April 2007 - The McKee Group Recognized with Pyramid Award for Community Service
When Iraq war veteran Sgt. Pisey Tan needed help, The McKee Group responded in a big way. For its efforts, the company has been recognized by the Home Builders Association of Delaware and Chester Counties with a Pyramid Award of Excellence for Best Community Service.

Sgt. Tan lost both of his legs in Iraq as the result of an improvised explosive device. When he returned home, he was unable to move beyond the first floor of his home. The effort to help Sgt. Tan was spearheaded by Homes for Our Troops; an organization dedicated to building barrier-free homes for severely injured veterans across the U.S. Karen McKee, wife of McKee Group President Frank McKee, heard about the organization’s efforts and suggested that the company become involved. The McKee Group donated a home, then went above and beyond in generating support and funding.

A popular model from The McKee Group’s 55+ clubhouse communities was chosen, with an added loft and sunroom to give Sgt. Tan and his family a one-floor living plan and plenty of room. The company committed eight employees to the project, including a full-time project manager and a part-time administrator. The company also organized a Volunteer Day for 125 McKee employees, subcontractors, neighbors and their families, and coordinated fundraising efforts that brought in $70,000. These funds were used to purchase the lot, with dollars to spare. The extra funds will be used for other homes built through Homes for Our Troops.




In the end, Sgt. Tan’s home was entirely donated through the generosity of employees, community members, and building partners and subcontractors. The family also was surprised with furnishings, accessories and soft goods, a flat-screen television, new computers, a grill, a garage full of tools, stocked cabinets and refrigerator and a hot tub!
The success of the project, along with the Groundbreaking and Dedication Day events, garnered national and local coverage for Homes for Our Troops. It is hoped that this publicity will help the organization in generating additional support for injured Iraq veterans.
According to McKee Group President Frank McKee, “We were honored to have played a role in helping Sgt. Tan and his family. At the same time, we are so proud of our employees, our subcontractors, and suppliers for the extra effort they committed to making this project a reality.”

The Pyramid Awards are given annually to builders who demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to excellence in the design, building and marketing of homes and communities. The Pyramid Awards program also recognizes builders for excellence in community service and environmental responsibility. In addition to the award for Best Community Service, The McKee Group earned nine Pyramid awards for Foxfield, the company’s 55+ community in Garnet Valley, Pa.

Headquartered in Springfield, Pa., The McKee Group is a family business with a 60-year history of leadership in residential and commercial building. The company created its first 55+ community more than 35 years ago, and today is known as an innovator of active adult clubhouse communities. The McKee Group also owns and manages apartment complexes, commercial buildings, and self-storage facilities. In addition, the company includes a Marine Division, which operates a marina and yacht sales in Wildwood, NJ. For additional information about The McKee Group, contact (610) 604-9800 or visit www.mckeebuilders.com.

Photo Caption:
From left to right: Jim Webb, VP of New Homes, Kate Black, Director of Acquisitions and Associate Counsel, Frank McKee, President of the McKee Group and Jennifer McKee, Director of Communications