Due to financial constraints and medical bills, more than 10 homeowners are seeking support from Builders Care, and are currently waiting for air conditioning replacements in Lee County. In response to asking building partners and businesses to assist them in helping local homeowners, Dr. Kool Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Ruud and Tropic Supply have partnered with Lee BIA Builders Care to provide a new air conditioning system for one of these families in need.
Pramanan “Sam” and Mahadai Somaru have lived in their Cape Coral home for nearly 20 years. Mahadai Somaru is currently receiving chemotherapy treatment for multiple myeloma cancer. She was recently hospitalized due to complications from the illness and could not return home for long-term recovery until the air conditioning unit within their home is replaced. Sam Somaru also has significant health issues including undergoing a liver transplant as well as heart surgery.
As a result, he’s been unable to meet many of the family’s financial needs.
On May 23, Sam Somaru’s only wish was granted when owners and team members of Dr. Kool Air Conditioning and Refrigeration and Tropic Supply, an HVAC and refrigeration regional supplier, marched down the street and surprised the family with news that they would receive a brand new air conditioning system.
“I don’t know what to say,” said homeowner Sam Somaru through tears. “Thank you is all I can say right now. My wife will be very happy when she comes home from hospice.” Volunteers were notified after the surprise that Mahadai Somaru would be released from hospice later that day, making this surprise even more special to all who were involved.
Dr. Kool Air Conditioning and Refrigeration provided the labor to complete the air conditioning system installation and the materials were donated by Tropic Supply and Ruud. Services are valued at $6,000. All services and products were provided
by the companies at no charge to the homeowner.
During the summer months, Builders Care receives an increase in the number of air conditioning requests and is currently seeking additional support from additional businesses. Businesses who wish to provide materials, services or financial support can contact Christi Pritchett Sarlo,executive director, Lee BIA Builders Care.
“Air conditioning issues are one of the most common requests that come into our office this time of year,” said Sarlo. “These companies have relieved major stress off of a family that will be appreciated for many years to come.”
Builders Care is the nonprofit charitable arm of the Lee Building Industry Association (BIA). Its objective is to provide emergency repairs and construction services to elderly, disabled and economically disadvantaged people who are unable to obtain home repairs through traditional means. To date, Lee BIA Builders Care has put nearly $4 Million in construction services back into the community at no cost to homeowners in need. Builders Care enlists the volunteer services of Lee BIA me
mbers and leverages grants and donated materials to provide construction and remodeling services to qualified homeowners throughout Lee County. Major supporters include Cape Coral Plumbing, Ferguson Enterprises, Nilles Design Group, Priority Marketing of Southwest Florida and The Aubuchon Team of Companies. Builders Care is headquartered at the Lee BIA offices at 10501 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy., Suite 118 in Fort Myers.
The Building Industry Association (www.BIA.net ) is a 50-year-old association affiliated with National Home Builders Association and Florida Home Builders Association to serve the local building and related industries to strengthen our community by advancing a professional building industry through advocacy, education and services. Donations can be made online at www.LeeBuildersCare.org, or to the Builders Care general fund at BB&T Page Field branch at 4959 South Cleveland Ave. in Fort Myers. For more information, visit www.leebuilderscare.com.
