(Lancaster, PA) – Clark Associates believes in giving back to the community and recently did so in a big way when Water Street Mission (WSM) was in need of a new kitchen space to serve meals to the homeless. Clark Associates donated $175,000 of brand new kitchen equipment to the ministry, as well as pulled together an incredible team of local businesses to get the job done in exactly one week.
Mission Makeover: Beat the Clock to the Feed the Flock, started with a team of employees from Clark volunteering in the mission’s kitchen to learn about its daily operations and gain an understanding of the kitchen staff’s biggest challenges. The next step was redesigning the space in a way that improved work flow to serve over 140,000 meals a year and recruiting contractors and tradesman to get the job done. Warfel Construction acted as general contractor; Elkwood Construction, Barry’s Commercial Installation, Haller, Bomberger’s Flooring, as well as many others contributed time and resources. “It was amazing to see so many people come together for the cause,” commented Director of Project Management, Jamie Rottmund, “It was truly a team effort.”
That team effort was put to the test when concerns were raised about the length of time the mission’s kitchen would need to be closed in order to complete the renovation. The solution? Completing what typically takes about six to eight weeks in just one – an extreme makeover. “Instead of a weekly schedule, we planned by the hour and worked 24/7,” said Rottmund. “It certainly was challenging but it was also very exciting. We all helped each other.”
WSM opened its doors and served dinner in their brand new space exactly one week to the day. The total project cost was close to $900,000; over $600,000 has been raised to date.
Project documentary created by Water Street Rescue Mission:
http://clarkfoodserviceequipment.biz/mission-makeover.php
Lead Cook at Water Street Mission sees new space for the first time:
http://www.wgal.com/news/the-big-reveal-see-the-results-of-mission-makeover/38392208
For more information, please contact:
Barbara Kavanaugh
(717) 392-7363 x556
About Clark Associates
Clark Associates is a privately held company headquartered in Lancaster, Pa and has been recognized as one of Central Pa's fastest growing companies as well as Foodservice Equipment & Supplies magazine's 2015 Dealer of the Year. Employing over 1400 people, Clark’s multiple divisions and branches in mechanical, sales, and manufacturing serve a variety of commercial food service customers nationwide. For more information on our business and history, please visit www.clarkinc.biz.