GSM Great Roof Giveaway

By Lauren White.

Local organizations are eligible to win a new roof or roof repairs.

The Great Roof Giveaway is presented by GSM Roofing and The Gooding Group Foundation each year.  This contest gives 501(c)(3) organizations in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, an opportunity to “win a new roof or receive roofing repairs and related services,” as written in the contest description.

Fred Gooding made his dream of starting a roofing company a reality in 1946 when GSM Roofing began.  In 1974, a sheet metal division was added, and because of its quick growth expanded to non-roofing metal fabrication projects.  Later, in 1983, GSM Industrial became a separate entity.  

The business remains in the Gooding family today.  Third-generation Reed and Will Gooding lead the business while their father John Gooding remains Chairman.  Jim Towers, John Gooding’s brother-in-law heads GSM Industrial.

These two companies, GSM Roofing and GSM Industrial, make up the Gooding Group Foundation.  The purpose of this group is to fulfill the Gooding family’s humanitarian efforts.  The GSM Great Roof Giveaway is just one way the group is giving back.

The contest opened April 1 and ends August 31.  Video, social media, and Facebook components are part of the application process.  Winners are chosen based on a few criteria: the results of the site visit, the need, and the level of impact the organization has on the community.  

Last year, three organizations benefited from the generosity of the GSM Great Roof Giveaway.  The donations totaled $20,838. One establishment to receive donations was the REAL Life Community Services in Denver, PA.  They provide youth ministry, mentorship, and development to the many children who come from broken homes in Northern Lancaster County.  $12,338 was provided to them for a new roof at their Declaration House Impact Project, which provides affordable apartment buildings and health services to those in need. 

In Ephrata, PA, First United Methodist Church won $1,000 and up to $2,500 for roof repairs.  Established in 1872, First Church was only one of 100 dwellings and shops in Ephrata at the time.  They have continued to hold worship, Sunday School, and minister throughout the years. They aim to help others carry life to everyone they meet. 

The final recipient was Adamstown Fire Company in Adamstown, PA.  Beginning in 1874, the Adamstown Fire has been in operation for over 140 years.  Throughout the years they grew past capacity of their original building. The town bought the building and it now serves as the library and municipal offices and meeting rooms.  The current building was built in 1997 and still remains today. Up to $5,000 was donated to Adamstown Fire for various repairs.

The philanthropy of the Gooding family is abundant in Lancaster County.  GSM Roofing and the Gooding Group Foundation are happy to be able to give back to local communities who are serving others. 

Applications are still being accepted through August 31.

Do you know of someone in the industry who is ‘doing good deeds’ in their community? Help us catch them at it. Send news and information to info@rooferscoffeeshop.com.