![]() |
- Breaking the Cycle of Poverty – Habitat for Humanity and MarineMax Partner Up -
- MarineMax Dedicates a New Home to a Deserving Family in Clearwater -
CLEARWATER, FL – For the third year in a row, MarineMax partnered with Habitat for Humanity to present a deserving family the keys to their new home in Clearwater, Florida.
“A Habitat for Humanity house dedication ceremony is life-changing,” states Brett McGill, MarineMax Chief Executive Officer and President. “The pandemic presented challenges, but our leadership team came out to celebrate the occasion and honor the Taylor family.”
On the morning of June 23, 2020, a single mother with twin 13-year-old’s, an 11-year-old, and a 3-year-old received keys to their new home. MarineMax chooses to partner with Habitat for Humanity because their core values and mission are closely aligned. They wanted something that helps local communities and involves teamwork outside of the typical work environment.
McGill continues, “when you take time to volunteer, you hear the history of Habitat and it’s a moment that sets you back and makes you say – WOW! Their mission is very powerful. MarineMax has dedicated three houses, but we’ve been a part of two or three more builds. I started with them seven years ago because community service is significant to my family and me. And it never gets old. Every year you see smiling faces from volunteers and you get to meet a new, deserving family.”
Habitat for Humanity helps low-income families purchase a house with a zero-interest mortgage to build generational wealth and equity in the family, breaking the cycle of poverty. Recipients participate in educational seminars to set them up for success and work alongside sponsors to accrue 350 to 450 “sweat equity hours.” A decent home offers the strength, stability, and independence that families need to thrive. Through donations and volunteer efforts, Habitat for Humanity houses are accessible in all 50 U.S. states and more than 70 other countries. MarineMax looks forward to continuing its long-standing relationship with Habitat for Humanity for many years to come.
Hear more about Habitat for Humanity’s mission from Mr. Mike Sutton, President & Chief Executive Officer of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties, on MarineMax’s show From The Helm Boating Broadcast. The interview will premiere on Facebook and YouTube on Thursday, July 2, at 11:00 am EDT. For more information, visit www.marinemax.com/connect/lifestyles/from-the-helm.
ABOUT HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF PINELLAS AND WEST PASCO COUNTIES
Since 1985, Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties has served 830 families and individuals through its new home buyer and home repair programs using locally raised funds. Volunteers and the future homeowners construct the homes, which are sold at no profit and financed with a zero-interest loan. Habitat homeowner candidates earn 30 to 80 percent of area median income. Candidates must demonstrate need for adequate shelter; ability to pay back a zero-interest loan and willingness to partner with Habitat to invest 350 to 450 “sweat equity” hours. Mortgage monies are used to build even more homes, making each donation to Habitat a perpetual legacy to the community. Habitat believes that homeownership contributes to family stability, leading, in turn, to community stability. Additionally, the affiliate raises funds through their two ReStores, home improvement outlets where donated household and building items are sold to the public. For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties, call (727) 536-4755 or visit www.habitatpwp.org.
ABOUT MARINEMAX
Headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, MarineMax is the nation’s largest recreational boat and yacht retailer. Focused on premium brands, such as Sea Ray, Boston Whaler, Hatteras, Azimut Yachts, Benetti, Ocean Alexander, Galeon, Grady-White, Harris, Bennington, Crest, MasterCraft, MJM Yachts, NauticStar, Scout, Sailfish, Scarab Jet Boats, Tige, Yamaha Jet Boats, Aquila, Aviara, and Nautique. MarineMax sells new and used recreational boats and related marine products and services as well as provides yacht brokerage and charter services. MarineMax also owns Fraser Yachts Group, a leading superyacht brokerage and luxury yacht services company with operations in multiple countries. MarineMax currently has 59 retail locations in Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina and Texas and operates MarineMax Vacations in Tortola, British Virgin Islands. MarineMax is a New York Stock Exchange-listed company. For more information, please visit www.marinemax.com.
Contact: Lisa Harrison (727) 265-3755 or Lisa.Harrison@MarineMax.com