Neal Communities Partners With Palmetto Youth Center

SARASOTA, Fla., January 24, 2012– Neal Communities recently contributed $2,000 to the Martin Luther King Jr. Awards Banquet, held by the Palmetto Youth Center. The banquet, held on January 13, was a stellar night for about 500-600 guests that included elected officials and other influential citizens in the community. The banquet serves as a kick-off for a weekend of events that included a parade, talent show, and a religious service.

"We love helping grass roots organizations like the Palmetto Youth Center. They are truly making a difference for these young people," said Neal Communities' President, Pat Neal. "As a businessman, I appreciate the efficiency of the organization and its wise use of resources." Neal Communities has been a supporter of the Center for about ten years.

            "Pat Neal's continued support has helped us reach thousands of young people," explained the Center's Executive Director, Chris Lukowiak. "To give you an example, last year when Pat Neal came to the banquet, he parked by our football field. He saw a sprinkler was broken and spraying water. The very next day, he sent us a check to fix the sprinklers! Pat is constantly giving to us."

            All the funds raised by the Palmetto Youth Center go to support their programs—athletic teams, drug and alcohol awareness, Bridge to Next Step, and before-and-after school programs. The Center has been in Palmetto since 1954 and has been hosting the Martin Luther King, Jr. events for 19 years.

            Neal Communities is recognized for its philanthropy in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. The company's president, Pat Neal, has also received the Legislative Service Award, the Audubon Society Legislative Award, the 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 #94 nationally based on sales by BUILDER Magazine, #1 locally by Home Builders Weekly Inc. based on number of permits issued in 2010, and #1 locally by Metrostudy and Hanley Wood Market Intelligence based on number of home sales. With over 8,600 homes built in Southwest Florida, Neal Communities' honors and accolades include being named one of 2012's "America's Best Builders" by BUILDER Magazine, receiving the 2011 Business of the Year "Sandie" award from the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, 37 Awards in the 2011 Parade of Homes, 48 Aurora Awards, 5 Best in American Living Awards, and hundreds of local and regional industry awards. For more information, please visit www.nealcommunities.com.