FRONT PORCH

Neal Communities, Southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, sponsored the 22^nd Annual Big Backpack Event in Fort Myers for the sixth year in a row and exceeded its donation goal for a fifth consecutive year. This year’s event was held on Sunday, July 25 from 11 am – 2 pm at the Fort Myers Skatium Rink.

The Big Backpack Event is an annual back-to-school event and school supply giveaway hosted by the Multicultural Centre of Southwest Florida. The giveaway benefited children in Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties, helping them start school with confidence and pride.

The first 2,000 children at the event received a free backpack and school supplies. Local vendors also participated in the event by offering free eye exams, books, fingerprinting, free haircuts and face painting.

The company raised nearly $22,310 in donations from Neal employees, trade partners, homeowners, real estate agents, family and friends. This support helped to once again surpass the intended goal of $15,000.

In addition to financial support, Neal Communities employees volunteered at the event. To date, Neal has contributed over $109,000 for the Big Backpack Event.

“This is an event that we hold very close to our hearts and is extremely important to us,” said Tim Oak, Southwest Florida Regional President of Neal Communities. “The community really comes together, employees, realtors and trade partners, and they each donate to give kids a fresh start for the new school year.”

For more information or to make a donation to the Big Backpack Event, visit the Multicultural Centre website.