Lending Heart & 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 63 workers in the construction industry in Florida lost their lives. Every jobsite poses its own unique threats and every life is at stake.
When construction fatalities happen, Construction Angels steps 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 jobsite. “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.”
Generosity in The Sunshine State
Construction Angels has various fundraising events that take place throughout the year in Florida, such as golf and fishing tournaments, and networking events. One particularly noteworthy fundraiser took place in December 2015 in Jacksonville—the Jax Holiday Bash, hosted by the National Utility Contractors Association’s North Florida Chapter, and sponsored by several local construction organizations. At the red carpet-themed event inspired by holiday movies, attendees visited the Casino and Mystery Wine table to support both the Construction Angels and the Jared Bynum Scholarship Foundation. Two other charities, PACE Center for Girls and Hero Bakers, also benefited from the fundraiser.
The National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA), founded in 1964, is a leading trade association working solely for the utility construction and excavation industry in the U.S. Its nationwide network state/regional chapters and member companies work to improve conditions in the industry, for both open-cut and trenchless contractors.
In March of 2016, the 2nd Annual Construction Angels Orlando Charity Golf Tournament took place at The Golden Bear Club at Keene’s Pointe in Windermere, where $25,000 was raised to support the Construction Angels’ cause. The 3rd annual tournament at The Golden Bear Club at Keene’s Pointe is scheduled to take place on March 6, 2017.
A tent sponsor at this year’s golf tournament, LDI Printing & Signs in Orlando, is a proud supporter of Construction Angels. “LDI believes in helping those in need, and working as a team is important to make a difference in this world. We will continue to support Construction Angels’ hard work and mission,” says Fabian Jaramillo, a Graphic Designer at LDI Printing & Signs.
“Construction Angels has been supported by many incredible local, state wide, and national groups and organizations. We are so fortunate to have the backing of organizations such as NUCA, The Golden Bear Club at Keene’s Pointe and other event sponsors—their efforts have a profound impact in the lives of families that we support. We are always seeking new ways to continue to grow in the North Florida area and beyond, and look forward to the next and many more opportunities in the future!” says Ronyak.
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 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 has 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.