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2000 Community Service
Award Winners
Triple Winners for Community Service
The Home Builders Care Foundation Community Service Award 2000 was garnered by a triumvirate of generous members of the building industry. All three winners were involved in the successful completion of the Men's Emergency Shelter in Rockville. Those recognized for their contributions were the Pettit Family Foundation; Breeden Mechanical, Inc.; and East Coast Fire Protection, Inc. The awards were bestowed at the January 2001 MNCBIA dinner meeting.
The Pettit family has a longstanding commitment to doing good. Cash donations from the family foundation totaled $25,000, the largest single cash gift. As HBCF President Dave Little noted, the generosity of the Pettits gave the Shelter project credibility, helping to inspire confidence in other potential donors. In accepting the award for his family, Dick Pettit remarked that his father, John Pettit (SMBIA President, 1970) had established the foundation in order to give back to the community. Dick said he relishes being the lucky guy who gets to give the money away.
Breeden Mechanical, Inc. was acknowledged for its willingness to jump into a project that larger plumbing companies turned down. Former HBCF President Chip Merlin asked Donald Foy, a partner in Breeden, if he could help out, and the response was short and sweet – Yes, and what can we do for you? Breeden Mechanical secured all materials at no charge and installed the entire plumbing system, valued at about $18,400, at no cost whatsoever. Danny Thompson accepted the award on behalf of his company and expressed appreciation for Breeden's opportunity to be part of such a special undertaking.
East Coast Fire Protection, Inc., was the third contributor to be recognized for outstanding support of the Shelter project. Two years ago Chip Merlin approached Jack Medovitch, president of the regional American Fire Protection Association, to discuss ways in which that association might be able to help with the Shelter endeavor. After Chip's presentation at a meeting, several members indicated willingness to help out. When these companies failed to fulfill their pledges, Jack Medovitch stepped forward to fill the breach – and in the process installed a first-rate fire safety system with an in-kind value of $55,000. Upon receiving his plaque, Jack reflected on the importance of community service and thanked HBCF for inviting him to be part of the team effort.
Before the awards were handed out, Sharan London, Executive Director of the Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless, updated those present on activities at the Shelter. She noted that already there had been several nights when all 100 beds had been filled and cots had to be set up to handle the overflow. Sharan thanked the group for their generosity and dedication in helping to meet the needs of the homeless.
Home Builders Care Foundation extends its profound gratitude to all those who played a part in making the Men's Emergency Shelter a resounding success. The job couldn't have been done without the cooperation of the many dedicated people who took part in ways both large and small. Congratulations and thanks to all of you.
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