FRONT PORCH

Neal Communities, southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, donated $1,500 to sponsor Pineapple Kitchen’s Speakeasy Costume Mystery Gala, held March 1 at the IMG Academy Gold Club in Bradenton. Proceeds from the night of glamour, mystery and comedy benefited Take Stock in Children of Manatee County’s programs, which include mentoring and college scholarships. Students spoke during the event, sharing their experiences in the Take Stock in Children of Manatee County programs.

“The evening was a great success, raising $95,000.00 for TSIC Manatee,” said Anne LeBaron, CEO of Take Stock in Children of Manatee County. “We are so proud of our students, and with a graduation rate of 98%, we are mentoring our students for success in life. We are so grateful for the support of Neal Communities and the amazing mentors from the Neal team! Together we are making a better community and world.”

Take Stock in Children of Manatee County’s mission is to break the cycle of poverty for low-income, academically qualified students by providing opportunities for a postsecondary education. The students, from middle to high school age, are matched with a volunteer mentor, provided college readiness services and a dedicated college success coach. Each student is awarded a college scholarship and provided with postsecondary support through degree or certification attainment.

Christine McKelvey, director of marketing for Neal Communities, attended the event and also serves as a mentor for Take Stock in Children of Manatee County. “This was such a fun evening,” said McKelvey, “and hearing directly from students about the significant impact of Take Stock in Children Manatee on their lives was especially heartwarming.”

Neal Communities has been a community partner and supporter of Take Stock in Children of Manatee County since 2011. In total, Neal Communities has donated more than $30,000 to the organization. Last year, Neal Communities donated $10,600 to provide a tuition-based college/technical college scholarship. That scholarship was awarded to a student who had been mentored by a Neal Communities’ employee. Currently, eight Neal Communities employees serve as mentors for the program.

With a core belief that “Where You Live Matters,” Neal Communities has given more than $8 million to local charities throughout Southwest Florida and is committed to the communities where they live, work and build.