocacy.

“We are proud to support an organization dedicated to economic development and business vitality in the Venice community,” said Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities.

During the company’s 50-year history, Neal Communities has built over 18,000 new homes in more than 90 acclaimed communities from Tampa to Naples. As a prominent builder in the area, Neal Communities has a core belief that “Where You Live Matters.” The private homebuilder has given more than $7.5 million to local charities throughout Southwest Florida and is committed to supporting the communities where it builds.

For more information about Venice MainStreet’s concert schedules, performers, or to join the Venice MainStreet e-newsletter visit www.visitvenicefl.org. For more information about Neal Communities, visit NealCommunities.com or call (941) 229-0630.

June 15, 2022
Neal Communities Supports Lucky Ducky Race for Pace to Assist Pace Center for Girls of Manatee County

For the seventh consecutive year, Neal Communities, southwest Florida’s premier private homebuilder, is partnering with Pace Center for Girls of Manatee County as a Diamond Duck sponsor of the nonprofit’s 13th Annual Lucky Ducky Race for Pace.

In addition to its $5,000 donation, Neal Communities’ employees also support the cause. Every year, employees host a team to adopt rubber ducks, raising even more funds to help the Pace Center for Girls of Manatee County. Jackie Polino, online sales coordinator for Neal Communities, has served as the team leader since Neal Communities has sponsored the event.

“I love charity work, and this gives me the opportunity to really make a difference in the lives of the those young ladies who are part of Pace Center for Girls of Manatee County,” Polino said. “It’s really all about the girls.”

On Saturday, June 11, 2022, more than 30,000 adopted rubber ducks will float down the Manatee River, with the luckiest winning prizes for their owners. The race starts at Caddy’s at the Pointe in Bradenton. Ducks are available for purchase now through about thirty minutes before the race starts. All of its proceeds benefit Pace Center for Girls of Manatee County.

“Neal Communities is pleased to continue our support of the Lucky Ducky Race for Pace,” said Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities. “Pace Center for Girls makes a difference in the lives of girls within our region, and we are proud to take part in this annual event.”

Pace Center for Girls of Manatee County is a year-round school that provides girls and young women an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training and advocacy. The comprehensive program integrates social services and education in an individualized manner, and it is recognized nationally as one of the most effective programs in the country for keeping adolescent girls out of the juvenile justice system. Pace Center for Girls of Manatee County uses a strengths-based approach that harnesses the unique potential of each girl with a focus on future outcomes. Pace Manatee has worked with more than 1,500 girls over the years and is one of Pace Center’s almost two dozen Florida locations.

As a Diamond level sponsor, Neal Communities’ donation assists Pace Center for Girls of Manatee County with its program and necessities, including uniforms, transportation, supplies and more.

Polino said she enjoys pulling the team of employees together to individually purchase ducks and add to the homebuilder’s support of the organization. “I’m the type of person who loves to rally people and get them excited about important causes. So, it felt natural to say yes when I was asked if I would be the team leader for this event six years ago,” Polino said. “Plus, it’s fun that we get to bring a 14-foot-tall duck into our office.”

Polino is currently arranging for Quacky, the event’s mascot, to walk through Neal Communities offices closer to the race to garner even more individual support from employees.

Neal Communities, based in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, is Southwest Florida’s largest and most established locally owned and operated private builder. During the company’s 50-year history, it has built over 18,000 new homes in more than 90 acclaimed communities from Tampa to Naples. With a core belief that “Where You Live Matters,” Neal Communities has given more than $7.5 million to local charities throughout Southwest Florida and is committed to the communities where they live, work and build.

“Partners like Neal Communities, who invest their resources as well as their time, show our Pace girls how dedicated our community is to their success,” said Amy Wick Mavis, executive Director of Pace Center for Girls of Manatee County. “We are so thankful for Neal Communities and their continued support and passion for our cause.”

For more information about Pace Center for Girls Manatee, visit www.pacecenter.org/locations/manatee. For more information about Lucky Ducky Race for Pace and/or to purchase ducks, visit www.DuckRace.com/Manatee.

May 26, 2022
Neal Communities Funds a $10,600 Student Scholarship for Take Stock in Children of Manatee County

Southwest Florida’s premier private homebuilder, Neal Communities, recently donated $10,600 to Take Stock in Children of Manatee County. The donation will be presented to a high school senior during their 2023 graduation to help pay for college.

