BOCA RATON, Fla. — Award-winning restoration company, Venture Construction Group of Florida (VCGFL), gives back to multiple organizations throughout the state throughout COVID-19 pandemic.

“Giving back is so important. Through ongoing successful partnerships and sponsorships, we are able to donate even more to our communities,” said Sandra Lawson, VCGFL director of operations.

VCGFL sponsors numerous local and national charities each year through its annual corporate giving campaign. When COVID-19 severely impacted local nonprofits and businesses, VCGFL quickly ramped up donation efforts.

VCGFL sponsored the Treasure Coast Builders Association (TCBA) 34th Annual Fishing Tournament held July 11 at Pirates Cove Marina and Resort in Stuart. Partial tournament proceeds benefit the TCBA Charitable Fund, which provides scholarships for local students for college and technical training programs in the construction industry.

To raise funds for Habitat for Humanity and the Kids Cancer Foundation, VCGFL sponsored the Gold Coast Builders Association Golf Event held June 26 at Madison Green Country Club in Royal Palm Beach.

To support Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse (AVDA), VCGFL hosted a virtual Kendra Gives Back party with Kendra Scott in Boca Raton. The online shopping event took place June 23-24 and was open to shoppers throughout the nation. Twenty percent of all proceeds were donated to AVDA.

Groceries and Giving Back

Since the onset of COVID-19 in March, VCGFL has purchased and donated truckloads of groceries and household supplies to AVDA on a weekly basis. AVDA provides a state-certified domestic violence center, a 24-hour crisis hotline, emergency and transitional housing, advocacy, counseling and support to help victims of abuse live violence-free and self-sufficient lives.

In response to an urgent community need for youth sponsorships to summer camp, VCGFL and CEO Stephen Shanton and his family donated 150 weeks of camp for children and teens at five YMCA Treasure Coast locations: Indiantown, Okeechobee, two in Port St. Lucie and the Stuart main campus. The programs reopened on June 22.

“As a father to four wonderful kids, I know how important it is for our youth to have an outlet, especially now after being cooped up due to COVID. Many parents have been laid off and may not be able to afford this due to the pandemic. The YMCA is also providing emergency childcare for essential workers and first responders. It’s rewarding to provide them with the opportunity to create some fun summer memories,” said Shanton.

On May 23, VCGFL was the presenting sponsor of the Palm City Chamber of Commerce movie night. To provide a fun activity while safely social distancing, the chamber held the traditional drive-in for the community. All proceeds benefited House of Hope, a nonprofit agency that provides food, clothing, furniture, financial assistance, information, referral, and life-changing case management services to Martin County residents in need. Attendees were encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations for Martin County food pantries.

On April 29, VCGFL staff stopped by NCH North Naples hospital and donated lunch from local restaurant New York Pizza and Pasta to over 150 nurses and medical personnel. Learn more at https://youtu.be/t1m9BHdcWFc.

“We are so grateful for our doctors, nurses, medical teams, EMTs and first responders. They have worked tirelessly for us since the coronavirus outbreak and the least we can do is buy them lunch. It’s also rewarding to support local businesses while we give back. Our restaurants are struggling too,” said Derek Shanton, VCGFL director of customer relations.