FRONT PORCH

Approximately 26,312 ducks floated down the Manatee River on June 11, raising more than $150,000 for Pace Center for Girls of Manatee County.

For the seventh consecutive year, Neal Communities, southwest Florida’s premier private homebuilder, partnered with Pace Center for Girls of Manatee County as a Diamond Duck sponsor of the nonprofit’s 13th Annual Lucky Ducky Race for Pace.

In addition to its $5,000 donation, Neal Communities’ employees also supported the cause individually by purchasing more than 230 ducks, raising more than $900 additional dollars.

“Neal Communities was pleased to support of the Lucky Ducky Race for Pace again this year,” said Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities.

The race, which started at Caddy’s at the Pointe in Bradenton, is one of Pace Center for Girls of Manatee County’s largest fundraisers. The Pace Center offers a year-round school that provides girls and young women an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training and advocacy. The comprehensive program integrates social services and education in an individualized manner, and it is recognized nationally as one of the most effective programs in the country for keeping adolescent girls out of the juvenile justice system. Pace Manatee has worked with more than 1,500 girls over the years and is one of Pace Center’s almost two dozen Florida locations.

“Funds from our generous Diamond Duck sponsors, including Neal Communities, completely offset the cost of the event,” said Christi Haley, development director of Pace Center for Girls. “When individuals like the Neal Communities’ staff members adopt ducks, funds raised directly impact the lives of girls right here in our community.”

Neal Communities, based in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, is Southwest Florida’s largest and most established locally owned and operated private builder. During the company’s 50-year history, it has built over 19,000 new homes in more than 90 acclaimed communities from Tampa to Naples. 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.

For more information about Pace Center for Girls Manatee, visit www.pacecenter.org/locations/manatee. For more information about Neal Communities, visit www.nealcommunities.com.