BRADENTON, FL / ACCESS Newswire / May 9, 2025 / In just a few months, Nate's Honor Animal Rescue Center will complete construction on its $16 million Journey Home capital campaign project. The expansion includes a new 23,000-square-foot Welcome and Adoption Center with a veterinary clinic, a new training facility, 10 additional dog cottages and other major site improvements. As this transformative project nears completion, Randy Benderson, managing director of Benderson Development, reflects on the remarkable growth of Nate's Honor-a legacy his father, Nathan "Nate" Benderson, helped establish nearly 20 years ago.

"My father had an unwavering love for dogs and a deep commitment to the shelter that was named in his honor," said Randy Benderson. "He laid the groundwork for what has become a beacon of hope for thousands of animals each year. It's been a privilege to carry forward his vision and help elevate it to the next level."

From Small Beginnings to a Big Impact

In 2008, a small group of passionate animal advocates were working out of their garages to rescue homeless animals when they turned to Nathan Benderson, philanthropist and founder of Benderson Development, for help. Recognizing the importance of their mission, Nate stepped in to secure the land and provide the vision necessary to establish an eight-acre shelter in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. This shelter would later be named Nate's Honor Animal Rescue Center.

Under Nate's leadership and guidance, the organization flourished, rapidly growing from a few hundred animal adoptions per year to over 2,000 annually. His unwavering commitment and vision laid the foundation for what is now one of the most respected animal rescue organizations in the region.

Carrying on the Family Legacy

Randy Benderson and his family are now carrying on the legacy of their patriarch, guiding the organization into an exciting new chapter. Their forward-thinking vision is coming to life through the transformative Journey Home expansion, an ambitious project that will double the center's capacity and its life-saving impact.

"To truly honor my father's mission, we knew the organization had to evolve," said Randy Benderson. "As the need for animal sheltering and services continues to grow, this expansion ensures Nate's Honor can keep making a meaningful difference-for both animals and the community-for generations to come."

The "Journey Home" Expansion: A New Era of Animal Welfare

The "Journey Home" expansion marks the culmination of years of thoughtful planning, major site work and new construction. The enhanced campus will feature a 23,000-square-foot Welcome and Adoption Center, designed to provide a more comfortable and inviting environment for potential adopters. The expansion also includes a new veterinary clinic that will offer affordable services to pet owners in the community. Additionally, there will be a children's education room, training center and community event space.

Benderson Development has been instrumental in managing the design and construction of the new campus. Randy and his family are personally overseeing every detail of the project to ensure that it meets the highest standards of quality and cost efficiency. Additionally, the Benderson family has pledged to match all donations made to the campaign, reinforcing their personal commitment to the cause and ensuring that Nathan Benderson's legacy continues for generations to come.

The impact of the expansion goes beyond simply increasing capacity. With the new space, Nate's Honor will be able to offer more services to the community, including education programs, affordable veterinary care and animal training. Randy views this expansion as the next step in a long-term vision for the center -- one that will enable it to grow and continue making a positive impact on both animals and people for years to come.

A Bright Future for Nate's Honor Animal Rescue Center

As the grand opening of the expanded campus draws near, Randy and his family remain focused on the future. The Journey Home project will not only provide a safe haven for more animals, but it will also address the community's growing need for accessible veterinary care and animal education. With the new space, more animals will find their "forever homes," and pet owners will have increased access to critical resources to keep their animals healthy and safe.

"Continuing the work my father started nearly two decades ago is deeply meaningful to me," said Randy Benderson. "With this expansion, we're building on his legacy and strengthening our family's commitment to meeting the needs of the community and making the world a better place for animals in need."

CONTACT:

Andrew Mitchell
[email protected]

SOURCE: Cambridge Global



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