Ft. Wayne, Ind.—The Fourth Annual George Buckhardt Memorial Installer Help Fund Golf Outing was held recently and proved to be “a rousing success.” Sponsored each year by George’s Flooring Supplies—which was recently purchased by Carpet Cushions & Supplies (CCS)—it is held in memory of the founder of the company and deceased husband of Marie Odle and father of Tony and Michael Buckhardt, the current managers of the company. George Buckhardt was a third-generation flooring installer who began his supply business as a way to assist other installers. “He started by presenting free seminars offering the education and training that are so vital for the growth of the installation business,” said Jim Walker, CEO of the International Certified Floorcovering Installers Association (CFI).

“George always lobbied other storeowners to increase the amount paid for flooring installation based on the skill of the installer and the type of floor covering installed,” he said. “He was well respected by both storeowners and installers. George paved the way for all parties to work more closely together in an atmosphere of partnership. “This annual golf outing benefit began after his death as a lasting tribute to a giant of a man who always gave to others as well as his community and the business he so loved,” Walker added. This year, the outing was hosted to assist with the medical expenses of Pat Fell, CFI senior certifier and co-chairman of the organization’s Internet and Chapter Committees.

Fell has a rare form of cancer and his wife has also been undergoing treatment for a medical condition. “Both are employed and have missed a substantial amount of work and the medical bills are escalating,” said Walker. Fell is employed by L. Fishman Distributors in Baltimore. Ray Columbo, owner of the company has been “very supportive and has worked with Pat through the scheduling of his medical appointments,” said Walker. In the past, funds were donated to pay $5,000 of the medical expenses for a local installer suffering from leukemia. Another event raised $5,000 for medical expenses for a local mechanic whose newborn child succumbed to a terminal illness encountered at birth.

“Assisting with the payment of the medical expenses is a very important contribution made possible by the George Buckhardt Memorial Fund for installers who have fallen on difficult times,” said Walker. “A monetary gift relieves the family of a portion of the burden with which they are faced.” All donations were presented in full to Fell and his family. Manufacturers donated door prizes and Carpet Cushions & Supplies donated food and drinks. Donations may be sent to The George Buckhardt Installer Help Fund and mailed to Carpet Cushion & Supplies, 525 Ley Road, Ft. Wayne, Ind. 46825. For additional information, call 800/739-0719.