JGA/Southern Roof Center was named the Northeast Florida Builders Association July member of the month for raising more than $12,000 to benefit the local USO.
NEFBA members Craig Green and David Patten wanted to organize a special promotion and contacted K.C. McCarthy, executive director of USO Jacksonville. Wanting to help the troops, Green and Patten liked McCarthy’s suggestion to buy international calling cards for families and troops.
To kick off the fundraiser, Southern Roof hosted a cookout at its offices. The month-long “Selling for Soldiers” campaign supported the Greater Jacksonville Area USO. Seeking to find a way to support the troops, Southern Roof Center committed to donating $1 to the USO for every square of shingle sold throughout July, with the proceeds to go toward the purchase of long distance calling cards for the troops.
“Free long-distance calling cards are distributed to service men and women as they deploy providing them with a means to stay connected to their loved ones during their lengthy separations,” said McCarthy. “Calling cards also are distributed to our young service men and women newly arriving in Jacksonville for duty.”
The USO’s collection of donated calling cards was running low when Patten approached McCarthy with the concept of their campaign and asked for ideas on how the money could be spent.
“I was very excited by the prospect of working with Southern Roof Center on this initiative,” McCarthy said. “I had no idea what the outcome would be, but it certainly seemed like a good way to generate revenue for much needed items.”
The USO was presented with a check for $12,017.
“I was amazed when David told me the outcome,” McCarthy said. “I never imagined a seemingly small gesture could snowball into such a large donation. This is the largest specifically targeted donation this USO has received. And it also shows other companies that there are easy ways to raise funds to support our troops.
“We are extremely grateful to Southern Roof Center, and many other companies from the Northeast Florida Builders Association who sponsored the kick-off barbecue as well as purchased roofing materials throughout the month.”