A holiday dinner and auction for veterans in need

By Jenny Yu.  

Roofing contractors come together to provide warmth, care and cheer to veteran community members in need. 

As the holiday season nears, many industry professionals are working hard to end the year with a bang, securing fall and winter projects, following up with clients and finalizing budgets. The Associated Roofing Contractors (ARC) of Oregon and Southwest Washington is gearing up to give back.  

In this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, host Alex Tolle spoke with ARC’s new president, Mark Madeira, and secretary, Torrey Yungeberg, about ARC's upcoming holiday dinner and auction. A beloved ARC tradition, this event includes a happy hour, dinner, keynote speakers and an auction fundraiser to support a chosen charity.  

For the third year, the proceeds of this fundraiser will go to Fort Kennedy, a nonprofit that serves unhoused veterans in Portland, Oregon. 

“We are all so fortunate to be able to do what we do. We're able to provide for our families. We're able to help provide for other families. None of that would be possible, though, without our veterans,” Mark shared.  

ARC’s past fundraisers have already made a huge impact. In 2023, they raised about $34,000, and in 2024 they raised about $45,000. 

“That makes up about 10-15% of Fort Kennedy’s entire budget for the year,” Torrey stated. “Their budget covers the cost of staffing, supplies for the center like food and water, bus passes for the veterans, rental assistance and gifts for the children of the veterans.” 

In addition to funding their annual budget, ARC’s fundraiser also ensures veterans and their children have presents to unwrap and enjoy. A past ARC holiday dinner included a coat drive to provide warmth for Fort Kennedy veterans in the winter months.  

“It's extremely important to take care of our veterans, especially at that time of year,” Mark said. “People need assistance every once in a while.” 

“It was so heartwarming to be able to give back,” Torrey added.  

This year, ARC of Oregon and Southwest Washington is hoping their holiday dinner and auction will raise even more money for Fort Kennedy. 

Listen to the podcast to learn more about ARC and their impact on their community, and don’t forget to register for the upcoming holiday dinner!