When Gerry Rauenhorst founded Rauenhorst Construction Company more than 60 years ago, he believed that businesses have a responsibility to help strengthen society. By supporting communities where we live, work, play and raise families, Opus continues to honor our founder. Founder’s Day, a company-wide employee volunteer day, is just one way we build community.
Founder’s Day commemorates the day Gerry signed his first contract in 1953 to build the Zion Lutheran Church in Olivia, Minn. This year, the day held an extra special place in our hearts as we also remembered the life and legacy of our great founder who passed away on April 24.
On April 25, hundreds of Opus associates in Minneapolis, Chicago, Indianapolis, Denver, Milwaukee and Kansas City made a difference in their communities by volunteering with Habitat for Humanity and Rebuilding Together. Volunteers helped build and improve homes, clean up gardens and playgrounds, work with elementary school kids in the classroom and revitalize a daycare center. To leverage employee volunteer efforts, the Opus Foundation contributed $115,000 to local affiliate organizations.
Giving back to the community was a priority for Gerry and a value that we uphold today and will maintain into the future.