Not a day goes by that our agents aren’t out in their neighborhoods and communities introducing newcomers to Southwest Florida. And not a day goes by that we don’t hear back from one of them with an expression of gratitude for our agent’s help in discovering their perfect place in paradise. Likewise, seldom does a day go by when we don’t experience our own pangs of gratitude for being able to live in such extraordinary Gulf Coast communities. Perhaps it’s our four seasons of warmth and sunshine; or the splendid scenery that unfurls in every direction. Or maybe it’s the incredible blend of people from all over the world who weave the rich social tapestry of our region; and contribute to its cornucopia of cultural, recreational and educational opportunities. Whatever it is about Southwest Florida that causes each of us to well-up with gratitude at every turn also helps explain why the spirit of philanthropy is among our region’s most admired qualities. Because life along the Gulf Coast continually inspires so much to be thankful for is exactly why Michael Saunders & Company founded the MSC Foundation five years ago. One of its goals then—as it is today—was to include our agents, staff and leadership team in giving back to the communities that have been so supportive of our business for 40 years. For as gifted with abundance as Southwest Florida is, like every region of the country it still experiences hunger, homelessness, abuse, veterans in crisis and other chronic problems that continually tax a municipality’s ability to address them adequately. Additionally, the foundation helps underwrite numerous different programs for children, young adults and youth at risk—especially those that advocate for learning, literacy, enhanced self-esteem, peer support; and career and vocational guidance. Each June—then again in December—the MSC Foundation awards grants to dozens of not-for-profit organizations throughout Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte Counties. Every grant is made possible through the generosity of our participating agents—who voluntarily donate portions of their real estate commissions—as well as by the company’s staff and leadership team, who contribute through voluntary payroll deductions throughout the year. To be eligible for a grant, an organization’s mission must be consistent with at least one of the foundation’s goals of providing shelter, sustenance, education and a path to self-sufficiency for the less fortunate members of the communities served by Michael Saunders & Company. We are proud to share a sampling of this year’s grant recipients, which include ALSO Youth, Back Pack Kids, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Sun Coast, Boys & Girls Club of Manatee County, Child Protection Center, Community Youth Development of Sarasota County, Easter Seals of Southwest Florida, Embracing Our Differences, Englewood Area Cancer Foundation, Englewood Community Care Clinic, Family Partnership Center, Family Promise of Sarasota, First Step of Sarasota, The Florida Center for Early Childhood, Habitat for Humanity, Hope Family Services, Jewish Family & Children’s Services, Just for Girls, Kiwanis Club of Bradenton, Laurel Civic Association, The Literacy Council of Sarasota, Means on Wheels PLUS, Miracle League Manasota, More to Life, Rotary Futures College Resource Center, Samaritan Counseling Services of the Suncoast, Sarasota Family YMCA, Sarasota Kiwanis Foundation, Selah Freedom, Sertoma Kids, Special Olympics Charlotte County, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Teen Court of Sarasota, United Community Centers, Women’s Resource Center of Manatee and Yummy Stuff Club. 
The holidays are celebrated in numerous different traditions around the world. But the common denominator that unites them all is the spirit of giving and gratitude. So, it is with extreme gratitude that we thank all who have chosen Michael Saunders & Company to fulfill their real estate goals. It is because of you that the MSC Foundation can continue its mission of giving back to our exceptional Gulf Coast communities. We also wish to thank each of Southwest Florida’s not-for-profit organizations—and their leadership, volunteers and staffs—whose passionate determination to make a difference have had such a positive and profound impact on the lives of their constituents and communities. Meanwhile, in whatever tradition you celebrate the holiday season, here’s wishing everyone peace, prosperity, good health; and the happiest of New Years. For more information on the MSC Foundation and the organizations it reaches, visit our website.
The MSC Foundation grant recipients from July 2015.
