Charitable foundation launched to aid families of injured, deceased tower workers
Funding from the Tower Industry Family Support Charitable Foundation is made possible by a $400,000 joint donation recently made by ClearTalk Wireless and law firm of Fletcher, Heald and Hildreth. Tracy said he is hopeful that other entities in the wireless industry—carriers, tower companies, equipment vendors, etc.—and individuals will make donations to enable the foundation to continue its mission in perpetuity.
“We would strongly encourage anyone in the wireless industry to step forward, and we have a program established to let them make a tax-exempt donation to care for tower families,” said Tracy, who noted that such donations represent “a wonderful return to the industry that has provided all of us with so much.”
Tracy credited the National Association of Tower Erectors (NATE) organization for focusing so much attention on tower safety and for pursuing initiatives to have safety standards adopted. At next year’s NATE Unite trade show—celebrating the 20th anniversary of NATE—there will be an auction to raise additional funds for the Tower Industry Family Support Charitable Foundation, he said.
NATE Executive Director Todd Schlekaway, a member of the foundation’s advisory board, said he is thrilled to see the foundation become a reality after considerable efforts in its preparation—particularly during the past six months.
“It’s exciting to be at the point where we’re ready,” Schlekeway said during an interview with IWCE’s Urgent Communications. “We’ve all been chomping at the bit for quite some time, but we really were diligent and constructive in putting this together.
“It’s exciting to know that it’s been a diligent process and that help is on the way.”
Interested stakeholders are encouraged to visit the Tower Industry Family Support Charitable Foundation’s website at www.towerfamilyfoundation.org to learn more about the organization, make an online contribution or complete an official nomination application form.
