Things were about to change for this 20 year Bonita Springs resident. Despite her struggles, Julia supplements her social security income by teaching students piano, guitar and vocal lessons out of a small studio in Bonita Springs. She has been teaching music for more than 25 years. When she is not working, she enjoys being involved in her church and swimming.

Throughout the week of Aug. 30, in a collaborative effort between Builders Care, the State Housing Initiatives Program through Lee County, and local building subcontractors, the home received a new roof, remodeled bathrooms, new carpeting, refurbished drywall and an interior and exterior paint job.

“We are so happy to be able to partner with Lee County in order to help provide much needed services in our community,” said Heidi Taulman, Builders Care executive director. “By pulling our resources together, we are able to make a bigger impact on the community.”

Contributing companies for this project include 3D Builders, Abash Enterprises, Affordable Reliable Cleaning, A-Rite Glass, Cabinets Plus, Cape Coral Plumbing, Cornerstone Construction, D. Peck Roofing, Franzese Plumbing, Garage Doors by Roy North, Jamestown Painting, Mark’s Dumpsters, Priority Marketing, Sherwin Williams, Sunset Air, T & M Portable Restrooms and Wayne Wiles Floor Coverings.

This is the fourth roof that Builders Care and Lee County have completed since June. Other recipients resided in Lehigh Acres, Harlem Heights in South Fort Myers and Morse Shores in East Fort Myers.

Builders Care is the nonprofit charitable arm of the Lee Building Industry Association (BIA). Its objective is to provide emergency repairs and construction services to elderly, disabled and economically disadvantaged people who are unable to obtain home repairs through traditional means. Builder’s Care enlists the volunteer services of Lee BIA members and leverages grants and donated materials to provide construction and remodeling services to qualified homeowners throughout Lee County. Most recent top corporate sponsors include Armadillo Underground and Real Estate Investment Society. Builders Care is headquartered at the Lee BIA offices at 4210 Metro Parkway, Suite 100, Fort Myers FL 33916. Donations can be made online at http://www.leebuilderscare.org/, or to the Builders Care general fund at BB&T (formerly Colonial Bank) Page Field branch at 4959 South Cleveland Avenue in Fort Myers. More information is available by calling 239-938-0056.

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Sherwin-Williams provided all of the paint to complete the three homes. The homes were painted in just four days. Additional materials were provided by Scott Paint Corporation.

Recipients included a Lee County School District employee and two other local families in need.

“We are grateful to our volunteers who traveled from Ohio to help out local families in need,” said Heidi Taulman, Builders Care executive director. “We appreciated their generosity and hard work.”

Builders Care is the nonprofit charitable arm of the Lee Building Industry Association (BIA). Its objective is to provide emergency repairs and construction services to elderly, disabled and economically disadvantaged people who are unable to obtain home repairs through traditional means. Builder’s Care enlists the volunteer services of Lee BIA members and leverages grants and donated materials to provide construction and remodeling services to qualified homeowners throughout Lee County. Most recent top corporate sponsors include Armadillo Underground and Real Estate Investment Society. Builders Care is headquartered at the Lee BIA offices at 4210 Metro Parkway, Suite 100, Fort Myers FL 33916. Donations can be made online at http://www.leebuilderscare.org/, or to the Builders Care general fund at BB&T (formerly Colonial Bank) Page Field branch at 4959 South Cleveland Avenue in Fort Myers. More information is available by calling 239-938-0056.

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The sale will take place Aug. 28 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Cape Coral Plumbing, located at 5812 Enterprise Pkwy. in the Billy Creek Commerce Center off Luckett Road, just west of I-75. Admission is free, but a $5 donation is suggested per adult. Beverages and snacks will be available.

“This is a remodeler’s dream sale,” said Heidi Taulman, Builders Care executive director. “This is a perfect opportunity to take advantage of great deals that will ultimately help a local neighbor in need.”

Builders Care is the nonprofit charitable arm of the Lee Building Industry Association (BIA). Its objective is to provide emergency repairs and construction services to elderly, disabled and economically disadvantaged people who are unable to obtain home repairs through traditional means. Builders Care enlists the volunteer services of Lee BIA members and leverages grants and donated materials to provide construction and remodeling services to qualified homeowners throughout Lee County. Most recent top corporate sponsors include Armadillo Underground and Real Estate Investment Society. Builders Care is headquartered at the Lee BIA offices at 4210 Metro Parkway, Suite 100, Fort Myers FL 33916. Donations can be made online at http://www.leebuilderscare.org/, or to the Builders Care general fund at BB&T (formerly Colonial Bank) Page Field branch at 4959 South Cleveland Avenue in Fort Myers. More information is available by calling 239-938-0056.

