Beneath the Hard Hat
C.D. Smith Company Blog

C.D. Smith Construction Presents ACE Shanty Proceeds for Building Trades Program

Date: Mar 13, 2025 1:50:47 PM | Author: C.J. Smith

2025 Check Presentation from the Fourth ACE Shanty Raffle

🎉 The ACE Shanty Raffle was a success! On February 8th, the annual drawing took place at the Sturgeon Spectacular, marking the 5th anniversary of Fond du Lac High School's ACE Academy project.

🌟 Fond du Lac Festivals recognized ACE Academy students for constructing the high-quality shanty in a recent Facebook post featuring a group photo of student participants, business partners, sponsors, and supporters.

CD Smith presents 2024-2025 ACE Shanty Raffle proceeds to Fond du Lac ACE Academy for building construction trades education

📸 Pictured from left to right (front row) is Vern Widmer, head instructor for the ACE Academy, eight students who helped build this year's shanty, C.J. Smith (C.D. Smith Construction) and Josh Shell (Badgerland Connections); Pictured from left to right (back row) is Ruby Guell & Pete Wilke (Fond du Lac Festivals), Aaron Thurwachter & Alex Baleiko (C.D. Smith) and Brad Teichmiller (Foot of the Lake).

BY THE NUMBERS:

» This year's project raised a total of $8,100.

» 75% ($6,075) goes directly to the ACE Academy Shanty Build Program.

» The remaining $2,025 goes to Foot of the Lake Fishing Club for their help administering and supporting the raffle.

🙏 Thank you to everyone involved in making this another successful year for the Fond du Lac High School Architecture Construction Engineering Academy (ACE) Shanty Build Project!

Date: Mar 13, 2025 | Author: Connie Coon

«•» 

Follow C.D. Smith ON SOCIAL

#CDSmith #ThinkSafeWorkSafe

C.D. Smith Construction Management Design-Build General Contractor Preconstruction Commercial Construction Trades on FacebookC.D. Smith Construction Management Design-Build General Contractor Preconstruction Commercial Construction Trades on LinkedInC.D. Smith Construction Management Design-Build General Contractor Preconstruction Commercial Construction Trades on InstagramWebsite - Twitter - Icon-01C.D. Smith YouTube Videos Construction Management Design-Build General Contractor Preconstruction Commercial Skilled Trades

Contact Us Get in Touch


2023 Check Presentation from the Fourth ACE Shanty Raffle

The ACE Shanty Raffle was a huge success! On February 11th, the annual drawing took place at the Sturgeon Spectacular, marking the 3rd anniversary of Fond du Lac High School's ACE Academy Shanty Build project.
CD Smith presents 2022-2023 ACE Shanty Raffle proceeds to Fond du Lac ACE Academy for building construction trades education
Front Row L-R: ACE Academy Instructor Vern Widmer, C.J. Smith, Connie Coon, Dave Supple (C.D. Smith), Owen Challonen, Jacob Halper & Zach Shepro (ACE Academy students), David Michalkiewicz (Fond du Lac High School Principal) | Back Row L-R: Chris Hopf (Shea Electric), Joe Schneider (MW Tighe Roofing), Brian Bartel (Muza Sheet Metal), Aaron Westhuis (C.D. Smith), Matt Petersen (of Omni Glass), Nick Whitty (Drexel Building Supply), Pete Wilke (Fond du Lac Festivals)
 
BY THE NUMBERS:
» This year's project raised a total of $9,680.
» 75% ($7,260) goes directly to the ACE Academy Program.
» The remaining $2,430 goes to Foot of the Lake Fishing Club for their help administering and supporting the raffle.
 
Thank you to all of our friends and sponsors for your support of the ACE Shanties program!

2021 Check Presentation from the First ACE Shanty Raffle

CD Smith presents 2020-2021 ACE Shanty Raffle proceeds to Fond du Lac ACE Academy for building construction trades education

Last week the CDS Gives Back team had a momentous day as it presented the proceeds from the first ACE Shanty Raffle - $6,630 – to the Fond du Lac ACE Academy. The ACE Shanty program provided ACE Academy students the opportunity to view a project at the blueprint and virtual rendering level and work with expert craftsmen to build an iconic sturgeon shanty. Students expanded on the skills taught in the ACE Academy and gained confidence completing a full project. “I watched a student nervously use a chop saw for the first time early in the build and figured we were in way over our heads,” recalls C.J. Smith. “By the end of the project that same student was using a mag drill to drill ¾” holes through steel with ease. He was totally transformed.”

With the proceeds collected from the first Shanty Raffle, the CDS Gives Back team and the Fond du Lac ACE Academy plan to continue building shanties, using the money to buy supplies and specialty tools where necessary. Based on this year’s performance, we are excited about the prospects for the future!


 

Learn how THE Fond du Lac ACE Academy ACE SHANTy PROJECT WAS BORN.

After the 2019 sturgeon spearing season passed, a few C.D. Smith employees found themselves debating the best method for building an ice shanty and were struck by the similarities between an ice shanty and a conventional commercial building. This revelation morphed into the optimal opportunity to teach local high school students a variety of trades and construction skills construction and provide... (continue reading full blog post)... 

 

Find out more about our K-12 School Partnerships for Construction and skilled Trade Career Pathways.

K-12 Academic and Career Planning (ACP) is part of the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) initiative of ensuring every child graduates with the tools necessary for making informed career decisions. C.D. Smith's School Partnership Program provides an inside peek and hands-on learning for K-12 students interested in careers in construction. We share in the DPI's vision of... (continue reading full blog post)... 


 

We Build Careers!

C.D. Smith Construction offers a wide variety of growth opportunities in the trades. Start as a laborer and work your way into an apprenticeship program that best suits your interests and skills.

You can make a comfortable living and build your retirement while earning your education. Apprenticeships offer on the job training and are 100% paid!

BENEFITS

» Health Insurance
» Pension
» Paid Apprenticeship

 

REQUIREMENTS

» Valid Drivers License
» Age 18 or Older
» High School Diploma or GED

 

APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS

» Laborer
» Concrete Finisher
» Mason
» Carpenter
» Ironworker
» Operator

Click the 'We Build Careers!' button to request more information.

We Build Careers! Request more information

Recent Posts


 


Get in Touch

Corporate Headquarters
125 Camelot Drive
Fond du Lac, WI 54935

Milwaukee Office
8325 W. Tower Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53223

Madison Office
316 West Washington Avenue
Suite 900 
Madison, WI 53703

La Crosse Office
333 Front Street North
Suite 701 
La Crosse, WI 54601

Ready to build community and get connected with commercial construction expertise? Use the below form to submit questions or request information. We look forward to learning more and discovering how we can make YOUR PROJECT. OUR PRIORITY.®.