Once again, top contractors and subcontractors in Western Pennsylvania stepped up to support an important cause in their community.
Fundraising was spearheaded by Jamie Gildersleeve, director of human resources at Mascaro Construction Company, LP, and Naley McKamish, director of marketing & business development at McKamish, Inc. In addition to contributions from Mascaro Construction Company and the McKamish Family Foundation, they received support from Master Builders’ Association of Western Pennsylvania (MBA) and many of the Association’s members. Both companies are MBA members, and Naley is also a member of the MBA Marketing Committee and the Young Constructors Committee.
In recognition of their efforts, they were named to Pittsburgh’s 50 Finest by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Western Pennsylvania Chapter, along with UPMC and UPMC Health Plan. The honorees exemplify leadership qualities, are active in their communities, and have excelled in their chosen professions. Those selected are among the most prominent, influential and successful young professionals in the city.
“MBA and our members are proud to support Jamie and Naley’s fundraising efforts,” said Dave Daquelente, MBA’s executive director. “Their dedication to the cause of cystic fibrosis exemplifies these two strong women, the true spirit of their servant leadership approach, and passion for building community. Their commitment to raising awareness and funds has made a significant impact, inspiring others in our industry to join the fight against this life-threatening disease.”
Both Jamie and Naley reached out beyond the construction industry, including to industry partners, family and friends and holding local fundraising events and raffles. Jamie raised more than $97,000, earning her honors as Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s national and chapter top fundraiser in March 2024. In addition, Mascaro received the Corporate Award. Naley raised nearly $40,000.
According to Jamie, “this cause hits close to my heart, as I have a few in my inner circle that are so bravely and authentically living their lives with this nasty disease, including a daughter of a Mascaro Superintendent, a friend five years post double lung transplant, and unfortunately, others who have buried siblings and significant others far too soon. CF is still considered a rare disease and does not receive federal funding towards research or education so campaigns like this are imperative to getting one step closer to a cure.” Fundraising became a family affair with Jamie’s husband, Jon, and daughters, 11-year-old Brooklyn and 8-year-old Reese running right alongside her preparing, planning and executing fundraisers.
Jamie strongly encourages construction professionals to engage in the community right outside the jobsite trailers. “To be successful you really must create a connection to the cause you are fundraising for, and with those you are asking to donate their time or money. Create a plan and work that plan. Some of my best fundraisers came to life from a whiteboarding session I held with close friends early in my campaign. What events would be fun? (local benefit show!) What would be different? (dunk tank!). Create buzz? (recruit the Clarks, a popular rock band from Pittsburgh for a concert!). Ensure your communication and marketing strategy grabs the attention of the audience you are intending to engage.”
While Naley was new to the cause, she is determined to continue to help find a cure, and enlisted her husband, Cody’s support, as well. “I didn’t have a personal connection to Cystic Fibrosis when I became involved but discovered through my fundraising that many in our community are impacted by the disease. Through fundraising, I have found most people know and love someone who has or had CF. I am committed to making CF stand for Cure Found for all of them, and I am impressed that ninety percent of every dollar raised went straight to education, awareness, and research towards a cure.”
Naley’s advice to CLC members who want to engage in their community, “be passionate about fundraising or being involved in the community, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and ask for contributions, leverage your network, and create events within your community that people can help publicize for you.” Naley looks forward to sharing ideas and networking with CLC members at the AGC CLC Leadership Development Conference in September.