Lending Heart and Hand
Construction Angels stand by families of fallen workers
Highway work zones are one of the most dangerous environments in construction today. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that, in 2010, there were 32,999 work zone accidents, resulting in 586 deaths. By 2014, the total number of accidents went down by 324 incidents; unfortunately, the death toll increased by 83. Yet highway work zones are just one of many areas where construction fatalities occur. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of fatal construction workplace incidents in 2014 was the highest reported total since 2008. Findings from the 2014 Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries show that 38 workers in the construction industry in Ohio lost their lives. Every job site poses its own unique threats and every life is at stake.
When construction fatalities happen, Construction Angels step in. This organization of first responders was created to provide immediate help to the families of construction workers who have lost their lives while working on a job site. “Our goal is to assist families at the beginning of their grieving process, to provide them with a sense of comfort, both financially and emotionally,” says Founder and President, Kristi Ronyak. “We want to make an everlasting impression and impact within the industry, one family at a time.”
Construction Angels is a young organization with a lot of heart and soul. In its first five years, it has helped countless people and has spread its influence and reach. Founded in South Florida, it now has chapters in Ohio and Georgia and is planning further growth.
Unlikely Inspiration Comes from World of Asphalt
The last thing on Ronyak’s mind was construction fatalities, as she walked the floor of World of Asphalt in 2008; but when a woman approached her, asking for funds to support the family of a worker who had died in a construction accident, she gladly pulled out her wallet. Over the next few months, intrigued by the idea of that charity, Ronyak tried to learn more. Yet, the charity was not to be found. Was that anonymous woman just there that day to plant a seed in Ronyak’s mind that would lead to Construction Angels? Was that woman an angel herself?
We’ll never know, but what we do know is that today, Construction Angels is making a difference.
According to Ronyak, Construction Angels’ services provide an integrated approach to positively influence the quality of life for each construction worker’s spouse and children who are left behind. “We deeply respect family values, work ethic, and the ultimate sacrifice some give in support of all construction work,” she says. She adds that most of the surviving spouses are wives, with children at home, who are dependent on a salary that has now gone away. The angst of picking up the pieces and finding a path down an unknown alley is devastating for so many of the survivors. “We get there immediately,” Ronyak says. “We provide money to help them meet current bills and we get them involved with grief counselors.” Construction Angels also partners with local ministries and agencies to bring special and specific services to these families.
Ronyak cites the example of a workplace safety meeting that was held on the side of a road to discuss safety measures required for the installation of roadside light posts. Ironically, the safety meeting became a tragic scene when an out-of-control vehicle drove directly into the crowd, killing three. “Each one had a family. Each one had a wife and kids at home. We gave them $2,500 each and a crane company donated $15,000. The spouses didn’t know our organization existed. They didn’t expect the checks. They were floored.”
Ohio Aces Golf Fundraising Events
The Ohio chapter of Construction Angels is growing and building a strong local presence. In July of 2016, the chapter hosted its 2nd Annual NE Ohio Golf Tournament at the Fowlers Mill Golf Course in Chesterland, located just 30 minutes east of downtown Cleveland. The event was supported by the National Underground Contractors Association. Sam Marcotte, a guest speaker at the tournament, spoke of the loss of his 28-year-old brother, Alexander, who died in March this year after a trench collapsed on him while he worked to repair a water main in Mentor, Ohio.
“Funds raised at this tournament were used to benefit Alexander’s living family members as well as other families throughout the state who lost loved ones in construction tragedies,” Ronyak says. “It was really special and courageous of Sam to come and share his family’s story of loss with the attendees.” She also commented that another construction-related trench collapse occurred in Willoughby, Ohio within a week of this particular golf tournament. OSHA reports that excavation and trenching are among the most hazardous of all construction activities and trench collapses are responsible for dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries each year.
In September of 2016, the first-ever Construction Angels and Fraternal Order of Archon Four-Person Scramble Golf Classic took place at the Golf Club of Dublin, an Irish-themed golf complex located in the Ballantrae neighborhood in Dublin, Ohio. The event was sponsored by Burton Scot Contractors, a Newbury, Ohio-based contractor that specializes in asphalt pavement installation.
“We support Construction Angels because the organization provides a much-needed service for men and women who are literally in the trenches installing infrastructure for our country. Kristi and her team have a most difficult task and do an amazing job helping families after the unthinkable happens,” says Scot Paulitsch, President of Burton Scot Contractors.
Building a Solid Foundation
It has been rewarding for Ronyak to run this nonprofit service for the last five years; but over time, it became more than a part-time, after-work endeavor. As Construction Angels grew to include over 200 volunteers and branched out into Ohio and Georgia—and when people from across America began contacting her to get involved—then, it was time to make a move. In January of 2016, Ronyak resigned from her construction marketing job to focus on taking Construction Angels to a national level. She doesn’t seem concerned about the $50,000 pay cut. Her heart is vested in the work that lies ahead.
Richard Mason, President of Rezod LLC, a full-service general contracting company based in Columbus, Ohio, assists Construction Angels by helping to coordinate golf fundraising events in Columbus. He views Ronyak’s mission at Construction Angels as one filled with compassion.
“Kristi’s opened the door to the first step of the healing process—compassion. In a time of tragedy there are very few things that can fill the void of loss. I have experienced loss personally in construction and the heartache was overwhelming for those left behind,” shares Mason. “Construction Angels gives people an avenue to extend their hearts and to give financial assistance and genuine compassion to those who are hurting.”
Construction Angels is managed by a board of directors comprised of professionals throughout the construction industry. Their work is augmented by volunteer committees, composed of people from many backgrounds, focused on fundraising and regional outreach. “The board and the committee members donate their time and provide their knowledge because they believe in what we can do for the families and how much the industry needs this organization,” Ronyak says. She is now receiving additional recognition and support from national construction associations and has a goal of creating 50 state chapters in the next 10 years.