The metal construction industry’s largest international event for metal construction products, technologies and solutions gives back to the local community during its annual tradeshow and conference taking place Oct. 26-28 at the Baltimore Convention Center.

 

METALCON has partnered with the America’s Fund, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping veterans in all branches of the military. The program was created to direct urgently needed resources and financial support to injured and critically ill members of the U.S. Armed Forces along with their families, and is a self-funded program of the Semper Fi Fund (SFF).

 

Last year, METALCON raised $10,000 at its 25th anniversary celebration in Tampa to provide intensive rehabilitative care to service members treated at the Tampa Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center. This year, METALCON’s giving back program continues to benefit the America’s Fund and will raise money for military veterans in need of adaptive home support services throughout the Baltimore area.

 

 According to the SFF, wheelchair-bound service members and those with catastrophic injuries require adaptive housing, and handicap modifications are costly but necessary. To ease the financial strain, the SFF provides funding toward the cost of service members’ homes, depending on the need. It also grants assistance to those who have fallen behind on their housing payments due to injury, recovery and rehabilitation costs with the goal of helping wounded service members remain in their homes without the added financial burden of these extra costs.

 

"Semper Fi Fund is committed to being there for our wounded, injured and ill service members for not only their journey to recovery, but for a lifetime," said Karen Guenther, president, Semper Fi Fund.  "Thanks to the generosity of METALCON, we'll be able to help provide families with home adaptations to ease in their transition and help them live their very fullest lives."

 

 “We are thrilled to be partners with an incredibly reputable organization that has minimal administrative overhead costs so the funds we raise can directly impact those brave individuals who continue to put their futures on the line to make us all safer and able to enjoy our freedom,” said Claire Kilcoyne, METALCON show director. 

 

Contributions can be made to America’s Fund throughout the year and can be applied to specific programs or veterans upon request. To donate, visit www.metalcon.com or stop by The Deck, Booth #2061, in METALCON’s exhibit hall.