Forte Construction Celebrates Staff Picked Charity Winners

Forte Construction Corp., a leading general contracting firm delivering major transit and public works initiatives across downstate New York and Long Island, honored the employee winners and their respective charities as part of its annual staff-picked charity program with a check presentation and celebratory gathering at the company’s Islandia, NY headquarters. 

Launched in 2020 to foster a culture of giving, the annual Staff Picked Charity Contest invites employees to nominate causes close to their hearts. Each year, the company’s executives anonymously select the winning nomination, awarding a $10,000 donation to the chosen charity.

“This year all of the employee submissions were very touching, heartfelt, and personal and truly showed the effort and passion our team members put in,” said Forte Construction President Larry Pappas. “We commend not only our team members, but also the charities for the amazing and inspiring work that they do.”

Wilson Cruz, an electrician with Forte’s affiliate company, TAP Electric, penned the winning essay on behalf of the Argus Community’s Mary S. Taylor Residence in Harlem. However, his was not the only charity to catch the executive committee’s attention this year. Alongside Cruz, Mike Ingemi, a TAP Electric fifth-year electrical apprentice with USWU Local 363A, nominated Wading River, NY-based Thomas Cutinella Memorial Foundation, marking the first time that a second-place prize of $5,000 was also awarded.

“What makes our philanthropic efforts especially meaningful is that they are driven by our employees. We trust them to bring forward the causes that matter most to them—causes that reflect their values, their experiences, and their desire to make a difference. When we support those causes, we’re not just donating funds—we’re amplifying passion, empathy, and leadership.” said Forte Construction Director of Philanthropy Athena Pappas. 

 “Traditionally, we select one winner, but this year’s submissions were so compelling that we recognized two employees whose chosen organizations resonate deeply with them and their work community. We are grateful to Wilson, Mike and all of this year’s applicants for making the 2025 Staff Picked Charity Contest our best one yet.”

Wilson Cruz chose Argus Community’s Mary S. Taylor Residence because of the profound impact it had on his life as a young man working to overcome adversity. Argus provided him with a true second chance by offering stability, guidance, and support that helped him rebuild his life.

With the support and confidence he gained through Argus, Cruz returned to school, completed a union electrical apprenticeship, and built a meaningful career. Today, he is a valued member of the Forte Construction–TAP Electric team and a powerful example of what’s possible when organizations like Argus help individuals overcome challenges and turn opportunity into lasting success.

“I chose to nominate Argus Community’s Mary S. Taylor Residence because of all the people that suffer in silence and die because they didn’t get the help that they needed,” said Cruz. “Programs like this are the reason I love to spread the message of hope and wake up grateful every morning to know that I am given two things every day – a choice and a chance.”

The Argus Community’s Mary S. Taylor Residence in Harlem has the capacity to house up to 150 adult male residents struggling with addiction for a typical 6- to 12-month stay. The program also offers outreach through out-patient care, food pantries, educational courses, homeless outreach, and case management, helping to expand their impact to approximately 5,000 individuals. The organization operates multiple facilities in The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Hempstead, in addition to two locations in Harlem. 

At the event, Cruz extended his thanks to Director of Building Trades Educational Benefit Fund, Paul Iaccarino for the continued support and encouragement that helped him complete his education and career training. “What makes this donation special is that it was inspired by someone whose life intersected with our program in the past and who is now thriving, working, and contributing to the community,” says Rob Sousa, Assistant Vice President of Residential Services at the Argus Community. “Through Wilson sharing his personal reflection, he showed us all how access to support, care, and opportunity can have a lasting impact well beyond treatment.” 

Michael Ingemi chose to nominate the Thomas Cutinella Memorial Foundation in honor of Thomas Cutinella, his close childhood friend and teammate at Shoreham-Wading River High School in Suffolk County who passed away at the age of 16 from a traumatic head injury during a football game. The organization helps Thomas’ legacy of kindness, leadership, and selflessness live on, while also advocating for safer football practices and showing the importance of organ donation. 

“Thomas was a very good friend of mine in high school and I was lucky enough to have played football by his side,” said Ingemi, “Even though Thomas tragically passed from a blood clot during one of our games, he still was able to impact the lives of others through organ donation. Thomas’ story and the impact of that day changed my life and many others.” 

Since 2014, the Thomas Cutinella Memorial Foundation has awarded scholarships to local students, as well as those from across the country. The one-time scholarships, which range from $500 to $2,500, are designed to help the recipients further their education. Seven scholarships were given out in 2025.

“We started this foundation because it’s really important to us that Thomas’ legacy never fades,” said Kelli Cutinella, Thomas’ mother and Foundation President. “So, to hear Mikey still thinks about Tommy in such a way and would use this opportunity with Forte Construction to share Tommy’s legacy speaks volumes.” 

The Argus Community team is in the process of determining the best use for this $10,000 donation from Forte Construction, but they noted that the funds will be set aside for something special for the residents in their Harlem locations. The Thomas Cutinella Memorial Foundation explained that the donation will go towards funding scholarship opportunities, as well as furthering the foundation’s mission to increase organ donation awareness and promote football safety.

Forte Construction is a leading general contracting firm with a team of nearly 500 professionals dedicated to delivering comprehensive construction solutions for major public and government agencies, including the MTA, NYC SCA, DASNY, and NYCHA. The firm manages a wide array of projects across the five boroughs and Long Island, working in close coordination with local municipalities to improve regional infrastructure. Forte is recognized for its expertise in transit accessibility and ADA compliance, with a demonstrated history of delivering billions of dollars in MTA construction and modernization projects.

source https://zweiglist.com/forte-construction-celebrates-staff-picked-charity-winners/