The KBE Foundation: Making a Difference in Local Communities

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Now in its 16th year, the KBE Foundation continued its mission of giving back to the communities where its employees live and work. From baiting hooks at the Special Olympics fishing derby to serving BBQ lunches to veterans and families, the Foundation made a significant impact. Efforts included swinging hammers for Habitat for Humanity, awarding $18,000 in scholarships, and delivering 500 Thanksgiving dinners—demonstrating a strong commitment to supporting those in need.

These initiatives are driven by the KBE Foundation Committee, a group of employees representing all KBE Building Corporation’s offices and divisions. The committee organizes signature events, manages monthly Philanthropy Friday donations, and seeks new ways to uplift local communities.

Through the collective efforts of employees, partners, and supporters, the KBE Foundation honors its tradition of giving, helping to create communities filled with hope, opportunity, and connection.

Since KBE Building Corporation launched the philanthropic program in 2009 as part of the company’s then 50-years in business, the Foundation has donated more than $4.4M. The non-profit charitable foundation formalized the company’s long history of community support.

Here’s a recap of the Foundation’s accomplishments in 2024.

PHILANTHROPY FRIDAY: TURNING CASUAL FRIDAYS INTO COMMUNITY IMPACT

At KBE, Fridays aren’t just about dressing down—they’re about lifting others up. Through KBE’s Philanthropy Friday initiative, employees make donations in exchange for the privilege of dressing casually at the office. These contributions are then generously matched by KBE’s senior leadership team, doubling the impact of every dollar given. Each month, these funds are allocated to charities chosen by the firm’s staff either through regional office locations or departmental teams at its Connecticut headquarters.

In 2024, the KBE Foundation provided $3,600 in funding for the following organizations:

Camp Courant
THE ALS Association
Covenant House
Construction Angels
The Diaper Bank
Mutts Mending Mankind
Arizona Builders Alliance Backpack Drive Kate Amato Foundation
Brian’s Angels
Parc Disabilities CT

PLAYHOUSE BUILD, HABITAT FOR HUMANITY | BLOOMFIELD, CT

In mid-April, employees from KBE Building and Elite Construction Resources gathered at Habitat’s Re-Store in Bloomfield, CT to donate their time, effort, and creativity to the cause. Together, the KBE team built a playhouse from scratch according to the children’s wishes.

CORPORATE BUILD HABITAT FOR HUMANITY | HARTFORD, CT

A team of five KBE Building staff joined with a Habitat leader on June 13 to help build out the exterior sheathing of a two-story home in Hartford, CT. The Habitat program engages families in need of housing to provide “sweat equity” in the construction of a family home and relies on volunteer support to help fund and provide construction services for each project.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS UNIFIED FISHING TOURNAMENT | FARMINGTON, CT

KBE was the founding sponsor for the event, now in its seventh year. The fishing tournament draws Special Olympians from around the country. The volunteers worked with the athletes on all aspects of fishing in the freshly stocked pond, from baiting hooks to shouting encouragement when someone hooks a fish.

CONNECTICUT VETERAN’S CENTER/MISSION BBQ LUNCH | NEWINGTON, CT

The Foundation continued its tradition of serving lunch to veterans and their families, along with staff, at the state-run Veterans Center in Newington, CT. At its fifth annual event on September 11, KBE volunteers served 200+ veterans and their family members and facilities staff with a terrific lunch catered by Mission BBQ.

8TH ANNUAL CONSTRUCTION CAREERS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM | CONNECTICUT

In May, the KBE Foundation awarded $18,000 in scholarships to students pursuing careers in commercial construction, bringing total awards to $150,000 since 2015. These scholarships have supported 137 graduating Technical High School seniors and Connecticut students, helping them cover costs like tools, licensing fees, books, and tuition. With over 500,000 construction jobs still open in the U.S., this program aims to inspire and support the next generation of construction professionals in building rewarding careers.

KBE FOUNDATION GOLF TOURNAMENT | WATERBURY, CT

First held in 2015, this annual golf event has drawn hundreds of golfers and raised thousands of dollars for our technical high school scholarship program. This year’s day-long event, held on September 16 at the Country Club of Waterbury hosted more than one hundred golfers. This charitable event is a major fundraiser for the Foundation. The event is managed by an in-house committee of volunteers, who start work 7-8 months in advance of the event.

15TH ANNUAL GIFT OF GOBBLE | FARMINGTON, CT

For the 16th consecutive year, the KBE Foundation hosted its annual Gift of Gobble program on November 23 in Farmington, CT. Staff from KBE Northeast, Elite Construction Resources, CMP Exterior, and their families gathered at Camp Courant to assemble 500 Thanksgiving meal kits for community service organizations. These agencies distribute the meals to families in need across their communities.

Each meal kit included all the essentials for a classic Thanksgiving dinner: turkey, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, vegetables, potatoes, yams, rolls, pies, and even a roasting pan. Since its inception in 2009, the Gift of Gobble program has provided meals to over 5,160 families in Connecticut and Massachusetts.

This cherished tradition reflects the KBE Foundation’s commitment to supporting local communities, ensuring families in need can enjoy a warm, festive meal during the holiday season.

Among the community agencies receiving boxes this year are the following:

• Basket of Love – Norwalk, CT
• Bloomfield Social and Youth Services – Bloomfield, CT
• Catholic Charities / Institute for Hispanic Families – Hartford, CT
• Christian Community Action Family Center – New Haven, CT
• Columbus House – New Haven and Middletown, CT
• Farmington Community Services, Farmington, CT
• Groton Youth and Family Services – Groton, CT
• Greyhouse – Springfield, MA
• Master’s Manna – Wallingford, CT
• New Britain Community Services – New Britain, CT
• Newington Medical Center, Victory Gardens Housing – Newington, CT
• The Grace Place – Meriden, CT
• Trinity Roman Catholic Church – Hartford, CT
• Waterbury Youth Services – Waterbury, CT
• Wallingford Master’s Manna – Wallingford, CT
• United Congregational Church – Bridgeport, CT
• United Way New London Homeless Hospitality Center – New London, CT

ST VINCENT’S HOSPITAL/HARTFORDHEALTH’S MEDICAL MISSION AT HOME

For two consecutive years, The Foundation made a significant donation to St Vincent’s Hospital’s Medical Mission at Home, where the contribution helps to fund medical and support services for hundreds of  Bridgeport-area residents.