Some of us go through our lives without taking time to do something good, something for a good cause. The concrete industry is no different. Our industry has one speed, FAST. Because of that, I can’t remember anything in the past 15 years where the concrete industry slowed down, and did something outside of producing or placing concrete. Then a few years ago, Mr. Mike Murray with Decorative Concrete Supply Company in Shawnee Kansas, created a vision to place pink concrete in every state for breast cancer awareness. Mike’s vision had nothing to do with raising money, but only to raise awareness. In hopes that by installing something pink and permanent, the concrete industry could contribute and give back to local communities, showing that the concrete industry does care.

In the summer of 2013, Stan & Kyle Poff of Kearney Concrete Company worked with local companies such as Turners Body Shop, Miller Signs, and NAPA to paint and install Concrete Cares Cancer Ribbons on every ready mix truck in their fleet. Then, towards the end of August, Kyle called the Nebraska Concrete & Aggregates Association (NC&AA) to ask for help in promoting their community event called “Concrete Cares”. With no formal committee, no real structure of a collected group to collaborate planning an event of this magnitude, Kearney Concrete Company worked with other locals to pull off an event that is now responsible for the creation of a non-profit organization called “Concrete Cares of Nebraska”. The inaugural event in 2013 was held at the Kearney Archway and was considered a huge success. The concrete industry supported it. More importantly, it was supported by the community.

Concrete Cares of Nebraska made some small changes. First, it’s not just “Concrete Cares”, it is now “Concrete Cares of Nebraska”. We felt we could make more of a difference if we focused on creating awareness within our own borders. We made this decision in hopes that other states would follow our lead. The second change was we switched from pink to purple. Even though Mr. Murray’s original intent was creating awareness of breast cancer, Concrete Cares of Nebraska thinks all forms of cancer suck. So we chose a purple ribbon.

On September 28th, 2014, Concrete Cares of Nebraska held its second annual event. Offering family oriented activities, live music, free archway tickets, silent auction gifts, food, and a new addition of a car show. The car show was coordinated by the car club, Highway Creepers. This event drew nearly 30 local exhibitors and 45 cars. Concrete Cares of Nebraska, now in its second year, has raised nearly $10,000 for cancer stricken patients in need of assistance. What makes this even better? All the funds raised can only go to Nebraska recipients.

In closing, I have never been more humbled and honored to be a part of such a great movement. I cannot express the amount of gratitude I feel to be included with Concrete Cares and its mission to make a difference. Thank you to everyone who volunteered time and/or resources to make this event such a great success. See you next year!

Jereme Montgomery
Stephens & Smith Construction Co., Inc.
@NEconcrete