FRONT PORCH

LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. (May 31, 2024) – Neal Communities, southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, has donated $14,550 to support youth sports and programs in Manatee, Sarasota and Lee counties. Many of the donations resulted from requests by staff members to support organizations their children or other family members are involved with.

“We encourage employees to volunteer their time and give back to the organizations that are important to them,” said Ivory Matthews, vice president of community and governmental affairs for Neal Communities, who administers the company’s philanthropic efforts. “Many times, those are the organizations and programs that their kids participate in, such as youth sports and activities. We know how important these programs are in the community, and we are pleased to lend financial assistance where we can to help support them.”

The donations included: $1,500 to the boys basketball team at Bayshore High School in Bradenton; $1,000 to the Venice High School football team; $1,000 to the North Port High School cheer team for new uniforms; $350 to the Southern Starz Gymnastics Booster Club in Cape Coral to pay for a photo booth at the end-of-year banquet; $3,000 to the Sarasota Shock travel baseball team; $5,000 to the North Port Junior Bobcats Pop Warner Football team for equipment shed repairs; $1,200 to the Braden River Black Pearls Dance Team; and $1,500 for a North Port High School graduation night lock-in party.

Sarah Toedman, a new home sales associate for Neal Communities, requested the donation for the Bayshore High School basketball team. Her fiancé, Robert Bennett, is the team’s coach. “I know it really meant a lot to him to get help with the program,” said Toedman. “He’s been working hard to build up the team, and they had a great year! They went to the district finals for only the fourth time in the school’s history, and Robert won coach of the year! We are so grateful to Neal Communities for investing in the team’s success.”

Neal Communities’ design manager Amy Schwake requested the donation for the Sarasota Shock travel baseball team. Her son, Graham, plays on the team and her husband, Ryan, is one of the assistant coaches. “The age group of our team, seven years old, is new to the Sarasota Shock organization,” said Schwake. “We were very fortunate to have received the donation, which covered both home and away uniforms for the players and coaches. The coaches pour their heart and soul into these baseball players, leading them through little league as well as travel baseball to help them develop their skills while maintaining a positive attitude and strong work ethic.”

“Supporting our youth means making an investment in the future of our communities and families,” said Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities. Neal Communities has a philanthropic culture and a core belief that “Where You Live Matters.” The latest giving is part of more than $8 million Neal Communities has donated to local charities and causes throughout Southwest Florida.

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