STUART – Ocean Gate General Contractors teamed up with Martin County Special Needs, Inc. to support a unique program where students aid students in need. The program helps Martin County special needs students experience the thrill of horseback riding along with the responsibilities necessary to care for horses. Ocean Gate helped by constructing a barn for the program’s two horses that were without shelter for three years.

 

President Mark MacDonald and Project Manager Sean Lukas of Ocean Gate General Contractors donated more than $24,000 in labor and materials for the project. Jerry Cohen, President of Martin County Special Needs, Inc. brought $20,000 in cash donations to ensure that the program would thrive and that the horses would be sheltered properly. The barn is close to completion with only the interior details to finish.

 

The program was established by teachers Betty Feldman, Director of Exceptional Student Education and Charles Pascal, Vocational Agricultural Department teacher. Originally, the program featured the care and riding experiences with two horses on site at South Fork that were made available to all special needs students of the Martin County School District. It has been so successful that several special needs students competed in regional and state competitions.

 

“We are thrilled that Ocean Gate and Martin County Special Needs helped cement this program in our community,” stated Feldman. “It is wonderful to see this all come together with strong teamwork and a spirit for helping those less fortunate.”

 

“This was a great opportunity for Ocean Gate to help those in need,” said MacDonald. “It is a wonderful program and we take pride in helping our community.” For more information about the program or how you can help, contact Jerry Cohen at the Lady Bug Thrift Shop at 772-463-8224.

 

With origins dating back to 1972 as Ocean Gate Builders, Ocean Gate General Contractors was founded in 2001 by President Mark MacDonald. The company facilitates new commercial construction for governmental, public and private sectors, and developments with a diverse clientele statewide. Ocean Gate’s “client-first” methodology has led to a unique benefit of direct communication and streamlined building success, with a dedication to serve clients and the community for a higher standard of service. Ocean Gate General Contractors is centrally located at 2854 S.E. Federal Highway in Stuart. For more information, call 772-283-6744 or visit www.oceangategc.com.