News Releases

Jill McGarry
Marketing Director

Gregory S. DeMeuse, Esq.
Real Estate Law

Everyone deserves a decent place to live.

No matter who we are or where we come from, we all deserve to have a decent life, to feel strength and stability day after day, and to know we have the power to take care of ourselves and our children. We support Manatee Habitat for Humanity in their mission to build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter.

Our support of Manatee Habitat for Humanity continues throughout the year. Our real estate department provides Manatee Habitat assistance with residential property acquisition as well as commercial leasing, and most importantly, facilitating the financing mechanisms and conducting the closing services that enable Habitat for Humanity to provide affordable housing to worthy homeowners.

“There are few moments throughout my year that are as rewarding as seeing a new homebuyer get the first set of keys to a house they’ve always dreamed of owning,” said real estate attorney Greg DeMeuse. “Being involved in the process is personally gratifying and receives great appreciation from Habitat for Humanity and all the participants in their program.”

Jill McGarry, Blalock Walters marketing director, serves on the Habitat for Humanity board of directors and is chair of its marketing committee.

Most recently, Blalock Walters sponsored the Manatee Habitat for Humanity International Women’s Day luncheon at The Grove in Lakewood Ranch. International Women’s Day celebrates the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. This special event highlighted the achievements of empowered women and celebrated their impact on quality of life locally and globally.

The two keynote speakers are women of incredible resilience, strength, and dedication to the community:

Teresa Mast has broken the stereotypical boundaries by owning and running her own construction company in a male-dominated industry for 26 years.

Manatee Habitat Achievement Awards winner Yesenia Garcia-Lorenzano shared her touching story of perseverance and strength.

Yesenia Garcia Lorenzano, Manatee Habitat for Humanity Achievement Award winner is pictured with her coworkers from Step UP Suncoast. Barbara Patten, Step UP Executive Director and Diana Shoemaker, Habitat Executive Director.

In celebration of serving children in Manatee County for 10 years, Take Stock in Children held its 10th Annual Take Stock 5K Space Race. Runners took the streets of Lakewood Ranch and enjoyed a post-race party with food, entertainment, awards and kids activities. All...

Congratulations to the winners of the annual Spirit of Manatee awards. The Manatee Community Foundation honors individuals and organizations that embody the philanthropic spirit of Manatee County. Each winner is presented with a beautiful glass award and the...

Over 100 supporters attended Cheers for Charity's 2nd Annual Pearls, Polos & Ponies fundraiser at Sarasota Polo Grounds, resulting in $2,800 being raised for local nonprofits. Annie Breitinger, Amanda Tullidge, Marisa Powers, Anne Chapman and Kristen H. Ehrlich...