Jemstone Construction helps Boynton Soup Kitchen expand

Excerpted from the March 25, 2009 article in the Sun-Sentinel.

MIKE ROTHMAN, Forum Publishing Group

The Soup Kitchen, an independent volunteer organization relying solely on donations from the community, unveiled its new 1,000-square-foot storage addition March 20.For the past 23 years, the kitchen, 8645 W. Boynton Beach Blvd., has consistently grown and serves on average 500 meals every day to the needy and poor in the area.With the Soup Kitchen being a private facility receiving no state funding, a donation was needed to make the extra storage space a reality.

Jemstone Construction Group, Inc. of Boynton Beach offered to play the role of general contractor. Jemstone Vice President Debbie Marzano said it was her husband Michael's idea to volunteer the company's services for two reasons.

"He has always wanted to work for a soup kitchen since his dad did it four days a week for 10 years. Also, with the economy the way it is, some of his former co-workers might be eating at this soup kitchen right now," she said.

In addition to free meals, the kitchen provides baby products, toys, toiletries and basic supplies to anyone in need and it conducts an after-school program for children with reading instruction.

John Burke, the kitchen's spokesman, said the addition would more than double the size of the facility.

For information, call the Soup Kitchen at 561-732-7595.

The entire article may be found at www.Sun-Sentinel.com

Copyright © 2009, South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Debbie and Michael Marzano would also like to thank the many South Florida companies who worked as subcontractors on the project:

Alterra Engineering
Eastmen Aggregates and Contracting
Newman Quality Construction
East Coast Truss
Broten Garage Doors
Caner Electric
TWG Painting
Ocean Side Masonry
Jay Mangel Roofing
Entegra Roof Tile
Expert Drywall
Paul Davis Restoration
Florida Windows & Doors
Thermal Concepts Inc. Heating and Air
Farmer & Irwin Sprinkler Corp.
Preferred Air Conditioning
I.B.I Group Surveying and Engineering
Talking Trash
Creative Metal