MINNEAPOLIS — As 2020 comes to a close, recycling efforts at Central Roofing Company are bringing much-needed funds to several local charities. Fraser, Hennepin Healthcare, Aeon, Second Harvest and the Voyager Center at Masonic Children’s Hospital are all receiving money this year from the Minneapolis-based commercial roofing company.

"We’re honored to give back to the communities where our company has worked for more than 90 years,” said Gerry A. Stock, president and CEO of Central Roofing Company. “Our informal motto is ‘When Blessed, Be a Blessing.’ That’s why we contribute to a variety of nonprofit organizations dealing especially with the struggles of people in our area.”

Supporting Local Organizations

Central Roofing raised more than $61,000 in 2020 through its successful Scrappin’ for Kids program. Started in 2013, the program involves recycling metal, aluminum and copper from the company’s jobsites. Since its inception, approximately $320,000 has been raised and donated to local organizations.

In addition to donating the income from recycling efforts, Central Roofing also helped raise more than $30,000 in 2020 for the Fraser annual “Walk for Autism” — which ended up being a drive-thru event due to COVID-19 distancing restrictions.

“Central Roofing is a champion in advocacy, education, and financial support for Fraser,” said Diane Cross, president and CEO of Fraser. “As a presenting sponsor for the Fraser annual ‘Walk for Autism,’ Central Roofing directly supports the Fraser Autism Center of Excellence, which provides critical services for children, teens and adults living with autism.

“The support that Central Roofing provides Fraser has never been more important than during the past year. When the pandemic hit, Fraser had to quickly pivot to a new telehealth model to keep staff and clients safe. Central Roofing’s support helped us continue critical services to individuals and families, when they needed us most.”

Another activity put on hold as a result of COVID-19 is The Gathering Place at The Children’s Hospital at Hennepin County Medical Center. Central Roofing makes a yearly donation of $20,000 to help provide weekly dinner events for patients and parents at the Pediatric Long-Term Care Unit. Funds donated this year will be rolled over and added to activities planned for the children in 2021.

In spite of COVID-19, a different project being sponsored by Central Roofing will move forward in early 2021. A $23,000 gift to the Hennepin Healthcare Foundation is dedicated to the remodeling of the Pediatric Play Room at the hospital.

“We deeply appreciate the financial donation from Central Roofing designated for this remodeling effort,” said Rebecca DeRosia, senior development officer at Hennepin Healthcare Foundation. “In addition, the company’s ongoing support to The Gathering Place program has made a significant impact with thousands of people.”

Continuing the Giving

During 2020, Central Roofing also provided financial support to a variety of organizations in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area that were recommended by company employees. Some of these nonprofit groups include Walk the Talk Missions and the People Serving People homeless shelter.

“We’re honored to support so many valuable organizations in our community,” said Stock. “Our employees go above and beyond to get involved with groups to show the Team Central spirit in so many ways.”