More than 200 construction industry professionals from Florida gathered for the seventh annual charity golf tournament run by Suffolk Construction, which raised $75,000 to support the nonprofit organization HomeSafe. 

HomeSafe, which annually serves more than 15,000 infants, children and families in south Florida, has been the beneficiary of Suffolk’s golf tournament for five out of the last seven years. Through the tournament and other community service activities, Suffolk has provided financial support for HomeSafe to help victims of child abuse and domestic violence excel at school, stay out of trouble, and become productive and independent members of society. 

“The employees of Suffolk Construction are genuine and dedicated to improving the communities they serve,” says HomeSafe Marketing Manager Joe Maltese. “They don’t simply talk the talk; they truly walk the walk when it comes to rolling up their sleeves to make a positive difference in others’ lives.” 

About 30 employees from Suffolk’s West Palm Beach branch plan the tournament and help with all the behind-the-scenes details that are necessary to pull off a successful fundraiser. But it doesn’t stop there: HomeSafe has the support of every Suffolk employee, including President and General Manager Rex Kirby. 

“It’s humbling to see the impact HomeSafe has had on so many young people and families in our community,” Kirby says. “Hearing firsthand from the folks who HomeSafe has helped is what makes it so important to me.” 

As a HomeSafe board member, Kirby provides strong leadership to ensure the organization operates successfully. He also raised more than a million dollars during his tenure as co-chair of the organization’s Classic Rock & Roll Party. 

“Rex Kirby is a genuine individual who truly cares about helping abused children and battered women,” says HomeSafe CEO Matt Ladika. “What is quite impressive is how humbly he goes about his efforts on behalf of HomeSafe. Rex and Suffolk Construction are a pillar of the successes being achieved at HomeSafe.” 

In addition to the golf tournament, Suffolk supports HomeSafe throughout the year with events such as school supply drives, building gingerbread houses with the kids during the holidays and going bowling—allowing employees to connect with the kids and see how their involvement makes a difference. 

“We are committed to the communities in which we work and live,” says Rachel Elliott, marketing manager of Suffolk Construction. “The golf tournament and our commitment to HomeSafe is a perfect example—it starts with Rex’s leadership and works its way throughout the organization. Every employee shares in the mentality that our efforts affect change in our community.” 

Several members of Associated Builders and Contractors sponsored this year’s golf tournament, including Acousti Engineering Company of Florida, Kirlin Florida, LLC, Coastal Masonry, HJ Foundation, Johnson Controls, KAR & Larrabee Mechanical Contractors, Pomeroy Electric, Power Design, Sprinklermatic and ThyssenKrupp.