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More than 100 participants vied for the naming rights of top team and the winning prizes of four HP mini computers. Raffles and other activities at the tournament also helped to raise money for Builders Care.

After the scores were tallied, Ferguson representatives presented a check for $5,283 to Heidi Taulman, executive director of Lee BIA Builders Care.

“We are so thrilled to be involved with Ferguson again for this awesome event,” said Taulman. “We are grateful for their support.”

Sponsors of the event included Ferguson, Moen, Jenn-Air, Franke, ThermaSol, Mid Continent Cabinetry, Oatey, Jacuzzi, Basco Shower Enclosures and Progress Lighting.

Headquartered in Newport News, Va., Ferguson is ranked by trade publications as the country’s largest wholesale distributor of plumbing supplies; pipes, valves and fittings; heating and cooling equipment; waterworks; mechanical and industrial; bathrooms and appliances; tools and safety equipment and fire protection products. Ferguson has sales of $9.1 billion and 17,000 associates in approximately 1,350 service centers located in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Mexico and the Caribbean. For more information, visit www.ferguson.com.

Builders Care is the nonprofit charitable arm of the Lee Building Industry Association (BIA). Its objective is to provide emergency repairs and construction services to elderly, disabled and economically disadvantaged people who are unable to obtain home repairs through traditional means. Builders Care enlists the volunteer services of Lee BIA members and leverages grants and donated materials to provide construction and remodeling services to qualified homeowners throughout Lee County. Most recent top corporate sponsors include Armadillo Underground and Real Estate Investment Society. Builders Care is headquartered at the Lee BIA offices at 4210 Metro Parkway, Suite 100, Fort Myers FL, 33916. Donations can be made online at http://www.leebuilderscare.org/, or to the Builders Care general fund at BB&T (formerly Colonial Bank) Page Field branch at 4959 South Cleveland Avenue in Fort Myers. More information is available by calling 239-938-0056.

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The Penna family completed several repair jobs on the air conditioning unit over the past few years. However, two months ago when the unit went out again, the Penna family was in dire straits. With the recent loss of his job and rising medical bills, the Penna family could not afford the $2,000 in repairs needed to get the air conditioning going again. With John’s failing health, they could not afford to go without air conditioning either.

On July 9, volunteers sponsored by Builders Care, the charitable agency of the Lee Building Industry Association (BIA), sent out a call for help to its BIA members. Almost immediately, a local community member stepped forward to offer a helping hand. Jim Glennon, president of Florida operations for Modern & Anderson Service for Home & Business, responded and in less than one week, the Penna residence had air conditioning. Modern & Anderson Service for Home & Business provided all of the labor and needed materials to make this happen.

“The residents of Southwest Florida have been very supportive of our company since 1965 so it’s the least we can do help give back,” said Jim Glennon of Modern & Anderson Service for Home & Business. “We are proud to be part of Lee County BIA and are grateful to be able to help whenever we can. Builders Cares helps us give back to our community, and we felt it was time to give back to them.”

“This is a great project for a man that served in the building industry for many years. It is great to see other companies looking out for others in our community,” said Heidi Taulman, executive director of Builders Care. “We are so thankful for the support of Modern & Anderson to be able to provide this service to a sick man in need.”

Builders Care is the nonprofit charitable arm of the Lee Building Industry Association (BIA). Its objective is to provide emergency repairs and construction services to elderly, disabled and economically disadvantaged people who are unable to obtain home repairs through traditional means. Builder’s Care enlists the volunteer services of Lee BIA members and leverages grants and donated materials to provide construction and remodeling services to qualified homeowners throughout Lee County. Most recent top corporate sponsors include Armadillo Underground and Real Estate Investment Society. Builders Care is headquartered at the Lee BIA offices at 4210 Metro Parkway, Suite 100, Fort Myers FL 33916. Donations can be made online at http://www.leebuilderscare.org/, or to the Builders Care general fund at BB&T (formerly Colonial Bank) Page Field branch at 4959 South Cleveland Avenue in Fort Myers. More information is available by calling 239-938-0056.

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The recipient of the most recent extreme home makeover is Junior Florence, a 78-year-old man living in a small home off Edison Avenue. His 50-year-old, wood-framed home had an aging roof, rotting floors and no air conditioning. There were also no grab bars in the bathroom for stability. With help from a partnership through the State Housing Initiatives Program, hosted by the City of Fort Myers, and Builders Care building partners, the home received renovation services totaling more than $45,000, complete with the addition of air conditioning, new roof, floors, paint, kitchen, bathroom, fixtures and more.

“We are so fortunate to have such a giving community and volunteers always willing to help change someone’s life,” said Heidi Taulman, Builders Care executive director.

