The 2019 NEDAS NYC Summit is, of course, an event primarily focusing on discussion and education at the intersection of wireline and wireless regarding DAS, Small Cell and other similar technologies. However, as a dedicated part of the extended technology and telecom sphere, NEDAS understands the power and necessity of community and of giving back. As a result, NEDAS has developed a Charity Committee that focuses on identifying charities to be featured at the association’s yearly events, promoting the cause and raising awareness among the greater telecom industry.
As the chosen charity for 2019, the Tower Family Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping families of those injured or those who lost their lives working on communication tower installations, will be supported by NEDAS with campaigns to drive corporate and individual donations. To drive home the importance of this foundation, Jim Tracy, President of the Tower Family Foundation, gave a presentation to offer attendees an in-depth look into how to meet the needs of those who have been affected by tower incidents and how supporting the foundation can help.
There are three key elements to the Tower Family Foundation: the past, the present and the future. Established in 2013, this organization was created by tower company owners because they saw a critical gap between when incidents at job sites occurred and when the system kicked in to support families affected by the tragedy. Rent, groceries, car payments and other sources of expenses still need to be covered when one source of income disappears, and the results of the current system left a lot of individuals living hand-to-mouth. The foundation was built to ensure that families get what they need when they need it in their time of vulnerability.
To date, $750,000 has gone directly to families affected by tower incidents, along with hand-written notes to let them know that thoughts and prayers are with them. Why the real human touch? Because comfort, compassion and appreciation are just as important as funding and financial support. Moving into the future, tower climbers will become an increasingly vital component of 5G and technology enablement. As such, ensuring that reciprocation is in place is vital.
No matter the skill set or the background, the takeaway is this: these are our people. Tower workers play a critical part in our infrastructure, and it is crucial that victims of tower incidents are supported and treated with dignity. To ensure these families and individuals are receiving the help they need, the Tower Family Foundation serves as a true ally. As networks evolve and the industry expands, NEDAS is proud to be supporting this great cause and bringing attention to a foundation that provides vital compassion and support to those who need it.
To get a more in-depth look at this topic, please click here to view the entire presentation.
For more information about the Tower Family Foundation, please visit www.towerfamilyfoundation.org.
To learn more about NEDAS, please visit www.nedas.com.
