The BRAG Ann Arbor Foundation was established in 2001 as a 501 (c) (3) charitable, non-profit organization to support building industry workforce development, training, and education initiatives in Washtenaw County. The BRAG Ann Arbor Foundation also supports local housing related charities.
Mission Statement
The BRAG Ann Arbor Foundation:
• Promotes training, education and career opportunities in the building and related industries.
• Supports charities and community service programs, primarily focusing on or advocating
for housing, home ownership, and independent living within Washtenaw County.
• Partners with members of the Builders and Remodelers Association of Greater Ann Arbor
to better serve our community through philanthropy.
Scholarship and Go-To-Work Grants
Every year in May, BRAG Ann Arbor hosts a dinner presentation for multiple Scholarships and Go-To-Work Grants. Through a public application process, we accept applications and hold interviews to select the recipients for the financial support. The goal is to encourage further education and training in the construction trades and careers in the industry, and to develop future employees, entrepreneurs, and residential construction industry professionals. Housing and construction is a critical part of our economy.
The ongoing labor shortage impacts the price of home improvement and quality of housing and life in our community. Supporting the BRAGAA Foundation is a great way to improve these conditions while bettering the lives of young people with bright futures! The BRAGAAF welcomes contributions by check or by calling the office at 734-996-0100.
5/1/2024 - Scholarship and Go-to-Work Grant Recipients at our General Membership Dinner.
All of the 2023 recipients were enrolled in the Ann Arbor Student Building Industry Program (AASBIP).
Learn more about the scholarship and Go-To-Work Grants here.
JUST BUILD IT Career Expo Sponsorship
We sponsor this important event that shows career opportunities in the building industry to middle and high schoolers. It is held annually in October. It is presented by the Washtenaw Contractors Association (WCA).
Wheelchair Ramp and External Home Improvements - 2023 & 2024
Rob and Nina Robertson in Ypsilanti were built a poured concrete wheelchair ramp and got an exterior makeover on the front of their home thanks to Dexter Builders and generous donors and volunteers.
After a request was sent to BRAG Ann Arbor to assist in building a wheelchair ramp at the home, Jerry Tyrrell and Jake Manderfield of Dexter Builders went to visit the site and meet the owners. It was a fit!
BEFORE:
AFTER:
Soon we established a new community service project group, calling it Home for Good. Eventually, this wheelchair ramp project expanded to include re-siding the front of the home, plus a new raised garden bed and a new front door. The ramp will include ADA compliant railings, a gentle slope and a porch area. The entryway will be safer and much more natural light will be able to enter their home due to the removal of old aluminum shade overhangs.
The BRAG Ann Arbor Foundation granted $6,500 to this project. The new siding, stone veneer, and railings were donated by Monsma Marketing Services, the concrete was donated by Doan Companies, the new door was provided by Wimsatt Building Materials, and materials to rebuild the garden beds came from Local
Life Maintenance Group. Volunteers from Ann Arbor Remodeling did the porch demo and Dexter Block did the site prep and concrete form and finish. Additional contributions were provided by Ferguson, Peak Home Exteriors, Reliant Title, Rochman Design-Build, and Handy Manuel.
Kitchen Remodel and New Deck for a Disabled Veteran - 2023
This amazing community service work began in 2022, Justin Corry, Co-Founder of Corry Contracting Company and former Marine, was searching for a fellow veteran to help. He learned of Peter Wasilewski’s home, and the inability for their residence to qualify for VA assistance because it is a mobile home. After a lot of hard work and solicitations to suppliers and subcontractors, they successfully completed phase one - a wheelchair accessible bathroom, roll-in shower & changing area - with a $17,500 grant from the BRAG Ann Arbor Foundation.
During the process, it was apparent that more help would be needed to make the Wasilewski home suitable for living with Peter's mobility challenges. Their kitchen floor had holes patched with plywood, rotted cabinets & countertops were left from a previous contractor’s unfinished work, and Peter’s favorite place to relax, his deck, was collapsing. After seeing the Phase One’s success, Semper Fi & America's Fund, a nationally known U.S. Marine veteran’s group, agreed to provide funds needed for repairing the kitchen and deck.
Thanks to everyone who helped to improve the quality of life for this appreciative family!
Contact us at 734-996-0100 or pnowakowski@bragannarbor.com to donate for our future projects.
Jennifer Patselas Photography
Phase 2 of Help for the Homefront was completed for Peter and Liz Wasilewski in Scio Farms in 2023. Their new deck and new kitchen came together thanks to:
New Wheelchair Accessible Bathroom for a Disabled Veteran - 2022
An accessible bathroom for a veteran in Ann Arbor was completed in October 2022. Learn more here.
Anyone interested in contributing to our future projects can contact Justin Corry at Corry Contracting LLC at 734-548-4706, or BRAGAA staff at 734-996-0100 or pnowakowski@bragannarbor.com.
More Community Service Projects by the Remodelers Council of Greater Ann Arbor
Our members have volunteered & built an accesibilty ramp at SOS Community Services, a private screened porch for a U.S. Marine in Saline and more. Photos of some of those projects can be seen below. The Remodelers Council took the lead on organizing these communtiy service projects.
Notably, Help for the Homefront was founded in 2009 by D.A. Haig Construction as a way to help deployed military service people and their families. In 2022 we revived the effort with a service project in the works by our current Remodelers Council and other volunteers, including Fireside Home Construction.
Thank you to everyone who donated, volunteered and helped out!
