In the blog.

Build it Forward

MAREK is one of over 30 sponsor companies who believes and invests in providing insight into the construction industry and our future through ACE Mentor. On December 2, MAREK hosted high school students and a multitude of volunteers to Build it Forward. The concept behind the event is to allow students themselves to fundraise for ACE and scholarships while building for local charities.

For the sixth annual Build it Forward, students and volunteers assembled bright and early kicking the day off with a safety moment and stretch and flex. Once students were warmed up, off they went to build a picnic table. Led by adult volunteers, the students read plans, used power tools, practiced teamwork and successfully assembled a picnic table. Twenty-one picnic tables were built with joy and delivered to charities around Houston. BARC Animal Shelter, Ronald McDonald House and Covenant were just a few of the charities to receive a table.

MAREK employees are proud to support ACE Build it Forward. Blake Vacek, Jon Gaastra and Shannon Davis were among the eager volunteers. Blake Vacek, MAREK Window Treatments Manager, stated: 

“Marek Brothers is always seeking to generate a sustainable workforce within the construction industry. Its involvement with ACE Mentors, and more specifically the Build It Forward event is congruent with that goal. ACE strives to show the next generation how valuable a career in a construction trade can be through activities and mentorship from some of the best and brightest in the industry. This culminates in the Build It Forward event where students use their hands to build furniture for various local charities. Marek is proudly involved with not only the organization but this very special event. Each year, Marek offers the time of a number of its office and field staff, donates the venue and supplies the organization with materials and tools to help make the event a success. In addition to constructing picnic benches, the students were able to meet and discuss their futures with a number of college recruiters about possible futures in the construction industry."

ACE, Architecture Construction Engineering, Mentor Program is an after-school mentoring program for high school students. This program gives students the opportunity to learn from architects, construction managers, and engineers over the course of a school year. If you are interested in getting involved with ACE Houston, please visit their website.


Photo courtesy of ConstructionCitizen.com

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