At Kevco Builders, we believe in community involvement and have a long-standing reputation for supporting local non-profits. From our earlier work with Habit for Humanity to our current work with the Mental Illness and Kindness Endowment (MIKE), Kevco’s involvement speaks to our commitment to those around us. Community involvement is important to us because we want this area to thrive. A strong community creates a strong business environment and makes living and working here better for everyone.
Kevco Builders is committed to strengthening our community through philanthropy, while also inspiring others to help make a difference. We welcome like-minded partners, willing to invest not only financially, but in service towards the growth and stability of our area.
“If you have the ability to make a difference,
you have an obligation to make a difference.”
– Joe Ziler
The MIKE Endowment Vehicle is Spreading the Word
Things continue to come together for the MIKE Endowment (Mental Illness and Kindness Endowment). We repurposed one of Kevco company cars with some extremely impactful messaging.
Speak Out: If You See Something, Say Something
This mindset is what inspired Joe Ziler and Kevco builders to underwrite the wrapping of 2 Lake County Sheriff’s Office vehicles and 6 Lake County Schools service vans. The funds for the production and installation of the wraps by Hunter Signs came through Joe’s fundraising efforts with LifeStream Behavioral Center. We hope if YOU “see something, you’ll say something” as we strive to raise awareness of the community resources available to students in need of mental and emotional support. Our thanks to Red Apples Media for helping put all these pieces together. This has been a textbook example of the potential of multiple private and public stakeholders coming together to create one voice, one mission.
The 8th wrapped vehicle – a Lake County Sheriff’s Office pick-up, co-branded with the “Speak Out” message, in partnership with Lake County Schools, is now on the road! Keep an eye out for the 6 school district resource vans and 2 Sheriff’s vehicles, wrapped as a community service by Kevco Builders and designed by Red Apples Media.
Making An Impact on LifeStream Behavioral Center
For several years, Kevco’s focus was working with LifeStream Behavioral Center, a local non-profit organization dedicated to supporting those with substance abuse, behavioral and mental health conditions. This was a very important and personal commitment for Joe Ziler, the Ziler Family and Kevco. Their ongoing dedication to raising awareness about mental health conditions is inspired by the memory of Joe’s younger brother, Mike, who committed suicide, leaving behind his extraordinary daughter (Joe’s niece), Kara Jo.
Over several years, dozens of Kevco partners, vendors, customers and friends joined in our effort and helped raise more than $200,000* for LSBC, with a specific focus on raising awareness and the prevention of suicide.
What drives him and what does he hope others will do to help make a difference for those with mental health and substance abuse issues? We invite you to watch.
*Figure represents funds raised through 2017