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.
Founded in 2004, Sweet Dreams has always been dedicated to philanthropy and service work, all while innovating methods to keep the production, packaging and delivery of its products green. Owner Michael Manfredi established the Sweet Dreams Foundation to raise awareness for lesser-known charitable organizations through fun, child-oriented events. Every year, Sweet Dreams hosts the Touch-A-Truck event, which provides children with hands-on experience and educates them about vehicle and pedestrian safety around large vehicles. In 2013, the event raised $6,050 for Camp Amigo, the Children’s Burn Camp of North Florida, and 2,195 pounds of food for the Food4Kids Backpack Program of North Florida. Manfredi has a strong passion for philanthropy and made sure to build a team that holds the same love. Despite its limited size, Sweet Dreams aims to make big impacts by giving back to the Gainesville community.