Mike Neal, Ocean Ridge resident and CEO of KAST Construction, welcomes guests at this year's annual Havana Nights fundrasing event. Emma Jay Photography/Photo provided courtesy of KAST Construction
By Julia Brown
The Kolter Group and KAST Construction’s biennial Havana Nights event set a new fundraising record this year with $2.3 million raised in a single evening, bringing total contributions since the event’s inception to more than $8.1 million for children and families in need across South Florida. Co-chaired by Michael Neal, local Ocean Ridge resident and CEO of KAST Construction, and Bobby Julien, Gulfstream resident and CEO of The Kolter Group, the event brought together partners and friends for an evening of cocktails, live entertainment, cigar rolling, and competitive poker.
A total of 26 charities benefited from the event, including:
Achievement Centers for Children & Families
Advance Camp USA
Arc Broward
Autism Inspired Academy
Boys & Girls Club
Children’s Cancer Center
Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment Center
Children’s Home Network
Crockett Foundation
Cure AHC Foundation
Easterseals South Florida
EJS Project
Emerald & Forgotten Coast Adventures
FIU Embrace
Grandma’s Place
Habitat for Humanity of Palm Beach County
Habitat for Humanity Sarasota/Pasco
Johns Hopkins All Children’s Foundation
L.E.A.F. | Law Enforcement Assistance Foundation
LiFT Academy / St. Pete Free Clinic
Meals on Wheels of the Palm Beaches
MG Foundation (MG Developer)
Naples Children & Education Foundation
Palm Beach County Food Bank
Puzzled Paws
Youth Commission International
Havana Nights entertainer. Emmy Jay Photography/Photo provided courtesy of KAST Construction
“Giving back to the communities where we live and build is one of the most meaningful parts of our work,” said Michael Neal, CEO of KAST Construction. “This year’s record-setting $2.3 million raised will profoundly impact children and families across South Florida and highlights the deep generosity of our real estate development and construction community.”
"This event is the perfect example of what corporate philanthropy looks like," said Stephanie Seibel, CEO of Achievement Centers. “It shows the incredible impact that companies like The Kolter Group and Kast Construction can have when they bring their resources, leadership, and vision to the community. The funds raised go directly to nonprofits that are doing the work in the community—and that is transformative.”
Additional photos and captions of the event can be viewed here.
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