“We are happy to provide a college scholarship to a student in the Take Stock in Children of Manatee County program,” said Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities. “This program is designed to make a difference in our community and the lives of our students.”

Neal Communities has been a community partner and supporter of Take Stock in Children of Manatee County since 2017. In total, Neal Communities has donated $16,100 to the organization. This year’s donation is the largest contribution made by the homebuilder.

Take Stock in Children of Manatee County offers individual mentoring for students in the program. The students, who are deemed high potential in low-income families, apply for the program in middle school and are paired with a college success coach, who assists them in gaining college readiness skills throughout middle and high school. Upon graduation, each student in the program earns a scholarship, which is made possible through community donations. Since the mid-90s, Take Stock in Children of Manatee County has awarded 777 scholarships.

“We are thrilled that Neal Communities has provided a scholarship for one of our 2023 graduates,” said Anne LeBaron, CEO of Take Stock in Children of Manatee County. “Our program is designed to help students shape their futures. We rely on community partners to make what we do possible, and we are so thankful for Neal Communities’ continued support.”

LeBaron said the “secret sauce” to the program is that “each student is matched with a mentor who walks with them throughout their years in school. Neal Communities has several mentors in our program. They spend 30 minutes a week mentoring, and we are so grateful for their support.”

Those mentors on staff at Neal Communities include Steve Abraham, Pam Curran, MaryAnn Koops, Sarah Toedman, Ivory Matthews, Michael Storey and Katie Rhyne.

Neal Communities, based in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, is Southwest Florida’s largest and most established locally owned and operated private builder. During the company’s 50-year history, it has built over 18,000 new homes in more than 90 acclaimed communities from Tampa to Naples. With a core belief that “Where You Live Matters,” Neal Communities has given more than $7.5 million to local charities throughout Southwest Florida and is committed to the communities where they live, work and build.

For more information about Take Stock in Children of Manatee County, visit www.manateetakestock.org. For more information about Neal Communities, visit staging.nealcommunities.com/.

May 18, 2022
Neal Communities makes $10,000 donation to Laurel Civic Agency

Neal Communities, Southwest Florida’s premier homebuilder based in Lakewood Ranch, recently delivered a $10,000 donation to support several community programs through the Laurel Civic Agency.

“We are thrilled to have received such a generous donation from Neal Communities,” said Executive Director Peter Casamento. “This funding will help us provide training to individuals within Sarasota County who want to become gainfully employed or want to be better employees. We also will use the funds to assist with our teen summer program and after-school homework program for youth.”

Part of the funding will be used to support Laurel Civic Agency’s Job Empowerment Program, which is designed to help those struggling with employment to succeed. Through free workshops, participants learn critical workplace life skills, including how to conduct an effective job search, create a resume, interview effectively, handle stress, set goals and manage finances. Participants also learn how to develop behavior, life management and interpersonal skills to enhance their confidence and become more productive members of their communities.

The program continues after a participant has gained employment. Empowerment coaches regularly consult with participants to assess their progress and help guide them to overcome challenges.

Funding also will support Laurel Civic Agency’s Teen Empowerment Program, which is a summer camp dedicated to teaching the importance of becoming lifelong learners, leaders, community role models, productive workers and self-sufficient citizens. In addition, funding will be used to support an after-school homework program that pairs staff and volunteers with students needing assistance with their math, reading and science projects.

“We want to be part of the communities in which we build and help them to succeed,” said Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities. “Organizations like the Laurel Civic Agency are doing impactful work as well as supporting our youth. They are helping individuals and families improve their quality of life, and we’re proud to be able to support this program.”

This is one of several local charities that has received a donation from Neal Communities in recent years. Since its founding in 1970, Neal Communities, Southwest Florida’s largest locally owned private builder, has given more than $7 million to local charities.

May 11, 2022
Neal Communities serves as $5,000-level sponsor of the Parrish Chili Cook Off & Family Festival

Neal Communities, Southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, recently served as a $5,000-level sponsor of the 2022 Parrish Chili Cook Off & Family Festival.

Through this sponsorship, Neal Communities supported the popular annual event that brings the community together and raises funds for The Parrish Foundation, a nonprofit that provides grants to groups serving the residents of the Parrish community. Neal Communities has been a longtime supporter of both this event and the foundation, with more than $37,000 in past donations.

