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‘Giving Back’ Is Part of Florida Builder's Company Culture
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What it's all about. Lee Wetherington surrounded by kids from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County (Fla.) |
Lee Wetherington Companies, a large-volume builder in Sarasota, Fla., was recognized by the National Housing Endowment, the philanthropic arm of the NAHB, for its work with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County.
Wetherington, the president and CEO, has served on the Boys & Girls Club’s board of directors for nearly 15 years. During his tenure, his company has become one of the club’s largest contributors. The club serves more than 4,100 children a year.
More than $600,000 has been donated to local children through the Kids in College Scholarship Fund, which Wetherington founded, and the Boys & Girls Clubs Capital Endowment. In recognition of his support, the newest club was named “The Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club.”
Most recently, the Lee Wetherington Company recruited 30 area trade partners to design and build a new administrative building for the Boys & Girls Club. All the labor and materials were donated — an estimated $300,000 worth — and the building was completed in just four months.
For this community commitment, Lee Wetherington Companies was honored with a 2005 Honorable Mention National Housing Endowment Builder Achievement Award for Outstanding Community Service for its charitable efforts during the 2006 International Builders’ Show in Orlando, Fla. As winners of the award, the company received a $1,000 donation to be directed to the charity of its choice ― the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.
"My passion is helping kids,” said Wetherington. “The Boys and Girls Clubs give me the avenue to fulfill my passion and also help the community that has given our company so many opportunities. We look forward to continuing our service in the future."
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| At the ribbon cutting of the Lee Wetherington Trade Partners Building, the new administration building for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County. The company and its trade partners donated more than $300,000 in labor and materials and completed the 2,445-square-foot building in four months. |
Lee Wetherington Companies has a long history of community service and “giving back” is an integral part of its corporate culture. In addition to its many works with the Boys & Girls Club, during the last 10 years, the company has contributed more than $1.4 million in cash to charitable organizations within the Sarasota-Manatee community and more than $1 million in donated time and materials.
“Lee Wetherington Companies realizes that as a builder, your local community is everything,” said Gary Garczynski, endowment chairman and 2002 NAHB president. “By incorporating charitable giving into the corporate culture, both your business and your community thrive.”
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Volunteerism extends to many needs in Sarasota County. Members of the Women Build Team from Lee Wetherington Companies helped build a home for Jessica Garcia as part of a Habitat for Humanity project. |
Seven other builders were honored with Builder Achievement awards during the presentation at the builders' show.
The awards were established through a grant to the endowment by Isaac Heimbinder, vice chairman, president and COO of Kimball Hill Homes, based in Houston.
For the complete list of winners, click here.
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