Field Worker Appreciation Lunch

Date: March 25, 2008

Author: Kauffman Center

Most construction work came to a brief pause over the noon hour on Friday, February 25, so that more than 200 Kauffman Center field workers could enjoy a Worker Appreciation Lunch provided on the second floor of the JE Dunn Construction offices.  

A gigantic spread was required to feed men and women who had been on the site since 7 a.m. that day.  The hot buffet luncheon seemed to fit the bill, as carpenters, laborers, iron workers, cement masons, equipment operators, plumbers, electricians, pipefitters and supervisors came in from the cold to dine together and receive thanks and compliments from Kauffman Center staff and construction managers.

Kauffman Center staff had prepared a slide show of building renderings as well as construction photos from perspectives these workers rarely have time to stop and ponder.   Jane Chu addressed the group, thanking them for the hard and excellent work they are putting in on the project for their community.  Ken Dworak, owner representative, added his appreciation. And Kyle McQuiston, JE Dunn’s project executive, congratulated the team on more than 300 straight days of safety and solid work.  He also thanked Kauffman staff for the opportunity to undertake this project and appreciated the worker’s commitment to the project by working in one of the harshest winters Kansas City has seen in years. 

Each worker received a raffle ticket when they arrived, making them eligible dozens of gift items that had been donated by project partners and vendors.  Workers went away with everything from ball caps, to mugs, t-shirts and tools.  

As they left, many also received six pairs of new work gloves—not so much as a gift but as a necessity.  “Workers can go through multiple cotton work gloves a week,” says Jeromy Rutledge, JE Dunn field engineer and Kauffman Center Ambassador. 

And that’s one more interesting fact for those of us watching the project from the sidelines.  We continue to be amazed and appreciative about the many things that come together to make the Kauffman Center a reality. 

Online construction photo galleries document activity and progress on the work site.