When approached with the opportunity to adopt 165 roofs belonging to Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), members of the Roofing Alliance, the foundation of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), rose to the challenge.

In June 2019, Ronald McDonald House programs across the U.S. had roofing contractors who dedicated labor and materials to ensuring that the houses stayed safe and dry. To celebrate achieving this feat, the Roofing Alliance celebrated on June 13, the 165th day of the year, showcasing members who gave back to their community through RMHC.

“We are grateful to our tremendous partners at the Roofing Alliance and astounded by the collaboration of the industry to support 165 Houses across the country,” said Sheila Musolino, president and CEO of RMHC, in an interview to NRCA Roofing News. “On behalf of the entire RMHC system and the children and families we serve, we thank you for your immense support.”

This milestone concluded a campaign that was first proposed to the members in April 2017 by Charles Antis, founder and CEO of Antis Roofing & Waterproofing in Irvine, Calif. and then-president of the NRCA, Bill Good.

“Philanthropy for Charles is not only his passion, but he’s also built it into his business model,” Good said.

Antis had his first encounter with Ronald McDonald House Orange County in June 2014 when his twins were born premature. A simple granola bar at the Ronald McDonald Family Room in the hospital created an awakening he would later follow by becoming a board member and ultimately co-chair the capital campaign in 2019 and 2020 to expand the house. As part of his board service, he offered to maintain and care for the roof of the house.

“My dad always taught me to show up and he taught me to always leave it better than you found it. It’s important for me to be aligned with why we exist as a roofing company, so Antis exists to keep families safe and dry,” said Antis.

The first Ronald McDonald House roof give collaboration with Shell Roofing and CI Services occurred on July 19, 2017 at Camp Ronald McDonald For Good Times in Idyllwild, Calif. 

“Charles had this vision, this passion of sharing this opportunity in the roofing industry,” said Bennett Judson, NRCA vice president and Roofing Alliance executive director. “Charles shared his story, his excitement, his enthusiasm, and his passion was just extremely contagious….a match was lit and it took off."

The initiative has grown beyond roof inspection and repair, with roofing companies providing alternative services in addition to roofing. Antis Roofing & Waterproofing actively volunteers with the Orange County Ronald McDonald House by hosting multiple Meals of Love for the residents each year at the Orange County, Inland Empire, San Diego and Los Angeles houses; supporting the Walk for Kids and Dusk at the Grove fundraisers and more.

Kalkreuth Roofing and Sheet Metal in Wheeling, W. Va., was proud to have all five of its locations in the celebration. Some of Kalkreuth’s divisions, such as Columbus and Wheeling, provided free preventative maintenance Inspections, while others like Kentucky and Pittsburgh donated items off the Amazon Wishlist of their respective locations. The Frederick, M.D. division adopted a family to show support.

“As a long-time member of NRCA, it was an honor to participate in such an impactful program as RMHC”, said John Kalkreuth, chairman of Kalkreuth Roofing and Sheet Metal. “Being part of an industry that comes together and provides support and services to deserving families shows the heart that the roofing industry has.”