Camp Liberty
Camp Liberty supports programs designed to aid in the rehabilitation and reintegration of U.S. military service members, Veterans and their families, through inclusive outdoor recreation. Camp Liberty provides an environment conducive to the therapeutic experience facilitated by a natural wilderness setting, helping individuals develop life skills or face health challenges. Camp Liberty’s base of operations, 137 acres located in Norvell Township of Jackson County, MI, is operated by Camp Liberty through a long-term land sharing agreement. Under this agreement, Camp Liberty Inc. utilizes this property for its recreational and therapeutic programs.
More information visit https://camplibertymichigan.org
The Annual BRAG Ann Arbor Foundation Golf Outing
FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2025 (check-in: 8 a.m. - 9a.m.)
Rustic Glen Golf Club, 12090 W Michigan Ave, Saline, MI 48176 (www.rusticglen.com)
Sign up for this fun-filled day on the links! It is also a great networking opportunity that benefits the BRAG Ann Arbor Foundation. All of the funds raised go to scholarships and grants for local student builders, like students and alumni of the Ann Arbor Student Building Industry Program (AASBIP) and South and West Washtenaw Consortium (SWWC).
Our Event Sponsor in 2024 is DTE Energy.
What's Included?
• Putting green prior to golf
• 18-Holes including cart
• Snack at the turn
• Lunch after golf
• 2 Drink tickets
Questions? Please contact us at 734-996-0100 or email Andrea at asalemi@bragannarbor.com.
Ann Arbor Student Building Industry Program
The BRAG Ann Arbor Foundation is a proud supporter of The Ann Arbor Student Building Industry Program. Join us in support of these local students that hope to be part of our bright future in the building industry.
Follow us on Facebook or visit us online at www.aastudentbuilding.org.
Questions? Contact: Andrea Sullivan at 734-996-0100 or asalemi@bragannarbor.com
For 25 Years, The BRAGAA Foundation administered this event. The final Festive Affair was in 2016.
The need for support continues at The Salvation Army Ken & Marianna Staples Family Center, a 35 bed temporary home for residents that offers life skills teaching programs and helps residents achieve self-sufficiency. Over the years, many have attained higher education, financial independence and flourishing careers.
Learn more about The Staples Family Center at SalvationArmyUSA.org or call 734-761-7750. It is located at 3660 Packard Road, in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
SILENT + LIVE AUCTIONS + DINNER TO BENEFIT
The Salvation Army Ken and Marianna Staples Family Center
More information at www.TheFestiveAffair.org
The Kitty Lynch Rose Scholarship Fund
Honoring Kitty's life and her flourishing involvement in the construction industry, The Builders and Remodelers Association of Greater Ann Arbor offer a $2,500 educational scholarship in Kitty's name, awarded to young women who reside in Washtenaw County and who possess a strong desire to gain further education in a construction related field at a community college, trade school, university, or apprenticeship training program.
Capitalizing on her talent and flair in the construction industry, Kitty worked tirelessly developing a fulfilling career that she was truly proud of and passionate about, one of the many things that she is remembered for.
Visit the Kitty Lynch Rose Scholarship Fund website: www.klrfoundation.com
Questions? Contact: Andrea Sullivan at 734-996-0100 or asalemi@bragannarbor.com
Our History
The BRAG Ann Arbor Foundation has supported the following organizations through direct contributions.
Neighborhood Senior Services - Received 1/4 of the proceeds from the sale of the House of Dreams.
Washtenaw Affordable Housing Corp. - Received 1/4 of the proceeds from the sale of the House of Dreams.
Avalon Housing, Inc. - Received 1/4 of the proceeds from the sale of the House of Dreams.
Michigan Ability Partners - For materials to build a park/gazebo on low income housing project.
Rebuilding Together (Formerly Christmas in April) - Held an annual one-day repair event for homeowners.
The Salvation Army Ken and Marianna Staples Family Center - Annual sponsor of the Festive Affair fundraiser auction.
Jewish Family Services - Funding a new accessible living program.
Housing Bureau for Seniors - Sponsoring the annual Aging-In-Place conference for the elderly.
Habitat for Humanity - Funding the development and set-up of a Re-Store facility where builders can donate their gently used or surplus materials.
Contributing
The BRAG Ann Arbor Foundation relies in large part, on the generosity of our donors, both individuals and companies who realize the importance of the BRAG Ann Arbor Foundation mission. The BRAG Ann Arbor Foundation is a private 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. We do not receive any State or Federal dollars.
If you are interested in supporting the Foundation's mission, your donation is appreciated. Contributions to the BRAG Ann Arbor Foundation are tax deductible. You will receive a letter acknowledging your gift.
Please send your check to:
BRAG Ann Arbor Foundation
179 Little Lake Drive, Ann Arbor, 48103
THANK YOU!
Scholarship Program
The BRAG Ann Arbor Foundation sponsors a number of college scholarships each year for students who are pursuing degrees in building industry related fields.
BRAGAA Foundation
Board of Directors
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The BRAG Ann Arbor Foundation is administered by a volunteer Board of Directors. Jeremy Shaffer, Chairperson Pat Durston Susan Franke Ashlee Guerrero Don McGee Christy Perros Rick Stites Jamie Trumble |
BRAG Ann Arbor
Foundation Staff
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Andrea Salemi Events & Administration Director asalemi@bragannarbor.com Pete Nowakowski phone: 734-996-0100 | fax: 734-996-1008 |
