The First Facility Management Blog

The company donated sheets of its Corian® material to help create a high-tech gathering place for hospitalized children and teens. The “Lion’s Den,” as the colorful spot is called, is located at Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville, FL—the only full-service tertiary hospital for children in Northeast Florida.

The Lion's Den at Wolfson Children's Hospital

Through a partnership with Hockey Hall-of-Famer Pat LaFontaine’s Companions in Courage Foundation, DuPont donated sheets of DuPont™ Corian® for the project. The hospital’s Lion’s Den is custom designed to offer an oasis to help ease a child’s stay. To help achieve the room’s cheerful look, each of the brightly colored panels, chairs, and tables are made entirely from DuPont™ Corian® solid surfaces. 

“We’re dedicated to helping the community in a meaningful way,” said Thomas F. Schuler, vice president and general manager, DuPont Building Innovations. “With Corian®, we not only add a splash of color to the children’s environment, but due to its easy to clean, seamless surface, it also helps hospital staff with infection control, ultimately bettering the care these kids receive.” 

The space offers high-tech diversions for young patients.

The Lion’s Den in the Wolfson Children’s Hospital is one of six nationwide. Outfitted with flat screen TVs, Microsoft® Xbox 360 video games, video teleconferencing, and Internet-ready computers, the rooms provide outlets for children to connect and play with children at other Lion’s Dens, and to chat with loved ones, teachers, and friends across the country.  In addition, kids have the chance to meet national celebrities and sports heroes via videoconferencing arranged by the Companions in Courage Foundation.

“These one-of-a-kind rooms are intended to stimulate hospitalized children and connect them with family, friends and celebrities,” LaFontaine said.  “By introducing technology into the healing process and using innovative materials like Corian®, we are able to provide these children with a colorful place where they can behave and play like normal, healthy kids.”

Corian® meets all 18 preferred characteristics of the ideal surfacing product to help facilitate infection control as defined in the Guidelines for Design and Construction of Health Care Facilities, including being seamless, impact resistant, and having low VOC/no off-gassing.

The Companions in Courage Foundation was founded by NHL Hall-of-Famer Pat LaFontaine as a response to the inspiration he derived while visiting children in hospitals during his 15-year career.  His immediate goal is to build interactive playrooms in children’s hospitals throughout North America.  Through communications tools, these playrooms are meant to mitigate the isolation of a hospital by providing ways to connect to family, friends and celebrities during a child’s hospital stay.   

The DuPont Oval, DuPontTM, The miracles of scienceTM, and Corian® and Zodiaq® are registered trademarks or trademarks of DuPont or its affiliates. Only DuPont makes Corian® and Zodiaq®.  Microsoft™ Xbox 360 is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

Keep America Beautiful, Inc., along with The Sherwin-Williams Company, has announced the recipients of three $2,000 grants under the 2008 Graffiti Hurts® Grant Program. Three organizations from around the nation will receive the funds to be used for graffiti prevention. The groups are: Kent Police Department in Washington State; ASPIRA, Inc. of New Jersey; and the Corcoran Neighborhood Organization in Minnesota.

These grants are awarded to entities in communities with populations less than 100,000, between 100,000 and 300,000, and over 300,000 in an effort to enhance local graffiti prevention activities. The Graffiti Hurts® Grant Program was initiated in 2007.

“This year’s grant recipients presented exceptional plans to educate and engage at-risk youth, and to bring their entire communities together to prevent and eradicate graffiti,” said Matt McKenna, president and CEO of Keep America Beautiful. “All of the winners show wonderful examples of how to change behavior, prevent negative impacts to society, and create a sense of ownership for their community. We’re grateful to The Sherwin-Williams Company for their ongoing support of the Graffiti Hurts program, a nationwide resource for communities addressing graffiti problems.”

Graffiti Hurts was developed in 1996 through a partnership between Keep America Beautiful, a non-profit education and community improvement organization, and Sherwin-Williams, maker of Krylon paint, to respond to the blight of graffiti vandalism in communities nationwide. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, graffiti contributes to lost revenue associated with reduced ridership on transit systems, reduced retail sales, and declines in property value.

Nearly 100 applications were submitted for the Graffiti Hurts National Grant Program, representing the best of local governments, police departments, schools, nonprofit volunteer organizations, and other groups dedicated to eradicating graffiti vandalism.

“Sherwin-Williams is proud to sponsor the Graffiti Hurts program, and is dedicated to supporting initiatives that help prevent and eradicate graffiti,” said Harvey Sass, president and general manager, Diversified Brands Division, The Sherwin-Williams Company. “Graffiti Hurts has effectively addressed this issue nationwide, and we commend the 2008 grant winners for their innovative plans to stop graffiti in their communities.”

