Neal Communities helps raise $10K for PACE girls through Lucky Duck Race
Villareal first became involved with PACE in the early 2000s when two young women close to her attended the center. One went on to serve in Iraq with the U.S. Army; the other built a long career in childcare and is now pursuing new professional goals.
'I was able to witness first-hand the care and attention PACE provided to girls at a crucial time in their lives, when a handful of choices makes the difference between graduating high school and having opportunities—or the alternative,' Villareal said. 'When these young women achieve their goals and become empowered, productive members of our community, their success has the power to resonate across generations.'
Villareal now coordinates Neal Communities' support of the annual Lucky Duck Race, which benefits PACE Manatee. This year, the Lakewood Ranch-based homebuilder served as the Community Sponsor, donating $10,000 to the event. The race features adopted rubber ducks floating down the Manatee River, raising both funds and awareness for the center's mission.
PACE Center for Girls provides academic and social services through a strengths-based, trauma-informed model that focuses on the future potential of each girl. Since opening, the Manatee location has supported more than 1,500 girls and is part of a larger statewide network recognized as one of the most effective programs in the U.S. for keeping adolescent girls out of the juvenile justice system.
'We are so grateful for our partnership with Neal Communities,' said Amy Wick Mavis, executive director of PACE Manatee. 'Their investment in the future of our PACE girls demonstrates their true commitment to Manatee County.'
Beyond financial support, Villareal believes visible corporate backing sends a powerful message to the girls in the program.
'When girls attending PACE Manatee see support from companies with a large local presence, like Neal Communities, they know they are seen and supported in an incredible way beyond the halls of PACE,' she said. 'It's great that I get to share the mission of PACE with people who had no idea it even existed.'
Neal Communities has built more than 24,500 homes across 90 communities from Tampa to Naples during its 55-year history. With a company motto of 'Where You Live Matters,' Neal has donated more than $9.2 million to local charities. In fiscal year 2024, the company reported $800 million in revenue.
For more information on Neal Communities, visit NealCommunities.com.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Yahoo
6 Dead After Small Plane Crashes in Ohio Neighborhood Just Minutes After Takeoff
Six people are dead after a small plane crashed into an Ohio neighborhood on Sunday, June 29, according to authorities The plane caught fire after it crashed in what a fire official described as a "heavily wooded area" The identities of the individuals killed have not been made public, but the pilots are said to have been "highly experienced"Six people have died after a small plane crashed into a neighborhood in Ohio. The crash was reported in the area of King Graves Road and Henn Hyde Road in Howland Township on Sunday, June 29, according to NBC affiliate WFMJ and CBS affiliate WKBN-TV. The Cessna 441 twin-engine went down shortly before 7 a.m., according to a statement from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), obtained by PEOPLE. Two crew members and four passengers were onboard the plane when it crashed, CBS affiliate KDKA reported. The plane took off from Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport just seven minutes before the crash, according to NBC News. Howland Fire Chief Ray Pace said first responders had a 'difficult' time responding to the crash site, which was located in a 'heavily wooded area,' according to WKBN-TV. The plane was on fire when crews finally reached the site, Pace explained. The Youngstown Air Reserve Station helped extinguish the blaze, he added. It is unclear what caused the crash. The identities of the individuals who were killed have not been made public. Officials described the pilots involved in the crash as "highly experienced," according to NBC News. "These were the best of the best in terms of folks here at the field, as well as the pilots. Can't say enough about them and give anything to rewind the day and take them to breakfast instead," said Mike Hillman of Jets FBO. 'I can't say enough about them,' he continued, adding that he would 'give anything to rewind the day' and 'take them to breakfast instead.' Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Anthony Travena, executive director of the Western Reserve Port Authority, said, "I can't think of better people, and so our community is at a great loss, and there were really wonderful people.' He added, "It's a very tight-knit community. So, all those in the aviation community have reached out, and these are really important people to us." The NTSB has said it is investigating the crash. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is also investigating, per the local media reports. Read the original article on People
The Hill
30-06-2025
- The Hill
Small plane crashes behind Ohio home: authorities
HOWLAND, Ohio (WKBN) — Authorities, including the local coroner, are on the scene after a small plane reportedly crashed behind an Ohio home early Sunday morning. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the crash happened around 7 a.m. ET along King Graves Road NE in Howland, about 55 miles east of Akron. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said the plane was a twin-engine Cessna 441. Howland Fire Chief Ray Pace said the 911 caller reported hearing a large explosion behind her home and seeing flames. Smoke could be seen rising from the area via a weather camera from the nearby Youngstown/Warren Regional Airport. According to Pace, the plane crashed in a wooded area behind the home. Nexstar's WKBN reported seeing crime scene tape in the area, as well as crews using a drone, the Trumbull County HAZMAT team, and a local power company. Multiple roads in the area have also been closed. No additional details were immediately available. Andrew Peterson contributed to this report.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Yahoo
Northwest Tri-County honors 13 new adult education graduates
The hard work has finally paid off for 13 graduates as they turned the tassel at a graduation ceremony Thursday night. The Northwest Tri-County Intermediate hosted a graduation for their students Thursday night on Waterford Street in Edinboro. Bad blood– Community Blood Bank responds to out-of-town blood center drive in Erie The adult-education students have been working hard to get their GEDs, and Thursday night celebrated the achievement with friends and family. Two graduates said they're excited for what comes next. 'I'm actually heading to truck driving school now to get my CDL. I got all the things and then I start next week, and my classes start next week,' said Brittney Grayson-Pace, a new graduate. Great American Book Sale returning for 2025 with options for everyone 'Continuing to help people, and I would really like to continue education at some point here soon, so we'll see where I go,' Christianna Logsdon, another graduate, told us. Each graduate was given praise from one of their professors upon getting their certificate. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
