Builders Care helps NFM man
Charles Debarr got the surprise of his life at his North Fort Myers home when he saw several people carrying a sign with several work trucks following close behind.
Builders Care, a branch of the Lee Building Industry Association that helps people in need make needed repairs on their homes, and volunteers surprised Debarr and his friend Wednesday by replacing his old air conditioning unit at no cost.
Dr. Kool Air Conditioning and Refrigeration and Goodman Manufacturing, donated their products, services and permitting fees, which under normal circumstances would cost $4,500 or more.
“I can’t believe they’re going to replace it. I’m grateful to God. It reminded me of Christmas. We have a parade that comes down here and it was beautiful,” DeBarr said.
DeBarr was born in Ohio and moved to Colorado Springs as a young adult to begin working as a civilian employee at the Airforce Academy.
After a 20-year career, he retired to Southwest Florida with his longtime best friend and roommate, Robert Garza, who worked as a banker and whom DeBarr considers the only family he has.
In 2002, Debarr underwent a somewhat routine orthoscopic shoulder surgery. However, he formed blood clots in one of his lungs and his right leg, which has created significant pain and immobility because of the lack of circulation.
The air conditioner, which was more than 20 years old, was working sporadically, but DeBarr said he was afraid to use it.
“It didn’t want to have a big problem where it would freeze up on me. I saw that and didn’t know what that was about,” DeBarr said. “Thank God I don’t have to worry about it anymore.”
A friend told DeBarr about Builder’s Care and decided to give it a shot. It took about 10 months but they came through.
Chris Sarlo executive director of Builder’s Care, said the two people were on their list for a while and were in a hardship situation, as both no longer work.
“That’s what we do. We step in and help out the homeowners of Lee County, especially in the summertime heat,” Sarlo said. “We want to change their lives.”
Mark Maner, owner of Dr. Kool, was doing his third Builder’s Care project of the year. He said it was another example of how to give back to the community.
“We picked three out as a way of giving back. The air conditioner was in pretty rough shape,” Maner said. “I hope it gives them some relief and makes them feel good to know other people care.”
Maner contacted Greg Goins, sales manager for Goodman Distribution, which makes and sells air conditioners, for a helping hand.
“Our company is good at doing charitable stuff for other organizations. We were more than happy to donate a couple units for this,” Goins said. “It’s tough to live without air in Southwest Florida.”
Sarlo said Builder’s Care receives 25 applications per week and have about 150 people on their waiting list. She said they will do about 10 air-conditioning projects this year among the 40 to 50 projects they do annually.