LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. — As part of its commitment to improving the quality of life in the communities it builds, Neal Communities, southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, recently made a $1,000 sponsorship donation to Take Stock in Children of Manatee County.
The contribution helped fund its 9th annual Take Stock in Children 5K & 10K Run, which is recognized as one of the largest 5K and 10K events in Manatee County. This year’s event was held March 4 on Main Street in Lakewood Ranch.
Following the races, participants enjoyed food, entertainment, activities and more. Take Stock in Children of Manatee County, Inc. is celebrating more than 20 years of scholarships, mentors and hope for students across Manatee County.
Five Manatee County District Schools, including Ballard Elementary School, Bayshore High School, Manatee School for the Arts, Palmetto High School and R. Dan Nolan Middle School, received scholarships. Manatee County schools that registered 300 or more participants were automatically awarded a scholarship. Each school will present the scholarship to the student of its choice.
Take Stock in Children of Manatee County promotes personal growth, self-responsibility and academic success for deserving students by providing a unique set of resources, including mentors, scholarships, long-term support, student advocacy and a guaranteed educational opportunity.
“Proceeds raised from the event will help achieve Take Stock in Children of Manatee County’s goal of providing college scholarship and mentors to deserving and talented students since 1996,” said Jamie Serino, executive director of Take Stock in Children of Manatee County. “We’re grateful for the support of Neal Communities and other individuals and organizations who value the education and future of the children of our community.”
Take Stock in Children is a program that provides academically qualified students the opportunity of a post-secondary education. The program, which is made possible through a local partnership of schools, businesses, agencies and individuals, is available to Manatee County students as early as the sixth grade.
Once selected for the program, students, along with their parent or guardian, sign an agreement to remain drug-free, crime-free, perform community service, maintain good grades and behavior and meet with a mentor on a weekly basis.
“One hundred percent of our Take Stock scholars graduated high school last year,” said Serino. “Our model of providing students with mentors every step of the way works.”
About Neal Communities
With over 40 years of building award-winning homes, Neal Communities has over 70 successful communities throughout southwest Florida. The Lakewood Ranch-based builder was named the Professional Builder 2015 “Builder of the Year” and was named one of 2012’s “America’s Best Builders” by BUILDER Magazine and voted the “2013 Best Residential Builder in Southwest Florida” in a readers’ poll sponsored by Gulfshore Business Magazine. The company is ranked No. 1 locally by Metrostudy and by Hanley Wood Market Intelligence based on number of home sales and ranked nationally among the top 50 builders by BUILDER Magazine.
To date, Neal has built over 13,000 homes in southwest Florida. As the area’s largest and most established, locally owned and operated private builder, Neal Communities is continually striving for excellence in every aspect of the home building and development business. Neal Signature Homes, Neal Land Ventures, Charlene Neal PureStyle, Waterscapes Pools & Spas, Neal Communities Funding, Fiducia Insurance and Allegiant Title Professionals all contribute to the firm’s continued, record-setting local success. The company’s honors and accolades include numerous Parade of Homes 2015 awards, 50 Aurora Awards, 5 Best in American Living Awards and hundreds of local and regional industry awards. For more information, please visit www.NealCommunities.com.