Local builders provide free ramp to Lehigh Acres couple in need
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.
Tickets now available for BBQ, Bands and Brew fundraiser on April 25
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.
Builders Care announces 2010 board of directors
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 donates $2,500 to Lee BIA Builders Care
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.
Nulman Mediation Services donates $1,000 to Lee BIA Builders Care
Nulman Mediation Services has donated $1,000 to help the Lee Building Industry Association (BIA) Builders Care program provide free home repairs to disadvantage Lee County residents.
“This donation is such a special way to show support during these challenging times,” said Heidi Taulman, Builders Care executive director. “We are so grateful to Nulman Mediation Services for their 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, Fort Myers FL 33916. Donations can be made online at 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.
Cypress Realty donates $2,000 to Lee BIA Builders Care
Cypress Realty Inc./GMAC Real Estate has donated $2,000 to help the Lee Building Industry Association (BIA) Builders Care program provide free home repairs to disadvantage Lee County residents.
The donation came from a crisis fund established by Cypress Realty Inc./GMAC Real Estate and Edison Mortgage to help local homeowners in need. The group also donated nearly $300 in Publix gift cards to Builder’s Care.
“This donation demonstrates Cypress Realty’s ongoing commitment to the community and the real estate industry,” said Heidi Taulman, Builders Care executive director. “We are so grateful for their support and look forward to a long partnership.”
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 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 completes “extreme home makeover” for local family
It is not often that roofing companies work together, but Advanced Roofing and Sheet Metal and Crowther Roofing teamed up to help out a local family in need this holiday season. The roof of the Castro family’s carport was about to give in, leaking pipes rotted the main roof overhead and there was only a fireplace for heat. Parts of the house were in dangerous condition because of water damage and deterioration due to age and the multiple pot holes in the driveway, made it difficult for Rocky Castro, 22, to maneuver his wheelchair. Despite their own emergency needs, the Castro family spends a lot of their time helping out others in the community. Whether it is through the works with their church, fire education to children, or working as youth leaders, the Castro family gives of themselves throughout the year.
Migdalia and Ruben Castro have two children, Rocky and Ian, as well as a foreign exchange student from Italy. Rocky has lived with a muscular dystrophy association disease, spinal muscular atrophy, since birth. This disease causes skin and lung issues as well as muscle deterioration leaving Rocky bound to a wheelchair. Over his lifetime, Rocky has undergone 16 surgeries. Most recently after several years of trying, Rocky was granted a canine assistant, Eeyore. Despite his disabilities, Rocky is currently going to college and studying to be a lawyer.
The Castro family is very involved in the community and church, where Migdalia works part time. When Ruben is not at the fire station, where he has been an Emergency Medical Technician and firefighter for 19 years, you can find him at his second job or volunteering his time to teach fire safety at local schools and churches. Migdalia is involved in many different programs including the local Shriners’ Club where she acts as an advisory coach and supporter to other mom’s with children who suffer from debilitating diseases.
With hammers in hand instead of toys, Builders Care, the nonprofit arm of the Lee Building Industry Association (BIA), began construction valued at more than $40,000 on the Castro family home, located at 6002 Kenneth Road. Construction was completed Dec. 22, just in time for Christmas.
In a collaborative effort between Builders Care, the BIA and local building subcontractors, volunteers removed the existing air conditioning unit, roof and carport, rebuilt the roof and carport, provided a new driveway suitable for handicap accessibility, painted the exterior, refurbished existing ramps and installed new air conditioning, soffit and fascia.
“We are so proud of our accomplishments with the local building industry association members,” said Michael Reitmann, Lee BIA executive director. “It goes to show you how much the local building industry and related companies give to our local community even during this tough economic crisis.”
Contributing companies include Abash Enterprises, Advanced Roofing and Sheet Metal, Allied Portable Restrooms, Aqua Systems, A-Rite Glass, Barraco and Associates, Bradley Construction, Cape Coral Plumbing, Carroll Properties, Construction Materials, Crowther Roofing, Douglas E. Moff Construction, Gulfcoast Engineering Services, Harbor Springs Construction and Development, Mark’s Dumpsters, Nilles Design, Priority Marketing, Raymond Building Supply, Sherwin Williams, Service Painting of Florida, Southern State Electric, Suncoast Contracting Supply, Sunset Air, TPI Aluminum, T & M Portable Restrooms, Tarmac Concrete, Totally Detailed Renovation Services and Westcoast Structural Concrete & Masonry.
