FRONT PORCH

Neal Communities donated $15,000 to Venice MainStreet to sponsor its Friday night concert series and marketing efforts. It is the second consecutive year that Southwest Florida’s largest private homebuilder has supported the popular entertainment series in downtown Venice.

For more than 35 years, Venice MainStreet has hosted special events like the Friday night concert series in the city of Venice’s historic downtown district. 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. Last year, the concert series, which is open to the public, drew an attendance of 15,000, said Kara Morgan, CEO of Venice MainStreet.

The year-round program is designed to attract both tourists and residents to the thriving business district along Venice Avenue. “We encourage people to visit downtown, have dinner, enjoy a little shopping and then enjoy the concert at 7 p.m.,” Morgan said.

Last year, Neal Communities was the first ever corporate sponsor of the event and donated $15,000. This year’s sponsorship makes a grand total of $30,000 that the homebuilder has put toward the event.

“We are thrilled that Neal Communities is going to sponsor our 2023-2024 Friday Night Concert Series. Just like last year, the funds will be used to pay local artists to perform and support marketing efforts for downtown,” Morgan said. “We’re excited to have them participate as a partner with us again and appreciate their ongoing support.”

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 happy to support Venice MainStreet and a program that assists local businesses while also providing residents and visitors safe and fun events to attend,” said Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities.

During the company’s 50-year history, Neal Communities has built more than 20,000 new homes in more than 90 acclaimed communities from Tampa to Naples. With a core belief that “Where You Live Matters,” the company has given more than $7.75 million to local charities throughout Southwest Florida and is committed to 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 www.NealCommunities.com.