Recipient Programs

The proposed programs include the Kent Police Department’s initiative to enlist at-risk youth, businesses, neighborhood associations, and Weed  Seed volunteers to “adopt” 10 locations in the city prone to graffiti vandalism. Volunteers will be given graffiti removal kits as well as graffiti prevention training. Signs and other education will create awareness among community residents.

ASPIRA, Inc. of New Jersey in Newark will work with at-risk youth on graffiti education using the Graffiti Hurts® curriculum, execution of two graffiti cleanups, and the production of a public service announcemnt that will raise awareness about graffiti vandalism and the risks for youth.

The Corcoran Neighborhood Organization in Minneapolis, MN, which also applied for a grant in 2007, will use Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles to change the environment at 10 neighborhood locations identified as graffiti vandalism “hot spots.” This will include changes to landscape, lighting, fencing, cleanup, and other activities. 

More than 100 of the company’s employees traveled to Alexandria, VA to help six non-profit organizations in the city. As part of a Herman Miller conference, Alexandria benefitted from a staff volunteer day. Rebuilding Together Alexandria (RTA) orchestrated various volunteer projects at non-profits, from playing games with seniors and painting to landscaping and interacting with children.

“To be a part of the community means you roll up your sleeves and work with neighboring organizations to help make the lives of those they serve better,” said Katharine Medina, executive director of RTA. “Through these efforts, [the] Herman Miller volunteers were able to positively impact thousands of Alexandria residents.”

Herman Miller volunteers completed projects for ALIVE, the Art League, Community Lodgings, the Boys & Girls Club, the Seaport Foundation, and the St. Martin de Porres Senior Center. Whether they were gardening and mulching or playing Bingo with the seniors, the volunteers expressed their enjoyment of participating in the activities.

“We had a lot of fun working with the non-profits and hopefully made a dent in the work that each of these agencies need. We like to give back in communities where we’re hosting a conference and it was wonderful to be able to work at so many facilities in Alexandria that needed our help,” said Sally Gruppen of Herman Miller. In addition, many of the individual volunteers, as well as Herman Miller, made donations to the non-profit at which they volunteered.

RTA and its volunteers assisted 91 homeowners and non-profit agencies this year. Whether it is plumbing, electrical work, or general handyman jobs, nearly 800 volunteers annually make a difference in their neighborhoods.

About Herman Miller, Inc.
The designs and services of Herman Miller enhance the performance of human habitats worldwide. The company’s award-winning products, complemented by furniture management and strategic consulting services, generated more than $2 billion in revenue during fiscal 2008.

About Rebuilding Together Alexandria (RTA)
Over the past 21 years, RTA has partnered with hundreds of volunteers to repair more than 1,000 homes in the City of Alexandria. Rebuilding Together Alexandria works year-round to repair and revitalize homes for homeowners in need, including elderly, disabled and families with children. RTA also takes groups of volunteers to the Gulf to rebuild homes destroyed by hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

The $10,000 gift from the office furniture manufacturer will help support 24 programs for visually impaired children and adults. Chicago Lighthouse is a social service agency dedicated to assisting people with visual challenges. Programs offered include the nation’s oldest low vision clinic, a nationally acclaimed school for children with multi-disabilities, and a legal clinic helping blind people fight discrimination.

The gift from Kimball Office was part of its “See People at Work” activities during the recent NeoCon trade show in Chicago. The company notes that the amount of the gift was made possible, in part, by the record number of designers and facility managers who visited its Wells Street showroom. Kimball Office donated $10 for every scanned visitor.

“All of us here at the Chicago Lighthouse appreciate this very generous donation from Kimball Office. It will assist our efforts in helping people who are blind or visually impaired lead richer, more independent lives,” says Lighthouse public relations director, Dominic Calabrese.

“Respect, dignity and service are among our core values,” says Jeff Fenwick, vice president/ general manager, Kimball Office. “We’re honored to be able to support the Chicago Lighthouse in giving Chicagoland’s visually impaired children and adults the skills they need to be valued members of the community.”

The distributor, Luce, Schwab & Kase, Inc. of Fairfield, NJ, funded a trip to Walt Disney World for a child and three of his family members through the Make-A-Wish Foundation®.

Christian, the six year old recipient, suffers from nephrotic syndrome, a disorder caused by damage to the small blood vessels in the kidneys that filter waste and excess water from the blood. When volunteers from the Make-A-Wish Foundation® visited Christian in his home and asked him what he wished for, they were not surprised by his immediate response—a trip to Walt Disney World.

