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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.

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/.

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.