GT Mid Atlantic hosted its first-ever Clay Shoot event Oct. 5, 2023, to support Construction Angels. This event took place at Pintail Point Sporting Clays in Queenstown, Md.
Construction Angels Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is dedicated to offering immediate financial aid and grief counseling to children (19 years and younger) and spouses who are left behind when a construction worker experiences a fatality on a job site. Kristi Gibbs is its CEO and founder.
"Construction Angels originally began its mission in south Florida 12 years ago and has expanded its presence to 26 states," she said. "The organization not only extends scholarships to children who have lost a parent but also endeavors to retain young talent within the construction industry. GT Mid Atlantic became closely involved with Construction Angels after a tragic incident in which six construction workers lost their lives during the I-695 project."
On March 22, 2023, a fatal two-vehicle accident occurred on the inner loop of Interstate 695 near Interstate 70, resulting in the death of six construction workers. Prosecutors charged a woman, alleging that she had five prescription medications and marijuana in her system and was traveling at a speed of 121 mph shortly before the collision.
The funds generated from the Clay Shoot event, which totaled $36,000, are earmarked for families in the state of Maryland, aligning with GT Mid Atlantic's commitment to giving back to the local community. Eric Marburger, the general manager of GT Mid Atlantic's Essex, Md., facility, spearheaded the organization of this event.
Marburger shared his personal motivation for taking action, saying, "The tragic accident on I-695, where six people were killed while simply having lunch and going about their day, deeply affected me. One of the victims had grown up in my neighborhood, right around the corner from where I live now. So, it pushed us into action. It was a very sad and heartbreaking incident."
The Clay Shoot event attracted contractors from across the region, featuring 13 shooting stations. Kevin Joy, president and CEO of B. F. Joy in Hyattsville, Md., was one of the participants who contributed to raising funds for the charity.
"I heard about this event today from GT Mid Atlantic, and we've done a lot of work with Construction Angels throughout the years at varying events," he said. "It's such a great organization that we are happy to support. And it's nice to get out of the office and have a little fun with these guys."
Construction Angels thanked GT Mid Atlantic and all the participants and sponsors who made the event possible.
Kevin Woolbright, the Maryland/D.C. board director of Construction Angels, has served in this role for seven years and retired from WSSC Water after dedicating 40 years to the water and sewer industry. He emphasized the crucial role of raising awareness about Construction Angels' mission and expressed gratitude for the significant support received from various organizations, associations, corporate companies, utility companies and manufacturers.
"We have had unbelievable support," he said. "The key for me being the board director in this region is to get the word out that Construction Angels are here to help when needed. And just getting the word out that we are a charitable, that is a valid 501(c) charity, and we are here to help, as needed."
"I want to thank all the people that have participated and our sponsors and the host, GT Mid Atlantic, for putting on such a wonderful inaugural event," Gibbs added. "And if anybody is interested in getting more involved, they can go to our website and make a one-time donation or they can become a state sponsor, or a national sponsor also found on our website. They can reach out to contact@constructionangels.US, if they hear about a fatality." CEG
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