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Chapter Corner: Community Service:
Building a Better Community, One Member at a Time
Skill, Integrity and Responsibility
This can be seen in the work AGC members do on a day-to-day
basis. But this motto is exemplified even further in the community
outreach that chapters and members participate in regularly.
The projects are numerous and as diverse as the communities
and members themselves. From funding the training of firefighters
to providing holiday gifts to underprivileged children, AGC's
chapters and members are making a difference-and having fun
too.
Building a Healthier, Safer Community
When the firefighters of Madison, Wis., were short on funds
for emergency training, the AGC of Wisconsin Municipal/Utilities
contractors organized and funded $30,000 worth of trench rescue
training. Local emergency personnel will soon be trained to
assist in building collapses and underground emergencies.
The Constructors Association of Western Pennsylvania recently
participated in Relay for Life Walk, an all-night fundraiser
for the American Cancer Society, and coordinated the first
Strike Out Cancer Co-Ed Softball tournament, raising nearly
$10,000 for the American Cancer Society.
The San Antonio Chapter also joined the fight against cancer
by participating in the Race for the Cure, a national event
that raises funds for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
It placed sixth overall in funds raised by 707 teams.
AGC of Connecticut has adopted a special building project
for Ann's Place, a resource center for cancer patients in
the Danbury area. The chapter and its members have played
a leading role in getting contributions of materials, labor
and project supervision for the new 17,000-sq-ft facility.
The value of the donations from AGC members will exceed $4
million by the time the project is completed in 2007.
"Our members have good hearts," says John Farnham,
executive director, AGC of Connecticut. "I'm continually
surprised at their contributions and support on community
projects."
Reaching Out to Youth
The Western Kentucky Construction Association has partnered
with Murray State University to develop an annual Boy Scout
Merit Badge Day. This event offers more than 100 scouts the
opportunity to earn merit badges in construction-related fields.
AGC of Wisconsin is also actively trying to introduce the
construction trades to children and their parents. Most recently
it supported Quarry Quest, an annual event that brings the
construction trades to life for thousands of children and
parents through fun construction craft demonstrations and
hands-on activities.
AGC of Greater Detroit has been active in projects that improve
the lives of local children, including planning a major Habitat
for Humanity building project, and hosting a fund-raising
event to support the Sweet Dreamzzz organization, a nonprofit
that educates at-risk children about the benefits of a good
night's rest.
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| Boy scouts working on construction
merit badges at the Western Kentucky Construction Association's
Boy Scout Merit Badge Day. |
What We Do Best
Seventeen member companies from the San Antonio Chapter worked
together to completely demolish and rebuild the park pavilion
in McAllister Park, San Antonio's largest park. AGC of El
Paso also recently helped revamp a favorite local spot-Sun
Bowl Stadium. The chapter assembled a group of volunteers
to renovate the worn south entrance and the press-box side
of the stadium.
In 1993, the Master Builders Association of Western Pennsylvania
Inc. began a program called Christmas in April (since renamed
Rebuilding Pittsburgh Together) where the community comes
together to provide free home repairs, renovations and modifications
for disabled and low-income senior homeowners. MBA, along
with the Constructors Association of Western Pennsylvania
and AGC of Virginia, is still involved in the program, providing
year-round assistance and volunteers.
AGC of Virginia members have created the Building Goodness
Foundation, a nonprofit that designs and builds community
structures worldwide in areas with poor living conditions.
"Our members want to give back to their communities and
help others," says Steven C. Vermilion, CEO, AGC of Virginia.
"Our chapter promotes and coordinates the activities,
but members' willingness to give makes the difference."
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