BOCA RATON, Fla. — Venture Construction Group of Florida (VCGFL) is the proud sponsor of ALS Association Florida’s annual fundraising events to find treatment and ultimately a cure for ALS. Over seven Walk to Defeat ALS® events were scheduled to take place all over the Sunshine State prior to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic outbreak. The events will be rescheduled and will end with an educational symposium in Orlando.

“We are honored to sponsor the ALS Association. They do terrific work seeking treatment for ALS. Our hopes are that, with the help of everyone, we ultimately find a cure to end ALS once and for all. Having lost my father to ALS, I really wish to see this through and help the many families and their loved ones who struggle with it,” said Stephen Shanton, president and CEO of Venture Construction Group of Florida, founder of the Shanton ALS Foundation.

VCGFL is a restoration company dedicated to giving back to the community and is a recurrent supporter of the fight against ALS. Due to COVID-19, all walks have been postponed and will be rescheduled by ALS Florida event staff. VCGFL is the proud sponsor of the Palm Beach Walk to Defeat ALS in Dreher South Park; the Central Florida Walk to Defeat ALS at Lake Eola in Orlando; the Broward Walk to Defeat ALS at Vista View Park in Davie; the Jacksonville Walk to Defeat ALS at Seven Bridges Grille; the Southwest Walk to Defeat ALS at Estero Community Park in Estero; the Sarasota Walk to Defeat ALS at Payne Park; the Greater Tampa Bay Walk to Defeat ALS at the University of South Florida; and the Hope and Health Symposium in Orlando.

"With more than 1,600 people living with ALS in the state of Florida at any given time, we could not do what we do without the ongoing generosity and support of businesses like Venture Construction Group of Florida. Donors touch the ALS community with hope for the future," said Cal Brooks, vice president of development, ALS Association Florida chapter. "This terrible disease knows no racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic boundaries. It can strike anyone at any time. Every 90 minutes, someone is diagnosed with ALS, and every 90 minutes, someone dies from ALS. Time isn't on the side of those afflicted. Fighting ALS is a full-time job. And we will not quit until there is a treatment and cure."

The ALS Association is a leading force in the search for treatment and eventually a cure for ALS. The nonprofit is committed to research, providing care services, public education, and public policy. The Florida Chapter is one of more than 39 nationwide chapters providing comprehensive patient services and support to the ALS community. Through global research and nationwide advocacy, the ALS Association looks to empower people with Lou Gehrig’s Disease and their families to live fuller lives with compassionate care and support.

Nearly 100 research projects are currently being funded and over $99 million spent on research and clinical management projects. Numerous walks take place in communities across the state of Florida each year. The Walk to Defeat ALS draws people of all ages and athletic abilities coming together to honor a loved one with the disease, to remember those who’ve passed and to show their support for the cause.