Volunteers and donations alike help those in need.
The Connex Foundation took it over the top during the Connex2019 National Conference. It exceeded the original individual fundraising goal of $5,000 and raised more than $11,500 in individual donations to support Foundation programs. Foundation volunteers completed a renovation project that changed lives.
An additional $21,000 was generated through sponsorships. The title sponsor of Connex Foundation activities during the conference was Facility Plus, which donated $8,000.
Foundation activities kicked off with a Top Golf tournament on Sunday that saw almost 100 attendees compete on the digitized links while supporting the Foundation and networking. Registration fees for the golf event generated $10,000 for the Foundation.
“The Top Golf event was wonderful,” said Bill Ackerman, Connex Foundation Board Chair. “It was the perfect opportunity for Connex members to relax, enjoy time together and support the Foundation. We plan on hosting another Top Golf event in Orlando during the 2020 conference.”
Monday, more than 80 conference attendees boarded buses early for the ride to the Volunteers of America Family Hotel to participate in the Connex Foundation Charity Impact Project. Sitting less than 2 miles from the famed Broncos stadium, the VOA Family Motel works with the Denver Department of Human Services (DDHS) to provide a motel atmosphere for the homeless with a human services flavor. A continental breakfast is offered to all guests every day. The facility served 3,444 people in 2018, including families and the homeless.
Before the official charity project kicked off, Kevin Kenyon, Director, Field Services for National Coatings, and Co-Chair of the Foundation Charity Impact Project Committee, and two other members of the National Coatings team, spent the weekend painting much of the exterior of the motel. The paint was donated by Benjamin Moore, another major Foundation supporter. United Rentals also donated a lift to help complete the project.
Kenyon commented on his work with the Foundation. “I have always enjoyed working on Foundation charity projects from the beginning. You know what you are doing creates an immediate, positive and often personal impact on someone who needs help. I encourage other Connex suppliers to get involved and make a difference,” Kenyon said.
On Monday, the Connex Charity Impact delegation painted motel rooms, trimmed trees and bushes, swept parking lots and made dozens of repairs to the motel.
Volunteers went above and beyond. After learning about the dire need for linens, along with toys for the children who lived in the motel, several members drove to a local retailer and purchased numerous sets of towels and bed linens, as well as soccer balls, footballs, basketballs and even a basketball goal, which they assembled on-site. The Foundation was truly like Santa Claus to the kids living in the VOA Family Motel, and the entire Connex Foundation Charity Impact team impacted lives in Denver that day!
“Words cannot express the pride you experience when you know you have been able to help someone who cannot help themselves. The Connex Foundation impacts lives and it will impact the FM industry. We are more than a charity. I encourage every Connex company and member to get involved. You can make a difference,” Ackerman concluded. 
Connex Foundation would like to thank the sponsors who helped make these events possible.
