Race proceeds help local nonprofits “stay the course”
Two metro Atlanta charities — For the Hope Partnership, Inc., formerly the Feeding the Homeless Project, (FTHP) and the Orange Duffel Bag Initiative (ODBI) — were the ultimate winners in JE Dunn Construction’s 11th annual Hammer Down 5K.
East Region President Dan Kaufman applauded the commitment and work of the two nonprofits and, in post-event check presentations, contributed $45,000 to each organization on behalf of JE Dunn.
“Both these organizations provide critical support to our community, and it is our privilege to fund their missions. It has continued to be a difficult time for nonprofits, and we felt strongly, especially as an essential business that has been fortunate to continue to work during this time of uncertainty, the responsibility to continue this tradition. The funds raised from the race are the result of the hard work and support of our employees and the generous backing we received from both our clients and trade partners,” commented Dan Kaufman.
The October 16 event started and finished at JE Dunn’s offices, located in northwest Atlanta.
“JE Dunn’s goal as a community builder to help build better communities’ pairs with For the Hope Partnership’s goal of helping people experiencing homelessness or poverty through meals and essential services. FTHP is privileged to be associated again with JE Dunn’s Hammer Down 5K Race. Their strong financial support helps us meet those goals”, commented Bill Sutton chair of FTHP board.
JE Dunn employees Reggie Pope II, a regional risk manager and Alison Chaffee, a senior project administrator are ODBI board members.
Regional President Kaufman serves on the board of For the Hope Partnership.
Runners and walkers participating in the 11th annual Hammer Down numbered almost 200, taking on the USATF-Certified and Peachtree Road Race Qualifier course in chilly weather.
Over the history of the Hammer Down, JE Dunn — with strong support from the company’s clients and trade partners — has raised close to $700,000 in support of Atlanta-area nonprofit organizations.
(from left to right) Mike Bartlett, JE Dunn executive vice president, Mike Daley, president and Christopher Chan, board member of Orange Duffle Bag Initiative (ODBI), Bill Sutton, vice chairman and Heather Steiner, director for For the Hope Partnership formerly the Feeding the Homeless Project (FTHP) and Dan Kaufman JE Dunn East Region president and board member of FTHP. Each non-profit received a check for $45,000 from funds raised by the 11th Annual Hammer Down 5K, the largest amounts ever given to charities related to the Annual Hammer Down 5K.
About For the Hope Partnership, Inc.
For the Hope Partnership, formerly Feeding the Homeless Project, is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, builds relationships with those experiencing homelessness or poverty over a weekly hot breakfast and, when they are ready, connects them to essential services they may need to achieve their desired goals. FTHP is committed to: “Breaking bread. Making friends. Building bridges.” Visit www.fthp.org or email susan.fthp@gmail.com for more information.
About Orange Duffel Bag Initiative
The Orange Duffel Bag Initiative (ODBI), a 501(c)(3) public charity, provides proven coaching programs and ongoing advocacy to high school and college students, who are in foster care, homeless, or experiencing poverty, to improve their education outcomes. Working in concert with organizations like JE Dunn Construction, with shared goals for helping disadvantaged young people build a better life, together we help Georgia’s most vulnerable students improve self-awareness, connect with caring adults and community resources, overcome social and economic barriers, explore career choices, and create a plan for and pursue education—the surest pathway out of poverty toward a life of economic equity. www.theodbi.org.
About JE Dunn – Atlanta
JE Dunn Construction, founded in 1924, is one of the largest general building contractors in the United States, providing construction management services through 24 offices nationwide, and self-perform services at select locations. JE Dunn’s Atlanta office, established in 1985 and consistently recognized as a “best places to work” employer, as well as for leadership in both sustainable and lean construction practices and for community philanthropy, services an array of market sectors, including healthcare, higher education, K-12, commercial, industrial, manufacturing, mission critical and aviation. Atlanta is also headquarters for JE Dunn’s East Region. The Atlanta office’s portfolio includes repeat work for clients including Atlanta Public Schools, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Georgia Institute of Technology and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The JE Dunn organization is employee and family owned, and today is represented by three generations of the Dunn family in its day-to-day operations. www.jedunn.com.
