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Nonprofit Profile , BIA Cares



ORGANIZATION

Mission of organization: The organization is the philanthropic arm of the Building Industry Association of San Diego County. Our mission is to encourage and coordinate the efforts of local building industry professionals in charitable, community-oriented projects that help a diverse group of our underprivileged neighbors throughout San Diego County.

Telephone: (858) 450-1221.

Web site: www.biasandiego.org/council_bia_cares.htm.

Founded: 1990.

Milestone: More than $1.5 million contributed in projects, scholarships and donations as of late 2006.

Annual income: $200,000.

Expense allocation: 30 percent for large construction projects; 30 percent for small construction projects; 20 percent for holiday bike drive; and 20 percent cash contributions.

Corporate support: BIA Cares is supported by the 1,450-member companies of the BIA and our civic, business and philanthropic partners.

Corporate supporters: The member companies.

Board chairman: John Howard.

Board members: 16 members: John Howard, Howard Associates; Peter Dennehy, Sullivan Group R.E. Advisors; Betsy Brottlund, (W)right on Communications; Sandy Moore; Paul Tryon, BIA; Laura Wilson, The Corky McMillin Cos.; Lora Heramb, Brookfield Homes; Eric Jones, Urban Real Estate Services; Karen Amelio, Whirlpool Corp.; Sam Cadwallader, New Way Landscape & Tree Service; Russ Carlson, Buie Communities; Christie Farrell, Scribe Communications; Dave Long, San Diego Home and Garden Magazine; Teri Shusterman, Shea Homes; Nancy Diamond, BIA; and Mel Miller, BIA.

Employees: None.

Volunteers: 20.

Events: BIA Cares Night at the Padres, annual trap shoot, annual charity auction.

Wish list: Auction items, in-kind, construction-related donations, financial support and always more volunteers.


OFFICE ISSUES

Recent challenge: Fund raising in a challenging homebuilding cycle. We’re thrilled that the level of support has stayed strong even as belts are tightening.

Measures of success: Visibility within the building industry and community at large. Photos of kids enjoying what we’ve built. Success stories from the community assistance organizations we support.

Smartest move: Building a board of energetic, motivated industry leaders.

Missed opportunity: Effectively channeling the industry’s charitable contributions means saying “no” to some causes so you can say “yes” to others; that’s always the difficult part.

Misconception: That the building industry does not give back. We live, work and play here, too; we want the same for all San Diegans.


PROFESSIONAL INSIGHTS

Personal path to nonprofit work: Our firm has done a lot of pro bono landscape architectural work for schools, parks, churches and other organizations.

Toughest aspect: I suppose the toughest aspect is determining the best use of our charitable support from among so many worthy organizations.

Most surprising aspect: The incredible support of our board.

Biggest pain: Working through our industry’s insurance issues, in regard to how they affect our ability to build projects.

Greatest pleasure: Receiving thank you notes from the kids and associations we help, and seeing the facilities we build put to their highest use.


INTROSPECTIONS

Best recent moments: Celebrating the opening of the STAR/PAL youth activity center in City Heights in December, camping with our kids for the first time, completing the Carlsbad Marathon.

Worst recent moment: Pulling a calf muscle at mile 21.

Dream for another life: Teaching.

Greatest inspiration: Thomas Edison.

Downtime: Running, cycling, reading, writing, drawing, sailing, piano, playing with our kids.

Causes: BIA Cares.

Most like to meet: P.G. Wodehouse.


, Compiled by Stacey Bengtson

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