Neal Communities Adds Fun to the Fair by Sponsoring Events

SARASOTA, Fla., January 20, 2011 - Continuing in their commitment to the Manatee County Fair, Pat Neal and Neal Communities are again contributing generously to the event. This year, the Lakewood Ranch-based home builder is donating $3,500 to fund the petting zoo and pig races at the fair, which is going on now through the 23rd.

“The fair celebrates our rich heritage in agriculture, which remains vital to our economy as well as our culture,” said Pat Neal, president of Neal Communities. “The petting zoo gives children an opportunity to see a variety of animals they may not otherwise see. And anything that sparks their curiosity and gets them interested in science and nature is a plus,” adds Neal.

Neal Communities has dedicated a portion of its philanthropic dollars to projects that impact children and education. The Fair is considered an important tool in teaching children about local history and agriculture, and Neal has contributed to it for the past 5 years.

The Show- Me Safari runs pig races every few hours most afternoons and evenings. The Show-Me Safari petting zoo opens at noon each day. Fair schedules and ticket prices are available at www.manateecountyfair.com. The fair is held at the Manatee County Fair Grounds at 1402 14th Avenue West in Palmetto.

Neal Communities is recognized for its longtime philanthropy in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. President, Pat Neal, has also received the Legislative Service Award, Audubon Society Legislative Award, Award for Meritorious Public Service, The Lakewood Ranch Community Fund Humanitarian of the Year Award and many other awards and recognition for service and philanthropy. Neal Communities is ranked #1 locally by Hanley Wood Market Intelligence based on number of home sales and #126 among home builders nationally in BUILDER Magazine’s 2009 listing based on sales. With more than 7,800 homes built in Southwest Florida, Neal Communities’ honors and accolades include 24 Awards 2010 Parade of Homes, 44 Aurora Awards, five Best in American Living Awards and hundreds of local and regional industry awards. For more information, visit nealcommunities.com.

[Image 1: Children pet the sheep at the Show-Me Safari petting zoo]

[Image 2: Fairgoers can see numerous animals at the Manatee County Fair]