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John Penna, 57, has suffered with colon cancer since the early 1990s. Most recently, John has developed a major bacterial infection caused by the extreme heat within his home. Despite his struggles, Penna maintained his construction business up until a few years ago. His health and mobility continued to worsen and the heat was contributing to his failing health.

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.

Builders Care, the nonprofit arm of the Lee Building Industry Association, has completed another extreme home makeover in Fort Myers.

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/.

Builders Care recently partnered with local nonprofit organizations to provide multiple wheelchair ramps in Southwest Florida as part of the 6 Days 6 Ramps Community Service Project.  This state-wide initiative was part of National AmeriCorps Week.  The 2010 6 Days 6 Ramps Community Service Project took place in Daytona Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Kissimmee, Sarasota and Winter Park. 6 Days 6 Ramps began as a joint project between Volunteer Florida and AmeriCorps Florida State Parks.  The project, originally known as the St. Andrews Inclusion Project, evolved from a single agency community service project to a yearly six-day, multi-site community strengthening event encouraging people with disabilities to serve in AmeriCorps programs across the state. 

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.

A massive home renovation for an elderly woman living in Dunbar will begin next week as volunteers with the Lee Building Industry Association’s Builders Care launch their largest project of 2010. The project marks a milestone for the nonprofit – providing $1 million in services since its inception in 2006. The group has provided 52 home renovations to date.

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/.

Marian Gann, 78, has suffered with muscular dystrophy since birth. Gann is bound to her wheelchair and her bed.  She has a caregiver that comes in daily to help her get from the bed to her wheelchair and other daily living activities.  Due to her lack of mobility, she can no longer get into the bathroom to take a shower.   

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.

Builders Care, the nonprofit charitable arm of the Lee Building Industry Association (BIA), raised more than $15,000 at its first annual BBQ, Bands and Brew event last weekend at the Lee County Alliance for the Arts. The monies generated from the event will be used to further the organization’s mission of providing emergency construction services to elderly or disabled Lee County homeowners.

“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.

Betty Lamy, 71, has several medical issues leaving her bed ridden and wheelchair bound. Her husband and partner of more than 50 years, Charles, is her full-time caregiver. Charles had to carry his wife to the car in order to get her to and from doctor’s appointments.

On April 8, volunteers sponsored by Builders Care, the charitable agency of the Lee Building Industry Association, constructed a wheelchair ramp for the Lamy couple.

Harbor Springs Building Company provided all of the labor to make this happen. The 16 foot ramp, complete with handrails and landing, was built in six hours.

“I am always so grateful to be a part of this organization,” said Tom Killingsworth, president of Harbor Springs Building Company and new board member for Builders Care. “We are helping homeowners that are in dire straights. Whenever given the chance, I try to pay it forward.”

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.

The Lee Building Industry Association (BIA) is hosting an afternoon of BBQ, Bands and Brew to benefit its nonprofit charitable arm Builders Care on Sunday, April 25 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Lee County Alliance for the Arts. The fundraiser is open to the public and will feature 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. Local celebrity judges and attendees will vote for the best BBQ in town.

“We look forward to hosting this fun family event for a great cause,” says Bob Bassett, Builder’s Care president. “All the proceeds will fund projects that improve people’s lives right here in our community.”

Admission for BBQ, Bands and Brew is $10 per person. Children ages 12 and under are free, and free parking is available. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets, but no coolers, dogs or beach umbrellas will be allowed. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Lee County Alliance for the Arts at 10091 McGregor Blvd in Fort Myers; Stevens Construction at 6208 Whisky Creek Drive, Fort Myers; the Fiddlesticks branch of BB&T Bank at 9090 Daniels Pkwy., Fort Myers; and the Pagefield branch of BB&T Bank, 4959 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers. Reservations may be made by calling 239-938-0056 or e-mail bbq@bia.net. Additional information is available at www.bbqbandsandbrew.com.

Top sponsors include 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.

The Lee Building Industry Association (BIA) Builders Care announces an impressive board of directors that will guide the nonprofit agency in its mission to provide construction services at no cost to needy elderly, disabled and economically disadvantaged homeowners in Lee County.

President of the board is Bob Bassett, senior vice president of BB&T. Bassett has previously served in other capacities on the board including vice president and treasurer. Other 2010 board members include:

• Vice president: Butch Ritter, president of Cape Coral Plumbing
• Vice president of construction: Tom Killingsworth, president of Harbor Springs Building Company
• Secretary: Randy Thibaut, CEO of Land Solutions
• Treasurer: JoAnn Orr, assistant executive vice president of the Lee BIA
• Fred Barry, immediate past president
• Wendi Carroll, Carroll Properties
• Teri Hansen, APR, president of Priority Marketing
• Annette Nilles, president of Nilles Design Group
• Michael Reitmann, executive vice president of the Lee BIA
• Jimmy Rodgers, West Coast Structural Concrete & Masonry
• Mark Stevens, president of Stevens Construction
• Gregg S. Truxton, an attorney with Bolaños Truxton, PA
• Steve Wilkerson, general manager with Ferguson Enterprises

Builders Care provides home repair and renovation services to elderly and disabled Lee County residents by using donated materials and the volunteer services of local builders and BIA members. The Lee BIA started the program as a way for builders and their employees to unite and give back to the community. Builders Care completed its first project in March 2006, renovating the home of a severely disabled Pine Island man. Since then, Builders Care has completed 48 projects providing nearly $1,000,000 in emergency construction services to Lee County homeowners in need.

The board will continue to assist Builders Care Executive Director Heidi Taulman in selecting recipients for donated construction services and raising funds for projects, oversee the agency’s operational and financial policies, and help plan and coordinate renovation projects.

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. Most recent top corporate sponsors include Real Estate Investment Society.  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.

BB&T has donated $2,500 to help the Lee Building Industry Association (BIA) Builders Care program provide free home repairs to disadvantage Lee County residents.

Bob Bassett, BB&T senior vice president, also serves as president on the Builders Care board of directors.

“This donation demonstrates BB&T’s ongoing commitment to the community and the building industry,” said Heidi Taulman, Builders Care executive director. “We are so grateful for the company’s continued support.”

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 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.