Roofing News

RCASF Donates $280,000 to Make-A-Wish to Grant Wishes to Children with Critical Illnesses

**From left to right:** Norm Wedderburn, Make-A-Wish CEO and president; Bridget Keller, RCASF; Jackie Perl, Make-A-Wish senior event manager; Barry Birenbaum, ABC Supply; Erica Izquierdo, Gulfeagle Supply; Anthony Utter, GAF; Corey Daley, Daley Brothers Roofing; Wendy Harvest, RCASF; Jason Schratwieser, IGFA president; Lewis Buckner, Beacon Building Products; Ryan Toimil, Beacon Building Products; Lynne Johnston, Earl W. Johnston Roofing. Missing from photo: Dave Clark, Beacon; Pablo Acanda, Tropical.

RCASF Tournament-2022.jpg — The RCASF Fishing Tournament weigh-in for 2022.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The South Florida roofing community came together through the Roofing Contractors Association of South Florida (RCASF) to provide a substantial donation to Make-A-Wish Southern Florida and the International Game Fish Association.

The RCASF, a not-for-profit trade association, endeavors to give back to their community throughout the year by hosting several charitable events. The RCASF Fishing Tournament is the association's largest annual philanthropic effort. This year, the RCASF Fishing Tournament, held June 11, raised $280,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and $35,000 for the International Game Fish Association's Junior Angler's Educational Program.

The tournament was held at Hawk's Cay Resort on Duck Key with an attendance of over 600 people from the roofing industry. A banquet and auction followed featuring an original piece of driftwood carved art titled "THE BEAST" by RL Originals, Russ Lynn. Corey Daley, committee chairman, emceed the banquet and introduced the guest of honor, Chris Alegria, who spoke about his experience as a "wish child" and how it impacted his life.

"There was magic in the room," said Make-A-Wish Southern Florida Senior Special Events Manager Jackie Perl. "It was astonishing to see roofing contractor after roofing contractor stand up when the call came for a Make-A-Wish Signature Sponsorship donation of $5,000 to grant the wish of one child."

Norm Wedderburn, CEO and president of the Make-A-Wish Foundation Southern Florida, said RCASF has "literally changed the lives of thousands of people," including children and their families who are affected by critical illness.

"RCASF truly believes in our wish granting mission," he said. "We are very grateful to RCASF for their continued support."

The Awards Ceremony was held at the IGFA on Sept. 7.

"We are inspired by the work Make-A-Wish does to brighten the lives of children diagnosed with critical illnesses," said Corey Daley, of Daley Brothers Roofing and Fishing Tournament Committee chairman. "We understand the impact that a 'wish' has on a child. It allows these kids to focus on a dream rather than hospitals and treatments. We are proud to support programs that can provide hope, inspiration and happiness, especially in the lives of children."

As a nonprofit receiving no government funding, Make-A-Wish relies on the support of donors to make wish granting possible.

The RCASF Fishing Committee, a group of civic minded member/volunteers, has already begun planning for next year's tournament. The date is set for June 9-11, 2023 at a new venue, The Islander Resort in Islamorada, with the goal of brightening the lives of even more children. They encourage donations of fishing related items for auction and financial sponsorships. If you would like to contribute or learn more about RCASF members and sponsors, please visit RCASF.org.