Led by headline-grabbing improvements in each of its major sectors—including tourism, real estate, manufacturing and retail—2014 was nothing short of an exceptional year for the Southwest Florida economy. The old saying “a rising tide lifts all boats" is often used to advance the notion that such marked improvements in the general economy will improve the lives of all who participate in it. While that is certainly true to a great extent, you only need to look beyond the headlines to see that pressing human need never takes a holiday. Hunger, homelessness, lack of literacy, abuse, and veterans in need are among the serious challenges that persist even as the U.S. economy begins to flourish again. Our part of Florida’s Gulf Coast is well known for having a huge philanthropic heart; and we at Michael Saunders & Company are proud to be a part of its longstanding tradition of giving back. At the local, grass roots level, the company is grateful for the involvement of its agents, leadership team and staff in giving generously to the MSC Foundation. We are also grateful to our buyers and sellers without whom the foundation’s mission of caring simply wouldn’t be possible. Now in its fourth year, the MSC Foundation—a 501(c)(3) organization—has channeled much needed funding into grants that have benefited more than a hundred local not-for-profit organizations whose activities are consistent with the Foundation’s goal of providing shelter, sustenance, education and a path to self-sufficiency for the least fortunate members of the communities served by Michael Saunders & Company. Each grant is made possible through the generosity of our participating agents, management and staff, who donate a portion of their commissions on every real estate transaction; or contribute regularly through payroll deduction. In exchange, each contributor may petition the Foundation for grants to the local not-for-profit organizations of their choosing. Last week, the MSC Foundation awarded end-of-year grants to 40 such organizations including Women’s Resource Center of Manatee, Sarasota Family YMCA, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Jewish Family & Children’s Services of the Suncoast, Habitat for Humanity South Sarasota County, Family Partnership Center, First Step of Sarasota, Community Youth Development of Sarasota County, Selah Freedom, Miracle League Manasota, Boys & Girls Club of Manatee County, Embracing Our Differences, Child Protection Center, Meals on Wheels PLUS, Hope Family Services, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Suncoast, ALSO Youth, and the Englewood Area Cancer Foundation, just to name a few. People celebrate many different religious and cultural traditions during the holiday season. But the simple act that unites them all is the act of giving from the heart. Indeed, one of the truest meanings of the season is appreciating the value and importance of those around you—be they family, friend or a stranger in need. For this reason we are unabashedly proud of our “family” at Michael Saunders & Company who make a habit of giving back all year long. In whatever tradition you celebrate the holidays, each of us at Michael Saunders & Company wish you and yours every joy of the season; and a safe, happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.A Mission of Caring
- By Michael Saunders
- Posted
Led by headline-grabbing improvements in each of its major sectors—including tourism, real estate, manufacturing and retail—2014 was nothing short of an exceptional year for the Southwest Florida economy. The old saying “a rising tide lifts all boats" is often used to advance the notion that such marked improvements in the general economy will improve the lives of all who participate in it. While that is certainly true to a great extent, you only need to look beyond the headlines to see that pressing human need never takes a holiday. Hunger, homelessness, lack of literacy, abuse, and veterans in need are among the serious challenges that persist even as the U.S. economy begins to flourish again. Our part of Florida’s Gulf Coast is well known for having a huge philanthropic heart; and we at Michael Saunders & Company are proud to be a part of its longstanding tradition of giving back. At the local, grass roots level, the company is grateful for the involvement of its agents, leadership team and staff in giving generously to the MSC Foundation. We are also grateful to our buyers and sellers without whom the foundation’s mission of caring simply wouldn’t be possible. Now in its fourth year, the MSC Foundation—a 501(c)(3) organization—has channeled much needed funding into grants that have benefited more than a hundred local not-for-profit organizations whose activities are consistent with the Foundation’s goal of providing shelter, sustenance, education and a path to self-sufficiency for the least fortunate members of the communities served by Michael Saunders & Company. Each grant is made possible through the generosity of our participating agents, management and staff, who donate a portion of their commissions on every real estate transaction; or contribute regularly through payroll deduction. In exchange, each contributor may petition the Foundation for grants to the local not-for-profit organizations of their choosing. Last week, the MSC Foundation awarded end-of-year grants to 40 such organizations including Women’s Resource Center of Manatee, Sarasota Family YMCA, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Jewish Family & Children’s Services of the Suncoast, Habitat for Humanity South Sarasota County, Family Partnership Center, First Step of Sarasota, Community Youth Development of Sarasota County, Selah Freedom, Miracle League Manasota, Boys & Girls Club of Manatee County, Embracing Our Differences, Child Protection Center, Meals on Wheels PLUS, Hope Family Services, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Suncoast, ALSO Youth, and the Englewood Area Cancer Foundation, just to name a few. People celebrate many different religious and cultural traditions during the holiday season. But the simple act that unites them all is the act of giving from the heart. Indeed, one of the truest meanings of the season is appreciating the value and importance of those around you—be they family, friend or a stranger in need. For this reason we are unabashedly proud of our “family” at Michael Saunders & Company who make a habit of giving back all year long. In whatever tradition you celebrate the holidays, each of us at Michael Saunders & Company wish you and yours every joy of the season; and a safe, happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.
