by Theresa Garee

Werk-Brau Golf Classic hosted a golf fundraiser at Pinnacle Golf Course on Aug. 11.

Pinnacle Golf Course hosts a variety of fundraisers.

“It’s a great way for a lot of people to play the course that maybe didn’t know we are here. We’ve hosted events for the American Cancer Society to our local schools’ fundraisers,” said Scott Callaghan, PGA Head Golf Professional.

The third annual outing benefits the efforts of Construction Angels, a nonprofit set to provide immediate financial assistance and grief counseling to the families of fallen construction workers. The organization also offers scholarships to qualified candidates interested in the field of construction and those of fallen workers.

“It was great to see the construction industry in Ohio come together for such a fun and worthwhile event,” said Werk-Brau Regional Manager and Golf Outing Chairman Neil Recker. “We’re thrilled with the turnout and that we were able to raise money for this incredibly important cause. Knowing that Ohio families of fallen construction workers will be helped makes the hard work and long hours worthwhile. It was a great day thanks to our golfers — and we couldn’t have done it without our customers, partners, sponsors, and volunteers!”

The nonprofit has revenues of more than a million dollars the past two years, thanks to contributions from large construction companies. According to National Executive Director Kristi Ronyak, the largest hurdle for Construction Angels is reaching families of fallen constructions workers.

The time frame allotted for a family of a deceased to apply for assistance is six months per the Construction Angels website. Generally, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has up to six months to complete its investigation and determine whether citations will be issued.

The charity began in Florida and has grown to 33 states however, exposure is still needed to ensure the public know the services that are available to them.

There is approximately 3.5 construction workers killed per day in the United States, according to OSHA.

Any families who have experienced the loss of a loved one while on a construction site can visit www.constructionangels.us and fill out their form to start the process to receive assistance.