Christian, his grandmother, and his older brother and sister traveled to the Florida resort for six days and five nights. While in Orlando, the family stayed at the Buena Vista Suites. Park-hopper passes enabled them to visit all of the theme parks as many times as they wanted. Christian chose to visit Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Universal Studios and SeaWorld.

“We heard all about Christian’s encounters with his favorite Disney characters, including those from the movie Shrek,” said Geri Heppel, product manager with Luce, Schwab & Kase, Inc.. A portion of the sale of Luxaire equipment enabled the company to underwrite Christian’s trip with a check for close to $8,000. When Christian and his family returned from Florida, Heppel, company Chief Executive Officer Jim Luce and Sales Manager Brian Houser treated him and his grandmother to lunch at a local restaurant and a bag of toys.

“I think we were as excited to hear about Christian’s adventures as he was to share them with us,” said Heppel. “As we listened to him and saw the appreciation in his Nana’s eyes, we were reminded of just how awesome the Luxaire/Make-A-Wish program is.”

“Everyone at Luce, Schwab & Kase, Inc. is very proud of our relationship with Make-A-Wish, because we can see all of the good it does,” added Heppel. “We are very happy that Luxaire has created this partnership with such an amazing organization.”

Christian is the fourth child that Luce, Schwab & Kase has supported through the sale of Luxaire equipment. “We’ve kept in touch with them and have their pictures framed and hanging in our lobby,” said Heppel. “Our customers see the pictures and just love the idea that their purchases are making something worthwhile happen for a child that has an illness. The fact that they are local children makes the program even stronger. We are proud of our involvement and look forward to continuing our support of Make-A-Wish.”

Luxaire has a network of distributors and dealers nationwide that are committed to the partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which has been in effect since the fall of 2001. Luxaire dealers and distributors around the country work with their local Make-A-Wish Foundation chapters to organize their own fundraising activities, such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation nights at minor league ballparks.

“At Luxaire, our partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation is in its sixth year and it has been a great success among dealers and distributors on both a national and local level,” said Luxaire Brand Manager Jeff Hurt. “It makes them feel good about the work they are doing, especially when they know they are helping children in their own communities.”

(Pictured above): Wish child Christian and his grandmother enjoyed lunch with employees of Luce, Schwab & Kase, Inc., following their trip to Walt Disney World Resort®. Celebrating their return are Stacey Redelheim (kneeling) and standing, from left to right, Geri Heppel, Brian Houser and Jim Luce.

About Luxaire
Luxaire® products from Johnson Controls, Inc., include high-performance residential central air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces and accessories and light-commercial, packaged heating and cooling systems marketed through a network of distributors and delivered to homeowners and building owners through independent Luxaire heating and air conditioning dealers.

About the Make-A-Wish Foundation
The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. It is the largest wish-granting charity in the world, with 71 chapters in the United States and its territories and 27 international affiliates on five continents. With the help of generous donors and more than 25,000 volunteers, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has granted wishes to children around the world since 1980.

More than 200 Schneider Electric/Square D® business leaders will work alongside Ocean Springs, MS, residents on January 30 to build six houses with Habitat for Humanity. This effort will continue the company’s 4 1/2-year, $7 million commitment to Habitat for Humanity that was pledged in 2007. The funding will provide Habitat homes across North America with Square D brand electrical distribution equipment.

Square D is the flagship brand of Schneider Electric in the United States for NEMA-type electrical distribution and industrial control products, systems and services.

Building six homes in Ocean Springs continues the Schneider Electric/Square D commitment to rebuilding the hurricane-ravaged Gulf region and assisting Habitat for Humanity in its efforts to help low-income and hurricane-displaced families achieve homeownership.

This is also the second consecutive year that the rebuilding efforts will kick off the Schneider Electric North American Operating Division’s annual Leadership Forum. The Forum sets the direction of the new business year for the company’s senior management team. This year, the forum will be held in Biloxi, MS, to underscore the organization’s National Partner relationship with Habitat for Humanity and its commitment to employee involvement and service to the community. Using its senior leadership team as an example, the company wants to illustrate that in 2008, it will be “Building the Future Together.”

“Schneider Electric/Square D is continuing its important commitment to those who feel the impact of the 2005 hurricane season,” said Dave Petratis, president and CEO of the Schneider Electric North American Operating Division. “Our longstanding relationship with Habitat for Humanity has allowed us to rebuild a region after disaster strikes and make a positive impact where hope is needed.”

As a National Partner and a Cornerstone Society member of Habitat’s “More Than Houses” campaign, Schneider Electric/Square D has already contributed approximately $6 million in residential electrical distribution equipment for use in homes built in the United States, Canada and Mexico since 2001. In addition, the company has continually donated labor and supplies, as well as pledged $7 million to rebuilding initiatives in the Gulf region, working to restore local homes and cherished community locations damaged by Hurricane Katrina.