“Sponsors like Neal Communities are crucial to the success of this annual event,” said Ben Jordan, vice president of The Parrish Foundation. “We’re grateful for their years of support and their continued interest in building up the community of Parrish.”

The 2022 Parrish Chili Cook Off & Family Festival took place March 26 on the grounds of the Florida Railroad Museum. Attendees enjoyed delicious food, live music, arts and crafts displays, and kid-friendly activities, and the team from Neal Communities was first runner-up in the chili cook-off.

“This is a fun, family-friendly event that not only helps the whole community of Parrish come together and celebrate, but also provides vital support for The Parrish Foundation and the work it does for local residents,” said Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities. “Community building is central to what we do at Neal Communities, so being a regular supporter of the Parrish Chili Cook Off & Family Festival is a natural fit for our company.”

April 5, 2022
Neal Communities makes $5,000 donation to Boca Cares at Boca Royale Golf & Country Club

Neal Communities, Southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, has made a $5,000 donation to Boca Cares, a philanthropic organization made up of residents, friends and business partners of Boca Royale Golf & Country Club. This is Neal Communities’ second donation to the Boca Cares charitable fund.

Established in the fall of 2018, Boca Cares supports nonprofits in the greater Englewood area, where Boca Royale is located. Funding priorities focus on organizations and initiatives that assist with the food, shelter, health care and social service needs of children, families, seniors and veterans. To date, Boca Cares has allocated more than $180,000 in grant funding in support of the local community.

Recent grants made by Boca Cares have supported organizations such as CenterPlace Health, Englewood Helping Hand, Family Promise of South Sarasota County and Venice Area Mobile Meals. The Boca Royale Golf & Country Club charitable fund also provided funding for 50 $100 gift cards for holiday meals for families who are involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast and provided scholarships for 34 children to attend the YMCA of Southwest Florida summer camp in Englewood.

“Last year was a trying year for vulnerable people in the greater Englewood area,” said Jim Bounds, President of Boca Cares. “The increase in costs of basic items stretched everyone. Boca Cares, with the help of a generous donation from Neal Communities, is off to a strong start in 2022. We will be able to fund charities who help children, seniors and veterans with new refrigeration equipment as well as food and shelter. The support that Boca Cares, Neal Communities and the residents of Boca Royale provide allows these charities to help people get back on their feet. The number of good stories is endless.”

“The residents of Boca Royale Golf & Country Club truly care about the larger community in which they live,” said Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities. “They’re always ready and willing to help with the vital needs of their region, and we’re happy to continue to support their efforts.”

All Boca Royale residents are invited to become members of Boca Cares by making a suggested annual contribution of $200 per household. For more information about Boca Cares, visit https://bocaroyalecares.com.

For more information about Boca Royale Golf & Country Club, visit staging.nealcommunities.com/new-homes/boca-royale-golf-country-club.

March 29, 2022
Neal Communities supports several local organizations

Neal Communities, Southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, has made a number of recent donations in support of a wide range of community organizations.

Neal Communities is supporting Southeastern Guide Dogs through a $500 Banner Sponsorship for the Southeastern Guide Dogs Walk-a-thon. The event takes place on March 5 at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota and serves as a major fundraiser for the nonprofit that breeds, raises and trains guide, service and companion dogs for people with vision loss, veterans with disabilities and children with significant challenges.

A $1,000 donation was made to the Palmetto Youth Center in support of its Spring Break Basketball Bash. The Palmetto Youth Center was established in 1957 by a group of community leaders to provide a positive environment for at-risk youngsters, and Neal Communities has made several donations to the organization since 2018.

Through a $2,500 donation, Neal Communities is serving as a Platinum Partner Sponsor for the FIRST Robotics Program – Spectre Team at Suncoast Polytechnical High School in Sarasota. The Spectre Team will participate in its regional competition March 9 to 12 at the University of Central Florida in Orlando.

Neal Communities has made a $1,000 donation to serve as a Grand Slam Sponsor for the Braden River Little League. This sponsorship was requested by Grover Keltz, a construction manager at Neal Communities; his son is on a team in the Bradenton-based league for which he serves as the head coach.

Neal Communities has also committed to a $1,000-level sponsorship for the Suncoast BBQ & Bluegrass Hoot ‘n’ Annie. This event will take place April 23 at Fox Lea Farm in Venice and benefits the Suncoast Foundation for Handicapped Children, which supports local nonprofits providing services for people with disabilities.

