9
HOUSING
KINDNESS
MSC Foundation Is On The Move For Local Charities
WORDS: Amy Bell
PICTURES: Whitney Patton
Michael Saunders & Company is most well-known for
providing top-notch real estate services for homebuyers
and sellers - but the company is also on the move
for local non-profits. Nine years ago, the Michael Saunders &
Company developed a corporate philosophy of giving back to
the communities where its agents live and work. The company
was on a mission to expand its legacy of philanthropy and
involve agents and staff at every level of giving. Thus, the MSC
Foundation was born.
“In listening to the passions of our associates, we realized how
many were already involved in local organizations,” recalls
Drayton Saunders, President of Michael Saunders & Company
and Vice President of the MSC Foundation. “We knew we wanted
to be locally focused, so we could help people right here in our
community. So, that was the beginning of the Foundation in
2011.” He says the Foundation decided to focus on community
organizations that offer shelter, sustenance, education, and a
path to self-sufficiency.
When the Foundation was first established, Drayton never could
have predicted just how successful it would be. “We didn’t know
how much participation we’d get from our agents, and we’ve been
thrilled to see the incredible response,” he says.
Since launching in 2011, the MSC Foundation has provided
$731,540 to 195 organizations across Manatee, Sarasota,
and Charlotte Counties - from youth and family services to
underserved arts and literacy programs. The goal for the
Foundation is to reach $1 million in grant funds by 2020 to
celebrate its 10th year.
“We are proud of our team of agents and staff who give both time
and resources to the communities we serve on the Gulf Coast,”
Drayton enthuses.