Start Today and Rebuild Together (START) is a construction industry alliance between Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) and the Modular Building Institute (MBI). START was formed to leverage the resources of the construction industry, nongovernmental organizations and government agencies to respond quickly and efficiently with relief and rebuilding efforts following natural disasters.
The first initiative, START Haiti, will help the country rebuild after January’s 7.0 magnitude earthquake. START Haiti gives ABC and MBI member companies an avenue for raising funds and sending modular containers outfitted with medical supplies to Haiti.
By working with Volunteers of America (VoA), Architecture for Humanity (AfH) and government agencies, the alliance will ensure clean and adequate facilities are in place for the people of Haiti in a timely and orderly manner.
How you can donate
All donations for START Haiti will be made directly to Volunteers of America Southeast. Click on the red button, select the amount you would like to donate and select START Haiti at the bottom of the donations page.
More details on START Haiti
For START Haiti, ABC and MBI member companies will raise funds to provide 12 modular containers filled with medical supplies. Nongovernmental organizations, including Volunteers of America and Architecture for Humanity, will deliver and set up the modular units. Additional phases of START Haiti include establishing a base camp for volunteers, constructing permanent housing and commercial infrastructure, raising awareness, and lobbying for funds and long-term assistance.
For more information on ABC’s START Haiti disaster relief effort, go here.
ABC of Western Washington is proud to sponsor the annual community enhancement project with National Association of Office & Industrial Properties (NAIOP). Working through the Community Enhancement Committee, we find a worthy project that can accommodate about 400 workers in a single day.
Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center, Disovery Park in Magnolia, Seattle will be the fifth year that ABC is cooperating with the NAIOP on their Community Enhancement Day. Keep your calendars open for Saturday, September 25, 2010! The ABC staff has taken charge of registration and food service for the volunteers who we hope will show up in record numbers. We are inviting ABC members and their employees and families to show up, to make a difference in the community. It is a great way to spend a few quality hours with your kids and/or employees. NAIOP is also looking for cash or in-kind donations to help defray the cost of materials, food, etc. Contact Victoria Klyce at (800) 640-7789 if you want to donate. ABC is a major sponsor.
“ABC has always taken on a community service project, and by combining our efforts with NAIOP we can cut down on administration and planning and concentrate on just doing the work that needs to get done,” explained President Kathleen Garrity.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Alaska, Montana, Northern Idaho & Washington has been ABC's community service partner for over 25 years. Through the years ABC has hosted fundraising events which part of the proceeds goes to Make-A-Wish who grant wishes to children with life threatening medical conditions.
Our biggest fundraising efforts are through our annual Golf Extravaganza in July and our annual Dinner Auction in November.
ABC Young Professionals Group holds a annual toy drive for the US Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program. The US Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit public charity that began in 1947. A main goal of ABC’s YPG is to get involved in community enhancement programs. The program collects new, unwrapped toys during October, November, and December each year, and distributes the toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community. The primary goal is to send a message of hope to youngsters that will motivate them to grow up into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders.