Sims Crane helps raise $11,000 for Construction Angels

Sims Crane & Equipment Co. helped to raise $11,000 after expenses at the inaugural fundraiser for the Tampa Bay Chapter of Construction Angels, a 501(c)(3) statewide non-profit that helps with financial support for families of construction-industry employees killed on the job.

Qualifying families can receive cash grants of $2,500 to offset immediate expenses after the death of a loved one on a construction site. For more information or to donate, please visit www.constructionangels.us.

“Sims Crane was just amazing in the way they put together the fundraiser and attracted more than 100 people to help make it a success,” commented Kristi Ronyak, President and Founder of Construction Angels. “Having a net donation of $11,000 will make a huge difference for the better in the lives of families who have suffered the ultimate loss. We can’t thank them enough.”

When Dean Sims II, vice president of marketing for Sims Crane, learned fatalities on construction jobs in Florida increased from 41 in 2011 to 55 in 2012 — a 26 percent jump, he knew he had to do something. He founded the Tampa Bay chapter of Construction Angels, which originally began in Broward County.

“With all of the industry’s dedication to safety education and safety on the job, the fact that on-site deaths in the construction industry are on the rise is of major concern to everyone involved,” said Sims. “And the reality is, in most cases, the families of loved ones killed on the job need all the financial help they can get. That’s where Construction Angels comes in.”

The fundraiser, hosted by Sims Crane and open to the public, was held at Keel & Curley Winery in Plant City. Complete with live music, silent auction, spirited live auction, raffle, commemorative photos, barbecue and locally grown and distilled strawberry and blueberry wine.
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