Local subcontractors contributing labor and material for the latest project include: Abash Enterprises, A-Rite Glass, Cabinets Plus, Cape Coral Plumbing, Cornerstone Construction, D.E. Moff Construction, D. Peck Roofing, Hide-Away Storage, JTE Electric, Mark’s Dumpsters, Murphy’s Handyman Services, Nilles Design, Gulfcoast Engineering, Raymond Building Supply, Sherwin Williams, Sunset Air, T&M Portable Restrooms, Totally Detailed Services and Renovations, TPI Aluminum, Universal Engineering, Wayne Wiles Floor Coverings and Westcoast Insulation.

Builders Care is the nonprofit charitable arm of the Lee BIA. Its objective is to provide

emergency repairs and construction services to elderly, disabled and economically disadvantaged people who are unable to obtain home repairs through traditional means. Builders Care enlists the volunteer services of Lee BIA members and leverages grants and donated materials to provide construction and remodeling services to qualified homeowners throughout Lee County. Donations can be made to the Builders Care general fund at any Colonial Bank. For more information, call 239-938-0056 or visit http://www.leebuilderscare.org/.

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As part of 6 Days 6 Ramps Community Service state-wide project, volunteers sponsored by Builders Care, the charitable agency of the Lee Building Industry Association, constructed the two wheelchair ramps for Carolina Rondan of Lehigh Acres.

Rondan, 12, has multiple medical issues including congenital muscular dystrophy.  She is bound to a wheelchair and most recently underwent tracheotomy surgery for a ventilator that runs 24 hours a day to help her breathe. Rondan attends school and lives with her family in Lehigh Acres, where she spends time on the computer and doing schoolwork.

Harbor Springs Building Company provided all of the labor to install two ramps on Rondan’s home.  The ramps were built in just eight hours.  Materials were provided by Raymond Building Supply as a part of a grant awarded by 6 Days 6 Ramps Community Service state-wide program to the Center for Independent Living in partnership with several local nonprofit organizations including the Salvation Army.

“We are happy to partner with other local non-profits to reach a common goal,” said Heidi Taulman, Builders Care executive director.  “We hope that this grant award will continue to provide funds to offer these critical services to our community for years to come.”

Builders Care is the nonprofit charitable arm of the Lee Building Industry Association (BIA). Its objective is to provide emergency repairs and construction services to elderly, disabled and economically disadvantaged people who are unable to obtain home repairs through traditional means. Builder’s Care enlists the volunteer services of Lee BIA members and leverages grants and donated materials to provide construction and remodeling services to qualified homeowners throughout Lee County. Most recent top corporate sponsors include Armadillo Underground and Real Estate Investment Society. Builders Care is headquartered at the Lee BIA offices at 4210 Metro Parkway, Suite 100, Fort Myers FL 33916. Donations can be made online at http://www.leebuilderscare.org/, or to the Builders Care general fund at BB&T (formerly Colonial Bank) Page Field branch at 4959 South Cleveland Avenue in Fort Myers. More information is available by calling 239-938-0056.

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The recipient of the extreme home makeover is Dorothy House, a 63-year-old single woman who lives in a small home off Edison Avenue where she cares for two teenage grandchildren currently sharing one bedroom. Her home has an aging roof, rotting floors and no air conditioning.

“Mrs. House is not one to create a lot of fuss about needing help, which is one of the reasons we were compelled to help her,” said Heidi Taulman, executive director of Builders Care.

According to House, the 1969 home was moved from downtown Fort Myers to the current property in the 1970s. The home has severe wood rot and termite damage, making it extremely dangerous. Builders Care initially planned to give the home a new roof, remodel the bathroom, rebuild some floors and enclose a third bedroom. However, because of major flooring issues, the project has expanded into a total remodel with everything except the walls and slab being redone. Demolition begins Monday, June 14.

When completed, the home will have new floors, paint, kitchen, bathroom, fixtures and more. The newly renovated home is expected to be revealed June 25 at noon.

“Because of the limited funding for projects through the City of Fort Myers, Mrs. House may have been turned away if Builders Care had not stepped up to help her out,” said Taulman.

With help from a partnership through the State Housing Initiatives Program, hosted by the City of Fort Myers and Builders Care building partners, the home will receive renovation services totaling more than $65,000. 

Local subcontractors contributing labor and material include: Abash Enterprises, A-Rite Glass, Cabinets Plus, Cape Coral Plumbing, Cornerstone Construction, D.E. Moff Construction, D. Peck Roofing, Hide-Away Storage, Mark’s Dumpsters, Murphy’s Handyman Services, Nilles Design, Gulfcoast Engineering, Raymond Building Supply, Sherwin Williams, Southern State Electric, Storm Smart, Sunset Air, T&M Portable Restrooms, T&P Cleaning, TPI Aluminum, Universal Engineering, Wayne Wiles Floor Coverings, West Coast Structural Concrete & Masonry and Westcoast Insulation.

