SAC Wireless Chief Field Services Officer Jonathan McKinley lauded tower techs as the “backbone” of the industry during his firm’s contribution presentation at NATE UNITE 2020
The NATE UNITE 2020 conference last week in Raleigh, North Carolina showcased numerous companies that made donations to the Tower Family Foundation, a non-profit charitable support arm for tower workers injured or killed in an accident stemming from working at heights on communications structures or other on the job related activities.
USA Telecom CEO Dennis Robinson provided his company’s donation of $2,000 to the Tower Family Foundation
During an exhibit hall presentation, SAC Wireless presented the Foundation with a $15,000 donation.
In making the contribution, Chief Field Services Officer Jonathan McKinley applauded the efforts of tower technicians, stating that they are the backbone of the industry.
He noted that over 542 men and women climb towers for SAC Wireless.
Also making a donation of $2,000 was USA Telecom Services.
Barker MacEntee PLLC also provided a donation of $1,000.
Funds were also raised through attendees buying a copy of the “Rise and Climb” poster.
Tower Family Foundation Chairman Victor Drouin, center, welcomed a $1,000 donation from Duane MacEntee, left, and J. John Barker
The original oil painting for the poster was acquired in spirited luncheon bidding by auctioneer Jim Tracy, by Victor and Catherine Drouin of Green Mountain Communications for $18,000. Last year’s painting, “Almost Home,” had a high bid of $10,000.
Generous contributions were also obtained from a silent auction.
Victor Drouin was selected by Board Members as the Foundation’s Chairman, succeeding Jim Tracy of Legacy Telecommunications who was required to step down due to term limits set by the Foundation.
Former NASCAR driver and current NBC commentator Kyle Petty gave an inspirational shout-out to the Tower Family Foundation during his keynote address on Tuesday. Petty is active in many charitable causes, such as Victory Junction, a facility that serves serious illness and chronic medical condition children, which he established to honor his late son, Adam, who died in a practice race in 2000.
Also selected to lead the Foundation were Jimmy Coleman of AT&T as its Vice Chairman and Craig Lekutis of Wireless Estimator, the non-profit’s Secretary/Treasurer.
In 2019, the Foundation awarded $295,000 in direct financial assistance to affected families and has donated $821,000 to eligible benefactors since the organization’s launch in September 2014.
For additional information about the Tower Family Foundation, visit HERE.