FRONT PORCH

Southwest Florida’s premier private homebuilder, Neal Communities, recently donated $2,000 to two Manatee County organizations that support young athletes.

Neal Communities gave $1,000 to Braden River High School’s Black Pearls Dance Team and $1,000 to Braden River Little League.

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.

“We are happy that Neal Communities can help support organizations that are making a difference in the lives of our youth and these two Braden River organizations are doing just that,” said Pat Neal, founder and president of Neal Communities. “It also helps reinforce that we care about our employees and the causes that are important to them.”

Andy Losada, a construction manager at Neal Communities, said he was delighted that his employer provided support for his 15-year-old daughter, Ava, to continue her dream of being on the Black Pearls dance team at Braden River High School. This will be Ava’s second year with the dance squad and the second consecutive year that Neal Communities has donated $1,000 to support her passion for dancing. Neal Communities’ donation will assist the team in getting performance costumes.

“Each girl has to raise enough money to be on the team,” Losada said. He explained the program relies on community donations to fund its program, which includes performances, competitions and community events throughout the year. “This is a huge support and nice to get this a second year. We are very, very happy with this.”

In March, the Black Pearls received the title “Outstanding First Place Team” in the MA Dance State Championship. Losada said Ava had wanted to be on the dance team since she was six years old and was thrilled to learn she made the team after auditioning as a freshman last year. As a sophomore this year, she’ll continue her passion.

In addition to supporting the Black Pearls dance team, Neal Communities also made a donation to Braden River Little League.

The home builder recently donated $1,000 to the organization to sponsor a Braden River All-Star team headed into a tournament. The donation helps to cover the cost of the team’s entry into the tournament, as well as uniforms, helmets and gear. The annual tournament starts at the district level and the team must advance its way through (winning each game) to culminate at a World Series Tournament.

Grover Keltz, construction manager with Neal Communities, is the assistant coach for the team, which includes his 11-year-old son, Grayson, who plays pitcher, first base and several other positions.

Keltz became a coach for a Braden River Little League team last season after he retired from the U.S. Army and moved his family to Florida from New York. He joined the Little League program to be on the field with his son. He said he’s been involved in Grayson’s baseball interest since the boy was two years old.

Last year, Neal Communities agreed to sponsor a Braden River Little League team, which is named after the private home builder, for two seasons. Many of the Neal Communities players will be competing in the tournament program this summer.

“I love working for Neal Communities,” said Keltz, who will serve as an assistant coach for the all-star team and for the Neal Communities team next season. “They took a chance on me, hiring me fresh out of the military, and they’ve been fantastic. When I asked them to sponsor our Little League team and they said yes, I was like, ‘wow.’ I’m very appreciative of their support. I don’t ever see myself leaving this company.”

For more information about Neal Communities, visit www.NealCommunities.com.