Neal Communities Joins the Crew by Partnering with Palmetto High School Rowing Team

SARASOTA, Fla., May 4, 2011 – Neal Communities is partnering with Palmetto High School’s rowing team to help the team purchase necessary equipment by contributing $2000. The rowing team’s home is the new Fort Hamer rowing facility in Parrish, Florida. Neal Communities is currently building in two communities, River’s Reach and Forest Creek, both within the Palmetto High School zoning district.

“Rowing is an exciting sport that requires discipline and dedication. I am proud to support these young people as they bring positive recognition not only to their school but to the entire community,” states Neal Communities President Pat Neal.

As its first fundraiser, The Palmetto High School Crew is holding a “Chopper Dropper” in which 2,000 numbered golf balls are dropped from a helicopter over the Rive Isle Golf Course. The ball landing closest to the pin wins $25,000, with second and third place prizes for those next closest to the pin. Jane Lynch, star of GLEE, is the guest of honor who has also contributed signed Glee memorabilia for the auction. The Chopper Dropper event takes place Saturday, May 14 , with the ball drop at 10 am.

The funds raised will be used to buy shells (boats), blades (oars) and ERGS (rowing machines). The Fort Hamer facility, complete with 8,000 square-foot boathouse, opened early in 2011 and is considered a world-class training center.

Neal Communities is recognized for its philanthropy in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. President, Pat Neal has also received Legislative Service Award, the Audubon Society Legislative Award, Award for Meritorious Public Service, The Lakewood Ranch Community Fund Humanitarian of the Year 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 8,0000 homes built in Southwest Florida, Neal Communities’ honors and accolades include 37 Awards 2011 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.