Contractor’s Association of West Virginia (CAWV) members responded from their hearts to provide funds, labor and material to make a better life for two young boys living with Muscular Dystrophy.  The boys, ages seven and twelve, live in a hillside home in a rural area of Charleston. 

To get to and from the house, the boys had to travel on a steep gravel driveway.  The oldest boy, bound to a motorized wheelchair, was in desperate need for a new driveway so he could travel safely to the bus stop each morning. 

When the Muscular Dystrophy Association contacted the CAWV to inquire about helping the boys, together with the Builders’ Supply Association of West Virginia, their story was shared with members of the Joint Concrete Committee.  Almost immediately, offers came in from members of both associations to help the boys.

On Thursday, October 27, workers with H.C. Nutting Company prepared, graded and formed the driveway to receive the concrete.  For six hours on Friday, H.C. Nutting Company and Agsten Construction Company poured and finished the driveway.  Workers returned Saturday to joint it and, again, Sunday to strip the forms and apply cold patch asphalt for a smooth transition from the driveway to the road.

“The Muscular Dystrophy Association would like to thank the CAWV, BSAWV, and their members for helping this family.  Without them this great gift would not have been possible,” MDA District Director Shelly Kelley said.

“Although we can financially support programs to find a cure for Muscular Dystrophy and other medical research anytime, it is difficult to find the time to help the numerous children who face the daily challenges associated with these diseases,” John Sedlock who managed the project said. “The construction of this driveway is something we cannot do often, but the project demonstrates the power of an association that is united for many common causes - including a community effort to help make the road a little less rough and rocky for two deserving children.”

The Contractors Association of West Virginia represents over 475 businesses involved in building, utility and highway construction throughout West Virginia. It is the state chapter of the national Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America. At the 90th Annual AGC Convention held March 4-7 in San Diego, CA, the CAWV received the “AGC in the Community Award” for working with the Muscular Dystrophy Association in 2005. The award is part of AGC’s national charity effort to encourage member companies to donate time and materials to enhance their communities.

For more information on the Contractors Association of West Virginia and how it works to build a better West Virginia, visit www.cawv.org.