FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The roofing community came together to provide the largest-non-corporate donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida along with a substantial donation to the International Game Fish Association (IGFA).

The Roofing Contractors Association of South Florida (RCASF) recently donated a record-setting $125,000 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida and $20,000 for the IGFA’s Junior Angler’s Education Program.

The RCASF is a not-for-profit trade association whose purpose is to educate and foster a high standard of business ethics among roofing contractors and associate members. By hosting several charitable events, the RCASF aims to give back to its communities. The RCASF’s 40th Annual Fishing Tournament raised enough funds to grant 25 wishes through Make-A-Wish.

“We are inspired by the work Make-A-Wish does to brighten the lives of children diagnosed with critical illnesses,” said Gene Fall, president of Certified Roofing and RCASF Fishing Tournament Committee chairman. “We understand the impact that a ‘wish’ has on a child. It allows these kids to focus on a dream rather than hospitals and treatments. We are proud to support programs that can provide hope, inspiration and happiness, especially in the lives of children.”

As a nonprofit receiving no government funding, Make-A-Wish relies on the support of donors to make wish granting possible. The foundation grants life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses between the ages of 2-and-a-half years and 18 years.

“RCASF truly believes in our wish granting mission,” said Norm Wedderburn, CEO and president of the Make-A-Wish Foundation Southern Florida. “RCASF has literally changed the lives of thousands of people; children and their families, who are affected by critical illnesses. We are very grateful to RCASF for their continued support.”

This year’s fishing tournament, held June 7-9 at Hawks Cay Resort in the Florida Keys, saw 18 signature sponsors who provided a “wish” through Make-A-Wish. They are:

  • Barry & Gail Birenbaum/Anthony Utter & Wendy
  • Beacon Roofing Supply
  • Bob Hilson
  • Borowski Family/Care Roofing
  • CJM Roofing
  • Earl Johnston Roofing/Big Al's Roofing
  • Empire Roofing Co. Southeast, LLC
  • Fall Family-Gene & Lisa
  • Fowler Family/Gulfeagle Supply
  • Frank Seeber Roofing
  • Hi-Tech Roofing and Sheet Metal
  • Joe Ward Roofing
  • Paul Bange Roofing
  • Perkins Roofing
  • Spec Building Materials
  • Weather-Tech Roofing
  • Walk Up Group donation
  • (Anonymous Donation)

The IGFA is considered the world’s governing body for sport fishing. Its education programs are based on teaching that angling should be a responsible and ethical practice that is an important recreational, economic and social activity.

The RCASF Fishing Committee, a group of civic minded members and volunteers, has already begun planning for next year’s fundraising tournament. The date is set for June 12-14, 2020 at Hawks Cay Resort in Duck Key, Fla., with the goal of brightening the lives of even more children. The committee encourages donations of fishing related items for auction and financial sponsorships. 

To contribute or for more information about the RCASF, visit www.RCASF.org.