A student recently contacted us to share pictures of the damage from Hurricane Irene in Springfield, New Jersey, and request a new copy of the CCI textbook. It turned out that his home and shop were destroyed; his house’s foundation has partially collapsed, rendering the building completely unusable. The shop has yet to be thoroughly evaluated, but it appears that most of his tools and equipment have been destroyed as well.

Jeff, Lane and Margie reached out to our other CCI alumni in the New England area, to see if anyone could help. The outpouring of support has been fantastic to see. The concrete countertop industry is not about competition and outbidding one another–it truly is a community of craftsmen and pioneers, working together for the common good.

We have been privileged to be part of the rebuilding effort. So far we’ve had CCI students offer to lend tools, or donate extra tools & equipment, share shop space, and lend a hand finishing any projects that were interrupted by the storm.

If you would like to help in some way let us know, and we can provide you with the contact information. Thank you for letting CCI be part of your lives, even years after your ‘education’ is complete.

Photos of the damage:

Water outside the house:

Remains of the house:

Remains of the shop:

The only surviving structure, the outdoor concrete countertop:

Letter from our student:

“Thank you so much. Everyone at CCI, you’re amazing. I’m not used to needing help I’m always the one helping and I am still helping my neighbors and anyone who needs it. I already received e mails for people offering to help. There are a lot of good people out there. I said to my wife when I came back from the CCI course that I was just part of something special and truly that was an understatement. Thank you again. If there’s anything I can do let me know. I plan on coming out there for another course. I just loved the atmosphere and the people. The CCI experience changed my perspective and I am forever grateful.”