Giving Back: Fall Recap

Written by: Kristy Buttermore

At Matthews | DCCM, our dedication to community impact goes beyond just providing top-tier civil engineering solutions. It’s about giving back and being an active part of the community we serve. This autumn, our team was proud to participate in several impactful events that reflect our commitment to making a positive difference.

Kicking Off October: Supporting Future Public Works Professionals

We started the month by participating in the APWA Northeast Florida Branch Scholarship Golf Tournament. This annual event raises funds for scholarships to support individuals pursuing careers in public works, construction, engineering, and public administration. The APWA NE FL branch aims to foster the next generation of professionals by covering costs associated with tuition, licensing, and certifications at accredited institutions. Our involvement in this tournament reflects our commitment to supporting education and professional development in the public works sector.

Championing Local Charities at Davidson Cares Clay Day

One of the highlights of our community outreach was the Davidson Cares Jim Davidson’s Annual Clay Day. This event holds a special place in our hearts, as it raises substantial funds for several remarkable local charities. This year, the event succeeded in raising $130,000 for vital organizations, including Builders Care, St. Augustine Youth Services (SAYS), Investing in Kids (INK!), Port in the Storm, Five Star Veterans Center, and Home for Hope. We are honored to be part of an event that brings meaningful support to such diverse causes in our area.

Halloween Fun: Sheriff Hardwick’s Haunted Jail and INK!’s Jailbreak 5K

As Halloween approached, our team got involved in some spooky yet family-friendly festivities. We proudly continued our sponsorship of Sheriff Hardwick’s Haunted Jail, an event that transforms the jail into a thrilling haunted house experience. It also includes a kids’ zone with a bounce house, face painting, and an outdoor movie, creating a fun-filled atmosphere for families.

Additionally, we supported INK!’s annual Jailbreak 5K, a unique race where participants escape from the historic Old Town Jail and make their way to Vilano Beach. The event not only provided a memorable experience for runners but also helped raise awareness and funds for education-focused initiatives in our community.

Supporting Alpha-Omega Miracle Home at the Blue Jean Bash & Benefit

In November, we sponsored a table at the Alpha-Omega Miracle Home Blue Jean Bash & Benefit. Alpha-Omega Miracle Home provides critical support to women and children facing crises in our community. We are privileged to contribute our expertise in site design, architectural planning, and permitting for their new 7-acre campus, which will feature offices, resident housing, and a multipurpose building. The Blue Jean Bash & Benefit is a key fundraising event that helps secure the resources needed for this essential project and the organization’s transformative programs.

Recognizing Excellence at the FPZA Annual Awards

This year, we were first-time sponsors of the Florida Planning & Zoning Association (FPZA) Annual Awards, where our own project, Vilano Beachfront Park, was honored with the Inclusive Design Award. This recognition highlights our commitment to creating spaces that are accessible and welcoming to all members of the community, emphasizing our focus on thoughtful, inclusive design.

Giving Back as a Team with Pie in the Sky Food Drive

We wrapped up our annual food drive for Pie in the Sky Community Alliance, an organization dedicated to delivering food and essential items to low-income seniors in our community. Our team came together, collecting over 1,000 non-perishable items such as soups, cereals, canned meats, shelf-stable milk, vegetables, and toiletries. In addition, we donated $150 to further support Pie in the Sky’s mission of serving vulnerable seniors in our area.

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Looking Ahead: Continuing Our Commitment

We are incredibly grateful to our teammates who actively participated in these events, showcasing the spirit of community engagement that is central to our culture at Matthews | DCCM. As we head into the holiday season, we look forward to finding more ways to give back and make a positive impact in the communities we serve. Together, we can make a difference.