“I was fortunate to be a guest at last year’s Leadership Forum in the Gulf and was quickly reminded of the enthusiasm and commitment the entire Schneider Electric-North America team has for the life-changing work of Habitat for Humanity,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO, Habitat for Humanity International. “We’re very grateful for the partnership and for the extent to which it has generously demonstrated that commitment through product donations, volunteer labor and other means of support. It is helping us deliver a lasting impact not only in the Gulf Coast region, but throughout the United States.”

The $7 million financial commitment to Habitat for Humanity will provide each home built in North America with a Square D brand load center, circuit breakers and other related electrical equipment. Since the commitment was made, more than 10,600 Square D load centers and circuit breakers have been installed in North American homes.

Modular Space Corporation (ModSpace®) is partnering with the American Red Cross as the title sponsor of the “Tour du Rouge” bicycle tour fundraising event supporting American Red Cross Chapters along the Gulf Coast.

The American Red Cross and ModSpace will jointly present the Tour du Rouge event from October 18 to October 23, 2008. Over 300 riders are expected to participate in the bicycle tour which covers areas from Houston, TX to New Orleans, LA.

“ModSpace is proud to partner with the American Red Cross, a globally respected organization that helps people at times when they need it most,” said Charles Paquin, president and CEO of ModSpace. “By sponsoring the Tour du Rouge, ModSpace demonstrates its support of the disaster relief mission of American Red Cross and in the rebuilding efforts in the Gulf Region.”

ModSpace, based in Berwyn, PA, currently serves over 3,500 customers in the Gulf Region through branch locations in Houston, TX, Beaumont, TX, Lafayette, LA, and New Orleans, LA. In addition to the use of ModSpace mobile office and storage units during the event, the Beaumont, TX and Lafayette, LA ModSpace branch locations will serve as rest stops along the Tour du Rouge route.

In addition to the half a million dollar fundraising goal, the tour will provide awareness and education in areas such as coastal erosion, economic re-development, and hurricane preparedness to residents along the Gulf Coast.

“We are so pleased to have ModSpace as our Presenting Sponsor for the Tour du Rouge,” said Davis Henderson, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Houston Area Chapter of the American Red Cross. “Sponsoring our inaugural ride shows the company’s commitment to the Red Cross and the Gulf Coast communities, where they have several locations. They’re also making a very personal commitment to the Tour du Rouge because many of their employees will be participating in the ride. We are privileged to have such an involved partner in this one-of-a-kind cycling event,” concluded Henderson.

Both ModSpace and the American Red Cross have been instrumental in responding immediately to help people rebuild and recover when tragedy including hurricanes in the Gulf Region. The Red Cross provides emergency assistance when people are forced from their homes by fires, floods or other disasters. ModSpace assists in disaster relief efforts by providing temporary modular space for emergency personnel, medical assistance, and general office space or storage, construction site trailers during rebuilding efforts, and quick delivery of permanent modular building solutions.

When hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated the Gulf Region, ModSpace responded within days by deploying hundreds of modular buildings for emergency needs. ModSpace continues to support the growth and rebuilding efforts of the Gulf Region today.

Johnson & Jennings General Contracting has donated its general contracting services to the set up of “Fantasy On Ice,” the outdoor ice skating rink at Horton Square, located in the interior courtyard of the NBC building in downtown San Diego, CA.

All proceeds of the rink benefit the Cancer Care Center at Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego. “Fantasy on Ice” is a holiday favorite of San Diegans, and Johnson & Jennings, which is based in the city, has participated in its set up for the past 10 years. Mike Harrison of the firm acted as project superintendent this year, and has been doing so since 1997.

The Irvine Group, owner and property manager of the NBC building, oversaw the pro-bono project, valued at $40,000. A number of subcontractors and vendors also donated both time and materials, including Re:Source Floors, B&B Acoustics, Bergelectric, Casper Company, Wagman Company, and Helix Mechanical.

“Fantasy on Ice” will be open until January 6th from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., with the exception of both Thanksgiving and Christmas day.

Safeway, a food and drug retailer, is hosting its 8th Annual Feast of Sharing at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC this Wednesday, November 21. The Thanksgiving holiday event will provide meals and a wide range of services to members of the community. It will take place between 10am and 2pm.

Over the past seven years, Safeway’s Feast of Sharing has benefited more than 35,000 DC residents. In addition to serving holiday meals, the event offers free health screenings and flu vaccines, winter clothing for adults and children, and financial planning workshops. The Department of Employment Services and representatives from area businesses will also be on hand to provide information about employment opportunities and job training.

