2021 was the largest giving year for the Pickren Family Companies, with donations totaling over $50,000.This year, the Pickren Family Companies continued their support of longtime partnerships and picked up some new ones! Because of the success of the companies, along with the acquisition of Hydro Turf, we were able to be more generous with our charitable donations than any prior year. Greg Pickren, owner of the Pickren Family Companies, expresses his gratitude: The success of the companies hinges on the competency and dedication of our managers and employees. It's through their hard work that we are able to give back to our community and support causes that are close to our hearts. A few of the well-established, non-profit organizations that we were able to continue to donate to are Eckerd Connects, Clothes to Kids, and Oldsmar Cares. Those organizations have a long history of helping children in the greater Tampa Bay Area. Two of our most exciting new partnerships are with Ocean Blue Project and Cast for Kids. Ocean Blue Project leads efforts that clean the world's oceans and keep our marine ecosystem healthy. Cast for Kids creates fishing events for kids with disabilities, who may not otherwise be able to access boating and the outdoors. Sage Pickren, Community Outreach Director, describes how we select charities: We are always looking for organizations that set children up for future success. We particularly love organizations that promote healthy living and foster a joy for outdoor activities, especially those on the water! Being in the field of special education, I know about the many barriers children can face in school and their community. We hope that our work provides more equitable experiences to children and families in our neighborhoods.
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In line with the Pickren family's love for being active, SEI and SBT each gave away 50 bikes and helmets to the communities surrounding the factories. SEI donated bikes to Oldsmar Care's Spread the Love Kids Christmas & Toy Giveaway. Justin Webb, general manager of SEI, personally donated all of the helmets to Oldsmar Cares. SBT donated bikes and helmets to O'Neal and Nedra Larkin's annual Christmas celebration in Clearwater. Santa was also able to give out 50 $10 McDonald's gift cards thanks to SBT. Greg Pickren, owner of SEI and SBT, is a cycling enthusiast. Below, he shares his decision about donating to this cause: We are grateful that we have strong relationships with non-profit organizations and community partners in Oldsmar and Clearwater. These partnerships make contributing to our community meaningful and efficient. We are proud to give away bikes and helmets to the neighborhood kids and we hope that they enjoy riding their new bikes outside as much as me and my family love to ride.  Each year, the Larkin family and community leaders host a Thanksgiving dinner in North Greenwood. SBT has been a proud sponsor of the event for over 15 years. This year instead of a buffet line, 250 pre-packaged meals were distributed to local families. SBT paid for the catering of cornbread dressing, green beans, gravy, and 60 turkeys!   Alex Alford, SBT employe, and close relative to the Larkins described the Thanksgiving dinner and how the community participated:
 Local leaders, including O'Neal Larkin, and former clearwater mayor, George Cretekos. 4XPro donated $3,000 to Clothes to Kids. Jeremy Cashman, manager of 4XPro describes why he likes the organization: Clothes to Kids is one of my favorite organizations because their work helps kids feel confident and be successful at school. Children have a lot to think about while they're at school. We hope that this donation helps some kids not worry about what they're wearing.  MarineMat donated $3,000 to CAST for Kids and became an Associate Partner of the foundation. CAST for Kids is a nonprofit organization that arranges fishing trips for kids with disabilities. Being on a boat can be challenging for children with disabilities due to physical demands and outdoor logistics. One of the goals of CAST for Kids is to make fishing more accessible to populations with special needs and expose children, who may not otherwise get the opportunity, to enjoy fishing and being outdoors. MarineMat general manger, Robby Wellden comments: MarineMat is proud to be an Associate Partner of CAST for Kids. We love being able to donate to organizations that encourage families to get out on the water and go boating. Every child deserves the opportunity to go fishing and we are happy to be a part of making that activity accessible and fun for everyone. 
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AuthorSage Pickren Archives
August 2024
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