Builders Care is the nonprofit charitable arm of the Lee BIA. Its objective is to provide

emergency repairs and construction services to elderly, disabled and economically disadvantaged people who are unable to obtain home repairs through traditional means. Builders Care enlists the volunteer services of Lee BIA members and leverages grants and donated materials to provide construction and remodeling services to qualified homeowners throughout Lee County. Donations can be made to the Builders Care general fund at any Colonial Bank. For more information, call 239-938-0056 or visit http://www.leebuilderscare.org/.

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She resides in Cape Coral where she has been a resident for more than 20 years.  Despite her struggles, Marian supplements her social security disability income by doing accounting and tax work out of her home.  When she is not working, she enjoys reading, movies and her pet parrot, Kokomo.

In Early May Builders Care volunteers completely remodeled the bathroom, including the shower, for Gann.  The bathroom is complete with wheelchair accessible floors, sink and shower, as well as custom built-in bench and more.

Villa Homes of SWFL headed up the team of sub-contractors including Abash Enterprises, Allied Portables, Cape Coral Plumbing, Harbor Springs Building Company, Jamestown Painting, Mark’s Dumpsters, Nilles Design, Sherwin Williams and Wayne Wiles Floor Coverings. All labor and materials were provided at no cost to Mrs. Gann.

“We are so grateful to be involved in such a tremendous program,” said Jesse Gonzalez, project manager for Villa Homes of Southwest Florida. “And to see the building industry continue to come together to help out local folks in need.”

Builders Care is the nonprofit charitable arm of the Lee Building Industry Association (BIA). Its objective is to provide emergency repairs and construction services to elderly, disabled and economically disadvantaged people who are unable to obtain home repairs through traditional means. Builder’s Care enlists the volunteer services of Lee BIA members and leverages grants and donated materials to provide construction and remodeling services to qualified homeowners throughout Lee County. Most recent top corporate sponsors include Armadillo Underground and Real Estate Investment Society. Builders Care is headquartered at the Lee BIA offices at 4210 Metro Parkway, Suite 100, Fort Myers FL 33916. Donations can be made online at http://www.leebuilderscare.org/, or to the Builders Care general fund at BB&T (formerly Colonial Bank) Page Field branch at 4959 South Cleveland Avenue in Fort Myers. More information is available by calling 239-938-0056.

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“Builders Care has stepped up in a time of great need,” said Fort Myers Mayor Randy Henderson. “Their leaders and volunteers exemplify the notion that action speaks louder than words. I respect them and the work they do. They make our city and beyond a better place and their compassion for their fellow citizen is evident!”

The fundraiser featured food from eight local barbeque-themed restaurants and caterers, live music by local bands Deb & The Dynamics and The Juice, and games and attractions for all ages. Hundreds of locals came out to support the cause and vote for the best BBQ in town. Six local celebrity judges, including Mayor Henderson, judged the barbecue cuisine. Famous Dave’s BBQ won Best Taste, Best Presentation and Best Overall, while Jonesez Restaurant from Labelle, Florida won The People’s Choice Award. 

Top sponsors included Stevens Construction, Cape Coral Plumbing, Teco Partners, Budweiser, WINK News, Florida Weekly, Cat Country 107.1, 95.3 OLZ and Priority Marketing. Event sponsors include Bolaños Truxton PA, Gora McGahey Architects, Harbor Springs Building Company, Land Solutions Inc., Lee County Electric Cooperative, Debonair Mechanical Inc., Costco Wholesale, Pepsi, T&M Portable Restrooms, Signs Now, Exploritech Inc. and Jamestown Painting.

Builders Care is the nonprofit charitable arm of the Lee Building Industry Association (BIA). Its objective is to provide emergency repairs and construction services to elderly, disabled and economically disadvantaged people who are unable to obtain home repairs through traditional means. Builders Care enlists the volunteer services of Lee BIA members and leverages grants and donated materials to provide construction and remodeling services to qualified homeowners throughout Lee County. Most recent top corporate sponsors include Real Estate Investment Society and BB&T. Builders Care is headquartered at the Lee BIA offices at 4210 Metro Parkway, Suite 100 in Fort Myers. Donations can be made online at http://www.leebuilderscare.org/, or to the Builders Care general fund at BB&T (formerly Colonial Bank) Page Field branch at 4959 South Cleveland Ave. in Fort Myers. More information is available by calling 239-938-0056.

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