Shelby Company to Give New Roof to Family in Need

Last year, Mike and Grace Ann Brunicardi were going through some super tough times.  Mike was in ill health and had been laid off for 15 months. The roof on their Macomb Township home was literally flaking away and the family lacked the funds to replace it.

Then, friends and relatives nominated them for the “No Roof Left Behind” program offered by Shelby Township roofing company Ridgecon Construction, which provides a free roof to a deserving family in need. The Brunicardis were selected to receive the free roof.

“The program was such a blessing to our family,” said Mike Brunicardi. “Our roof was in very bad shape and Ridgecon came in and did a very professional, very clean job and even provided food and entertainment for our family while they worked.”

This year, the family is back on their feet, according to Grace Ann Brunicardi.  “Mike is doing better and he’s back to work,” she said. “It was amazing for us to know there are people out there like Ridgecon who are willing to give. I wish the next winning family the best of luck.”

You can help decide which family will be next to receive a free roof from Ridgecon. The company is now taking nominations for its third No Roof Left Behind  giveaway.

The inspiration for the promotion came from hundreds of conversations with local homeowners and the desire to give back to the community it serves, according to Jay Elie, who co-owns the business with his brother Matt. Ridgecon Construction is celebrating its 17th year in business.

“So many hardworking people just can’t squeeze another dime out of the household budget, let alone a new roof,” Jay said. “We just want to do something to help in the community that has supported our families for so long.”

Ridgecon is asking people in the community to nominate a deserving Macomb County area family that needs a new roof. Last year, more than 100 families were nominated.

“There are so many careworn families that just need a hand,” said Jay’s wife, Dena Elie, who is the sales and marketing coordinator for the business.

To nominate a family, log on to the No Roof Left Behind  Web page and provide some information about the family’s circumstances and a photo of their roof. 
Nominees must own the home they are living in, reside in the Macomb County service area, be current on mortgage payments and agree to sign a Ridgecon Construction media release. There is no price cap on the contest.

Nominations will be accepted until July 29 and the top three finalists will be voted on by Aug. 31. Ridgecon will announce the winner on Sept. 2 and install the roof on Sept. 24.

“The whole idea for the promotion was to motivate people in the community to help one another,” said Dena Elie.  Ridgecon met that goal.  Last year’s semifinalists also received new roofs when people and organizations within their communities were motivated to help them.

Jeff Carless, owner of the Midas Brake Shop on Van Dyke in Shelby Township, was also moved to help by Ridgecon’s example.

His Midas shop will provide a vehicle maintenance package to this year’s No Roof Left Behind winner. The package includes a complete vehicle inspection, including an oil change and filter, tire inspection and rotation, suspension check and alignment and a complete brake inspection.  If the vehicle needs any services, Midas will also provide the certificate for those repairs — up to $250.

“I hate to see people driving unsafe cars,” Carless said. “It makes us feel good to give back to the community.”

Ridgecon invites other area businesses to participate in the promotion by donating lunch for the workers, entertainment for the winning family or a financial contribution to offset the rising price of materials.

“We can all lift each other up; we’re neighbors,” said Dena Elie.