Local Business Meets Local Mission: A Powerful Partnership Changing Lives
A few years ago, our organization was forced out of our longtime home in Thonotosassa. With heavy hearts and limited options, we relocated to Lithia, Florida—an unfamiliar area where we had no established support network, no local partners, and a lot of uncertainty about what the future would hold.
But just down the road was something we never expected: one of the greatest blessings our organization has ever received.
That blessing was Central Maintenance and Welding (CMW), a family-owned business deeply rooted in the local community. From the moment we met, there was an instant and genuine connection. Without hesitation, they wrapped their arms around our children and our mission. Over the past few years, they’ve become more than just corporate sponsors—they’ve become family.
CMW has gone above and beyond in their support, investing time, resources, and yes, even their blood, sweat, and tears to make a transformative impact on the lives of the children in our community. They’ve stepped into our fight to keep siblings together in foster care, and their involvement has truly shifted the trajectory of our work in this region.
We’re proud to have received the largest single donation in Everyday Blessings’ history, an extraordinary $109,000 gift that will directly benefit foster children and ensure siblings can remain together in a safe, loving environment. The donation came from proceeds raised at CMW’s Annual Shrimp Boil, which raised an astonishing $167,000 in total, its most successful year yet.
As the lead charity beneficiary, we were blown away by both the generosity and the heart behind this contribution. But the impact goes far beyond the dollar amount; it’s helping us expand programs, improve care, and keep sibling groups together in foster care.
It’s the kind of community partnership that doesn’t just support a cause—it helps redefine what’s possible.
Shawn McConnell, CMW Vice President, shared, “We hope the legacy of Central Maintenance and Welding is one of integrity, impact, and genuine care for the people and neighborhoods we serve. We aim to be more than just a business; we want to be a force for good. The company’s values of unity, trust, and service are perfectly aligned with the mission of Everyday Blessings. This donation is a reflection of our core belief that when we uplift the most vulnerable among us, we build a better future for everyone. We see it not just as a contribution, but as a partnership in creating lasting change.”
In a time where good news can feel scarce, this story is a testament to what happens when local nonprofits and local businesses, community, and compassion collide.
At Everyday Blessings, we’ve always believed it takes a village to nurture children, but thanks to CMW, our village is now stronger and filled with deeper hope. Their unwavering commitment is more than a gesture of generosity; it’s a movement of compassion whose impact will ripple through lives for years to come. We can’t wait to see what we’ll build together next, because when love leads, miracles follow.
To the entire CMW family and community: thank you for leading with heart, generosity, and bold commitment to making a difference.
You continue to inspire us.
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Learn More About Central Maintenance & Welding: https://www.cmw.cc/
Inspired by CMW’s story? Consider exploring how you, too, can be a force for good—whether through donating, volunteering, or partnering with Everyday Blessings, together, we can reshape futures and keep siblings together.