The Davis Memorial Foundation is Committed to Helping College Students

By Adam Cabrera. 

Fundraising events like shooting and golf tournaments, as well as auctions, are scheduled during the Western Roofing Expo in Las Vegas to raise scholarship funds. 

If you've been searching for ways to give back to the roofing industry, the Davis Memorial Foundation is a great opportunity to do so. Hosted by Heidi J. Ellsworth, the latest episode of the Roofing Road Trips podcast featured Chuck Chapman, a trustee of the foundation, to delve into how the organization is making a lasting impact on the industry. 

"We really want to make it possible for other people to enjoy the industry the way that I have over the last 41 years," said Chuck. Named in memory of industry leaders Larry and Mary Davis, the foundation is all about providing scholarships to students with an eye on roofing-related fields. Whether you're attending a university or picking up a trade at a community college, the foundation is ready to help. 

Besides applying for a scholarship if you're a student, industry professionals looking to get involved can also participate in a myriad of fundraising events as part of the Western Roofing Expo this year in Las Vegas. At the top of the list are a shooting tournament and a golf tournament but there will also be auctions — silent and live — led by Chuck, Bill Baley and Greg Bloom. "If we can raise over $60,000, $70,000, $80,000, then we can give those all back in scholarship. Because we're not keeping any of it, we want to give it away," Chuck added. 

The foundation's primary aim is to increase the number of scholarships it can offer each year. Since its incorporation in 1997, it has awarded 170 scholarships amounting to more than $750,000. "The odds are pretty good that they're going to end up coming back to us at some point in time," Chuck noted, underlining the importance of investing in the next generation of industry professionals. 

For those looking to donate, you can reach out to the Western States Roofing Contractors Association office. There's no better time than now to lend a hand — or a bid — in shaping the future of the roofing industry. As Chuck puts it, "It really is a lot of fun, and it's very rewarding." 

Listen to the full Roofing Road Trips episode to learn more about the Western Roofing Expo and what the Davis Memorial Foundation is doing to help students.