Ten years ago, Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) members Mike Cummings of
Miken Builders, New Castle, Del., and Jim Kyger of
All States Construction, Bishopville, Md., wanted to extend their business plans to include community service projects. Together they formed
Contractors for a Cause (CFAC), focusing their early efforts on raising money for the American Diabetes Association and organizing golf tournaments that helped raise $300,000 in four years.
As the members of CFAC sought to bring more of their efforts to a local level, Cummings connected with the family of Justin Jennings, who passed away from brain cancer in the summer of 2000 at the age of 19. In his short life, Jennings earned an honorary degree from Penn State University and developed an interest in the construction industry. While struggling with his illness and receiving chemotherapy treatments, he maintained his unwavering optimism and fighting spirit—even spending a brief time working for Miken Builders toward the end of his life.
Jennings always loved the time he spent at Bethany Beach, Del., with his family. It was his wish that the comfort and enjoyment he experienced there could be shared by other families struggling with cancer. “Justin’s dream was to build a house where families dealing with cancer could enjoy themselves while going through difficult treatments,” Cummings says.
Inspired by this story, CFAC decided to help make Justin’s Beach House a reality.
After five years of planning, fundraising and community outreach, the construction team broke ground last October. CFAC and its associate members raised $500,000 through fundraisers and donated materials, and the Justin W. Jennings Foundation financed the property.
The project represents a true community effort, as local businesses, such as florists, landscapers and cleaning companies, have pledged their services to make the house a special place for the families that stay there. The
Justin W. Jennings Foundation also set up a
Target registry where anyone can purchase gift items, such as dishes, linens and mattresses, to help complete the house.
Justin’s Beach House, which will be ready for guests next month, is handicapped accessible with an elevator inside. The house comfortably holds 10 to 12 people, with sleeping quarters on all three floors. The house offers a large living area and kitchen, as well as screened-in porches.
“Justin’s Beach House represents an effort to bring people together,” Cummings says. “Five years ago this seemed like too big of a goal, but we were committed to it.”