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 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.
Fort Myers man receives new roof for the holidays
Steve Lewis, a 58-year-old Fort Myers native, has been patiently waiting for more than a year and a half for a new roof. Finally, a local roofing company stepped up to provide a new roof for Steve and his family, just in time for the holidays.
A motorcycle accident more than 30 years ago left Lewis paralyzed from the waist down. Lewis uses a wheelchair, and his home has undergone several renovations to improve mobility. However, there are areas of the home that were still in need of repair. In August 2009, volunteers from the board of directors from Builders Care and the Lee Building Industry Association (BIA), along with students from Bishop Verot High School, painted the home, re-screened the porch, re-built the carport and provided landscaping and other home improvements.
This month, employees from Camp-Rigby Roofing-Sheetmetal Contractors completed the installation of a new roof on Lewis’ home. Services were valued at more than $6,000.
“We are so grateful to Camp-Rigby Roofing Sheetmetal Contractors for their generosity,” said Heidi Taulman, Builders Care executive director. “Thanks to them the Lewis family will have a safe new roof over their heads this holiday season.”
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 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 provides complete home renovation in time for the holidays
All Mamie Jackson wants this holiday season is a safe and healthy home for her disabled adult son, John, and thanks to Builders Care her wish has come true. Previously, parts of her home, including the floors, were in dangerous condition because of prior termite damage. Several areas of the home were sinking where wood was rotting. Draining issues and lack of handicap accessibility made everyday tasks challenging for Jackson and her son.
Jackson, now 66, has had her share of challenges over the years including two car accidents hindering her mobility in her back and legs. She used to be a housekeeper and worked in the Lehigh Acres Community Hospital before the injury left her unable to work. Her 36 year old son, John, has cerebral palsy. John frequently uses his wheelchair, and she has been his caretaker since he was young. She has done her best to keep up with the needs of her home including a handicap-accessible shower, so John can bathe himself. Other areas in her home had been gradually deteriorating and she had no resources to make the necessary repairs.
Builders Care, the nonprofit arm of the Lee Building Industry Association, completed more than $40,000 in construction repairs on the Jackson home, located at 2268 French St. The project began Dec. 4 and was completed on Dec. 10 with a special unveiling of the repairs and holiday decorations.
In a collaborative effort between Builders Care, the State Housing Initiatives Program through the City of Fort Myers and local building subcontractors, volunteers demolished the existing kitchen, flooring and master bath; installed a new utility and deck area; enlarged doorways for handicap accessibility; painted both the interior and exterior; added new kitchen cabinetry; refurbished existing ramps and added new soffit and fascia.
“We are so happy to be able to provide this family a safe and healthy home for the holidays,” said Heidi Taulman, Builders Care executive director. “It speaks magnitudes about the willingness of people in our community especially during these troubling times.”
Contributing companies included Abash Enterprises, Allied Portable Restrooms, Barraco and Associates, Cabinets Plus, Cape Coral Plumbing, Douglas E. Moff Construction, Gulfcoast Engineering Services, HideAway Storage, Mark’s Dumpsters, Nilles Design, Raymond Building Supply, Sherwin Williams, Southern State Electric, T & P Cleaning, TPI Aluminum, Truly Nolen, Universal Engineering and Wayne Wiles Floor Coverings.
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.
Local builders give thanks to local war hero by providing free ramp
John Rohal, 73, has had multiple medical issues over his lifetime. He served in the Vietnam War, airborne division, where he was shot multiple times. He survived the ordeal only to later suffer two debilitating strokes, triple by-pass surgery and most recently a fall that lead to head and vision injury. Despite his struggles, Rohal maintained his construction business up until a few years ago. His mobility continued to worsen and now he frequently uses his wheelchair to get around. Rohal has no way to get in and out of the home that he shares with his wife of 33 years, who also is disabled.
On Nov. 30, volunteers sponsored by Builders Care, the charitable agency of the Lee Building Industry Association, constructed a wheelchair ramp for the Rohals.
Harbor Springs Construction and Development provided all of the labor and Shoreline Lumber supplied all of the needed materials to make this happen. Builders Care recycled a portion of a previously constructed ramp to re-use materials and keep extra materials from ending up in a local landfill.
“This is a great project for a man that served our country. It is our way to show a little thanks to him for what he did,” said Heidi Taulman, executive director of Builders Care. “We are so thankful for the support of the local building industry to be able to provide this to a local hero 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 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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