Sims Crane Forms Construction Angels Chapter in Tampa Bay

The Tampa Bay Chapter of Construction Angels, a 501(c)(3) non-profit that helps with financial support for families of construction-industry employees killed on the job, will hold a fundraiser May 1.

Dean Sims II, VP at Sims Crane & Equipment Co. in Tampa, is the founder of the Tampa Bay Chapter of Construction Angels, which originally formed in Broward County.

According to the Florida Department of Labor, fatalities on construction jobs in Florida increased from 41 in 2011 to 55 in 2012 – a 26 percent jump. Numbers for 2013 have not yet been finalized.

“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,” says 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, will be held at Keel & Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road, Plant City, Fla., from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on, May 1. Festivities include live music, a silent auction, a raffle, commemorative photos and locally grown and distilled strawberry and blueberry wines. Registration/donation is $25 online and $30 at the door.

For more information, call Dean Sims at 800-282-6651, or email dsims@simscrane.com. Register at www.simscrane.com or www.constructionangels.us.