Master Builders Auction Helps Fund Workforce Development

By Lynn Eshelman

2010 Auction Committee Chair

The old expression, “it takes money to make money,” couldn’t be truer when it comes to funding programs to provide training and help workers find employment in residential construction. As one of the valuable programs of the Master Builders Career Connection, ConstructionMatch.org is a resource for both employers and employees in the construction industry. And while housing has been depressed the last few years we know that as the economy recovers from the recession, the pent-up demand for new houses will mean a huge increase in building starts, remodeling jobs and the workers necessary to fill the demand. To my way of thinking, the need for the services provided by Career Connection is only going to become more important as the economy rebounds

That is one of the big reasons why it has been so important to me to serve as the Auction Chair for the 2010 Master Builders Charity Auction. Our annual auction raises funds for both our foundations, the Master Builders Care Foundation and the Master Builders Career Connection. So why am I blogging about all this? Because we have found a very fun way for you to do a whole lot of good. This year our auction is being held on April 24 at Teatro ZinZanni. So when you buy a ticket you’re getting a complete entertainment package… a new Teatro ZinZanni madcap show, a gourmet dinner with drinks, wine at the table, tax and gratuity; a few fun games of chance; and the opportunity to bid on some seriously exciting auction items. Take it from me; if you’ve never been to Teatro ZinZanni, you owe it to yourself to experience it at least once. You can get a lot more information about the auction on the Master Builders website http://www.masterbuildersinfo.com/mbaks3c.cfm?SectionGroupsID=91&SectionListsID=177&PageID=1550 including a preview of some of the items being auctioned off.

Throughout the years, we have accomplished some pretty remarkable feats. We have helped connect residential construction companies with future workers through our Job Placement Board; we have provided over 100 scholarships for students interested in pursuing a career in building; we have an exciting internship program, which is expanding rapidly; and we travel to area high school with an interactive building program called Charlie’s House. The students are able to actually construct an eco-friendly structure. And we offer classes to keep today’s workforce current with new methods and regulations. Exciting new features like this blog, allow us to stay connected and to maximize education and employment opportunities.

Through good times and tough times alike, member builders and their associates have made a profound difference in our local communities for more than 100 years. Our annual auction is the primary fundraiser for the vital services these foundations provide. I hope you’ll consider joining us at Teatro ZinZanni or donating via http://www.masterbuildersinfo.com/mbaks3c.cfm?SectionListsID=177&PageID=2691 and then you can join me in saying, “Who knew doing good could be this much fun!”