10
Generosity & Collaboration
Through the generosity of MSC agents who voluntarily donate
a portion of their real estate commission on each transaction,
as well as staff who contribute throughout the year, the MSC
Foundation has the ability to fund grants for an array of local
organizations. However, the Foundation’s contributions go
far beyond financial donations. Many of the company’s team
members donate hundreds of volunteer hours each year -
spending time serving on boards and in the trenches.
The MSC Foundation completed its year-end grant distribution
cycle in mid-January 2019, providing 51 non-profit organizations
throughout the Manatee, Sarasota, and Charlotte Counties with
a total of $59,200.
With contributions from the more than 650 agents and 120
employees, grants were distributed to representatives of each
non-profit at the brokerage’s Lakewood Ranch office. During
this annual event, Drayton says he is always inspired to see the
collaboration between local charities.
“When we bring all the charities together once a year, we have
them talk a little about what they do,” he explains. “After the
meeting, you’d think they’d all grab their checks and run out the
door because they have busy schedules. But instead, they start
to make connections with each other. There are groups that relate
to similar work and groups that relate to similar audiences but do
different things. It’s an unintended benefit, and it’s really enjoyable
to see these non-profits find ways to collaborate. I appreciate that
we can bring people together who wouldn’t have an excuse to
get in a room together once a year and get to know each other.”
In 2019, the Foundation added several new organizations to their
giving list, including Lemon Bay High School, Sarasota Boxing
Club, Step Up Suncoast, and Wobbly Feet Foundation.
Since it was founded in 2011, the MSC Foundation has
supported a lengthy list of local charities, including Anna
Maria Community Center, Inc., Boys and Girls Club of Manatee
County, Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County, Feeding
Empty Little Tummies of Manatee, We Care Manatee, Women’s
Resource Center of Manatee, Sertoma Club of Bradenton,
Mote Marine Laboratory, HOPE Family Services, Jewish Family
and Children’s Services of Sarasota-Manatee, Just for Girls
Academy, Manatee County Habitat for Humanity, Southeastern
Guide Dogs, and countless others.