“The only way an event of this kind is possible each year is through the spirit of giving,” said Greg TenEyck, director of public affairs and government relations for Safeway. “All the partners associated with this event are donating their time and services because all of us believe we are not only sharing a holiday meal but also a message of hope to our neighbors in need. As we enter into our eighth year of service, we’re pleased Feast of Sharing has become such a meaningful Thanksgiving tradition in Washington.”

This year, the Professional Conventions Management Association (PCMA) awarded the Walter E. Washington Convention Center (formerly the Washington Convention Center) with the prestigious Spirit Award for its contributions to the Feast of Sharing. The award is presented to an organization within the meetings and conventions industry that has significantly impacted others in a charitable way.

Reba Pittman Walker, CEO and general manager, and staff will accept the award in Seattle at PCMA’s Annual Meeting.

“I commend our staff who put their heart and soul into this event. The Walter E. Washington Convention Center team sees this as an opportunity to make a significant contribution to the community where we do business,” noted Beverly Perry, Chair, Washington Convention Center Authority.

Several organizations provide supplies, materials, equipment and volunteers to make Safeway’s Feast of Sharing possible each year, including The Salvation Army, SunTrust Bank, AmeriGroup, and Metropolitan Baptist Church.

“We are proud to be a part of this event because it makes such a tremendous impact on the lives of residents and families in the city,” said Captain Steve Morris, Area Commander, National Capital Area Command of The Salvation Army. “Feast of Sharing proves that great things can happen when the community comes together to help others.”

According to estimates from Safeway, this year’s Feast of Sharing will involve:
* Over 800 volunteers from prepping to serving to produce dinner for about 4000 people
* Over 3500 hours of volunteered man hours worked
* Over 1750 pounds of turkey cooked equals 145 turkeys
* Over 1000 pounds of greens cooked
* Over 1000 sweet potatoes cooked and sweetened
* Over 500 boxes of bread stuffing accompanied by 80 gallons of gravy
* Over 500 pies baked and sliced.
* Over 150 cases of soda and water consumed
* Over 80 gallons of coffee brewed fresh
* Over 1500 pounds of cooked foods are donated afterwards to DC Shelters & Kitchens to further provide meals to others after the Feast.

The Miami Airport Marriott is recycling more than 300 tons of building materials taken from one of its properties for use in one of its new properties. The upscale, 366-room Miami Airport Marriott, which will undergo a major renovation next year, is part of a concept from Marriott, in which three different Marriott properties–the Miami Airport Marriott, the Courtyard by Marriott and a planned Residence Inn–are located together on one campus for business and leisure travelers.

When the Fairfield Inn on the campus was demolished earlier this year to make room for the Residence Inn, the Miami Airport Marriott recycled more than 90% of the building materials from the demolition, totaling approximately 6,800 cubic yards. Steel, concrete, copper, and other materials were recycled and will be used in the construction of the new 175-room Residence Inn and the Courtyard by Marriott 300-room expansion project.

The crushed concrete alone will be the sub-base to construct the foundation on the new Marriott site. “We at the Miami Airport Marriott believe it is important to not only give back to the community, but also to make use of existing resources,” said general manager John Mulrey. “By recycling steel, concrete, and other materials, the Miami Airport Marriott saved hundreds of tons of materials from littering our nation’s landfills.”

The recycling program is one of the efforts that the Miami Airport Marriott is making to protect the environment and sustain the earth’s natural resources. The hotel recycles all paper and cardboard products; installed compact fluorescent light bulbs instead of traditional fluorescent bulbs, and has in effect a successful linen reuse program saving hundreds of gallons of water annually. In addition, the property will provide preferential parking spaces for guests driving hybrid automobiles.

Other Items Donated To Local Rescue Mission
The Miami Airport Marriott also donated numerous household items, valued at $100,000, from the Fairfield Inn to the Miami Rescue Mission. Executives with the hotel donated the furniture, blankets, air conditioning units, and other household goods to assist the longstanding Miami Rescue Mission, which helps the poor and homeless find shelter and jobs.

“Thank you for the wonderful donation of hotel room furniture and miscellaneous items,” the Reverend Nelson R. Bloem, industrial division manager for the Miami Rescue Mission, wrote in a letter to the Miami Airport Marriott.

The Miami Airport Marriott is also involved in the local community through work with: Adopt a Station in conjunction with the Marriott South Florida Business Council; Marriott International’s “Spirit to Serve” program; Children’s Miracle Network; the Food Bank; and Habitat for Humanity.