Florida Auto Dealer Gives $1M to Build Disability Center

The Gettel Foundation is investing in dignity and opportunity for hundreds of Floridians with disabilities through a transformative $1 million gift.

The philanthropic arm of Bradenton-based Gettel Automotive made the donation to The Haven, a Sarasota County nonprofit serving 700 people with disabilities every day. The money will help build a career and community center on the organization's 32-acre campus on DeSoto Road.

When completed, the center will include a theater, gymnasium, activity spaces, and specialized training labs for workforce development and life skills instruction. The facility will give people with physical and mental disabilities a place to explore careers, express creativity, and build meaningful friendships.

"The Haven plays an essential role in our community, and we are honored to support a project that will have a lasting impact on so many lives," says James Gettel, president of Gettel Automotive Group and foundation trustee. "We believe this community center will serve as a place of connection, growth and safety for years to come."

The Ripple Effect

The center's impact extends beyond daily programming. The 8,800-square-foot building will double as a hurricane shelter, allowing residents and program participants to ride out storms in a familiar environment with their trusted caregivers and resources nearby.

For families of people with disabilities, knowing their loved ones have a safe haven during Florida's hurricane season brings immeasurable peace of mind. The shelter addresses a critical gap in emergency planning for vulnerable populations.

The total project cost is about $6 million, with $3 million already raised. The Haven Vice President of Philanthropy Jennifer Groff calls the Gettel Foundation gift "an investment in dignity, opportunity and belonging."

The Haven has been building community for years, bringing in nearly $8.77 million in revenue in 2024 to support its residential services, educational programs, and day programs focused on helping people with disabilities integrate into their communities and develop new skills.

This gift proves that when successful businesses invest in their neighbors, everyone grows stronger together.