The Center for Leadership and Service at the University of Florida created the Purpose 20 Awards to honor the contributions made to Alachua County by local for-profit businesses. These 20 businesses provide invaluable cash and in-kind donations while supporting the community with efforts in environmental sustainability, serving as role models for change within the community and encouraging staff members to give their time to local causes. All of this work often goes unrecognized. The Center for Leadership and Service hopes that by recognizing these businesses, we inspire others through their example and demonstrate that business is about more than making a profit — it is also about having a purpose to build a better community.
“When one person or business chooses to give back and support a cause, good things happen; but when that person or business can set an example and motivate other people or businesses to also give back and support that cause, GREAT things can happen. Tremendous things happen!”
–Sherri Cousins, manager
Southeast Car Agency was established in 1979, and although the ownership has changed, its long tradition of volunteering and giving back to the community has been a constant. Most recently, the company’s staff donated their time and resources toward building St. Francis Catholic High School, and they continue to support them. They continuously support Catholic Charities through an annual gala fundraiser and the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch with the Cars for Kids annual drive as well as other local and international charities such as Bread of the Mighty and the House of Hope Orphanage in Kenya. Southeast Car Agency encourages its employees to be proactive in the community to teach them about not only building business by reaching out but also by meeting needs and helping those less fortunate.