“We succeed when the communities in which we build succeed,” said Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities. “Organizations like these are what help make a community a place where people want to live. We’re happy to support the work all of these organizations are doing to make our region stronger and help all of its citizens thrive.”

March 14, 2022
Neal Communities makes $5,000 donation to Palmetto Youth Center

Neal Communities, Southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, has made a $5,000 donation to the Palmetto Youth Center.

The donation will help support the center’s reading program and a new video gaming program that it is working to establish. This recent donation builds on Neal Communities’ past support of the Palmetto Youth Center, with donations since 2018 now totaling $21,200.

“We are appreciative for the continued support that Neal Communities continues to extend to the youth in our community,” said Reggie Bellamy, executive director of the Palmetto Youth Center. “Neal Communities has continuously showed concern for the under-privileged and under-served, and the Palmetto Youth Center caters to that particular population. So this is an exceptional opportunity for the Palmetto Youth Center to continuously build this relationship with Neal Communities.”

The Palmetto Youth Center was established in 1957 by a group of community leaders to provide a positive environment for at-risk youngsters. Those leaders believed that it was important to reach at-risk children at critical and impressionable times in their lives, and they set out to provide those youth with the tools needed to lead productive and enriching lives.

“The Palmetto Youth Center impacts the lives of the young people it serves in so many ways,” said Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities. “We’re happy to support the organization and its efforts to help young members of the community gain insight and learn skills that will benefit them both today and in the future.”

February 28, 2022
Neal Communities makes $10,000 donation to Healthy Teens Coalition of Manatee County

Neal Communities, Southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, has made a $10,000 donation to Healthy Teens Coalition of Manatee County, serving as a 2022 Presenting Sponsor of the nonprofit.

Healthy Teens provides vital health and life skills education and mentoring to hundreds of local youth between the ages of 11 and 25 each year. The organization aims to reduce risky behaviors by providing Manatee County young people with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed choices about their physical, mental and emotional health.

Its flagship Teen Health Educator program trains local youth ages 14 to 17 to serve as peer educators and mentors. Previously trained teen educators over the age of 18 serve as Young Adult Leaders and support the current teen educators.

“Healthy Teens is thrilled to benefit from the generosity of Neal Communities,” said Jonathan Evans, executive director of Healthy Teens Coalition of Manatee County. “This significant investment in our work will really help us to provide high-quality peer-education and mentoring services to and through our community’s youth, helping them to make healthy decisions that empower them to create successful futures for themselves. It is so encouraging to our Teen Health Educators to know that there are organizations like Neal Communities that are so generously supporting their mission to their peers.”

“Healthy Teens gives young people skills to have successful, healthy adult lives,” said Charlene Neal, president of Charlene Neal PureStyle and vice president of design at Neal Communities. “It’s an honor for us to be able to support its meaningful mission.”

“The future of our region will be shaped by our young people, so we want to help give them every tool possible to ensure their success,” said Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities. “Healthy Teens Coalition of Manatee County does important work with the youth in our area, and we’re happy to support their educational efforts.”

February 21, 2022
Neal Communities marks 10th year as sponsor of Empty Bowls fundraiser for Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee

Neal Communities, Southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, is serving as a $5,000 Bowl Presenting Sponsor for the 2021 Empty Bowls fundraiser supporting Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee and The Food Bank of Manatee. This is Neal Communities’ 10th year as a sponsor of the annual event, with the company’s total donations over time standing at over $16,000.

“Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee and The Food Bank of Manatee provide vital services to Manatee County, working to ensure that residents in need have access to healthy food and other necessities,” said Ivory Matthews, community and governmental affairs director for Neal Communities. “We’re repeat sponsors of the Empty Bowls fundraiser because we want to support their important work and the members of the community they serve. Neal Communities has a long history in Manatee County, and we want to help make it a place where all residents can thrive.”

This year marks the 21st anniversary of the Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee Empty Bowls fundraiser, which will take place on November 4, 2021, at the Manatee Performing Arts Center and November 5, 2021 at Lakewood Ranch Main Street. All proceeds benefit The Food Bank of Manatee, a program of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. Since its 1985 opening, The Food Bank of Manatee has provided more than 55 million pounds of food to the community. Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee has been providing nutrition and supportive services in Manatee County, including meal delivery to the elderly and disabled, since 1972.

For more information about Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee, visit https://mealsonwheelsplus.org.

November 15, 2021