As I walked into the Trump International Tower in downtown Chicago recently, I couldn’t help but feel excited about the prospects of the roofing industry. RC Editorial Director Rick Damato and I were there to attend the special dinner celebrating The Roofing Alliance — the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) recognition reception and dinner — and it was great to see friends in the industry getting together to celebrate! Especially for such a great and meaningful cause.

Bill Good, former CEO of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), led the presentation from the podium and shared the story about moment he got the phone call from Antis Roofing President Charles Antis to talk about getting the Alliance involved with RMHC. He knew pretty much right away that the mission would resonate with roofers. Good then played an emotional video on the big screen in the front of the room that included interviews of several Alliance members sharing their experiences during and after volunteering their time, sweat, and even tears at a local RMHC building. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house!

It was clear that the passion of Charles Antis — partnered with the help of Bill Good, current NRCA CEO Reid Ribble, and all the incredible members of the Alliance — is making a real difference for families around the country. The work they’ve already done is truly inspiring and clearly emotional for all the roofers involved. We at RC will continue to share the stories of the work the Alliance is doing to not only help families with urgent medical needs, but improve the roofing industry as a whole.

Capping the night was a newly-created award humbly received by outgoing Alliance Executive Director Bennett Judson, aptly named the Bennett Award. She announced earlier this year that she will retire, closing a chapter in her 40-year professional career with the NRCA. Bennett said she had a "sneaking suspicion" but really had no idea she was about to receive an award named in her honor for all the years of hard work. Click here to watch my cell phone video of her acceptance.

Congratulations, and thank you Bennett! We are going to miss you!

For more information on The Alliance, go to www.roofingalliance.net.