More than 800 members of the design and construction community came together for an evening of dinner and dancing at the biannual Builders’ Ball, which benefits several charities in the metro Washington, D.C., area. Although the 2010 Builders’ Ball was canceled due to the difficult economic climate, organizers found an excited and generous base of supporters for the most recent ball on Nov. 19, 2011. 

The planning committee recruited support from organizations representing construction, architecture, real estate, development and engineering to promote and fundraise for the ball. The supporting organizations included the Metro Washington and Virginia chapters of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), which provided staff volunteers and enlisted member support. 

The committee also was tasked with finding nonprofit organizations that complement the event’s mission of supporting housing, shelter, education and training needs for people in the Washington, D.C., metro area, as well as those that support a specific project in which a one-time infusion of cash could make a significant impact. 

The committee selected Community Residences (CR), Inc. of Chantilly, Va., a residential support services organization that helps disabled individuals live independently. Proceeds from the Builders’ Ball will go toward renovating one of CR’s group homes and expanding capacity from four to six residents. 
 
Another recipient, Georgia Avenue/Rock Creek East Family Support Collaborative, helps improve the health of children and families in Washington, D.C. With donations from the Builders’ Ball, the organization will renovate an unfinished garage on one of its properties to accommodate flexible programs and operate its distribution center year-round. 

Also benefitting from the Builders’ Ball is Phoenix Houses of the Mid-Atlantic, an organization offering treatment to individuals and their families suffering from the effects of substance abuse. This project entails renovating and upgrading the facility for the organization’s Boys Recovery Lodge program. 

Members of the ABC Metro Washington and Virginia chapters responded in droves upon learning of the valuable organizations that would benefit from the ball. Leading the many generous sponsors was Skanska USA, with a $20,000 donation. Other ABC member companies donating at the Capital Level ($8,000 or more) were Precision Wall Tech, Inc., Clark Construction Group, LLC, Foulger-Pratt, K&L Gates LLP, The JBG Companies, Watkins Meegan and HITT Contracting, Inc. Thirty other ABC member companies supported the Builders’ Ball with financial contributions. 

The ball raised a total of $163,000, with $54,000 going to each of the three main charities. In addition, a $10,000 donation was made to the Washington Architectural Foundation for Construction. For more information on the Builders’ Ball charities and sponsors, visit www.buildersball.org.