The Story of the 30th Annual Spirit of Construction Gala
November 4, 2026
Thirty years ago, a small group of builders gathered with a simple but powerful idea: recognize the people who build our communities and inspire the next generation to do the same. In 1996, 284 guests filled a room with hope, raising $32,850 for a mission that was just beginning.
More than 1,300 guests attended the 30th Annual Spirit of Construction Gala on Saturday, October 24. 2026. The event was hosted by Gala Chair, Erin Mignano of Turner Construction. As guests greeted old friends and new colleagues, there was an unmistakable feeling in the air: this was more than a gala. It was a celebration of a legacy.
The Spirit of Construction community had raised more than $1,042,630 this year alone. Yet everyone in the room understood that the true measure of success wasn’t dollars. It was scholarships awarded, futures changed, and opportunities created.
Mark Luegering, Mike Huseman, and Paul Hemmer shared stories of hard work, mentorship, perseverance, family, and the countless people who helped shape their careers. They spoke not about individual success, but about teamwork, relationships, and the responsibility of leaving the industry better than they found it. Their stories reflected the very values Spirit of Construction was founded to celebrate.
As the evening drew to a close, the crowd looked toward the future. New leaders would emerge. New students would receive scholarships. New partnerships would strengthen the industry. The next generation was already preparing to carry the mission forward
The 30th Annual Spirit of Construction Gala was not simply a celebration of what had been accomplished over the last thirty years.
It was a reminder that every great structure begins with a foundation, every legacy is built by people, and every future is constructed one opportunity at a time.
And thanks to the generations of builders gathered in that room, the next chapter of the Spirit of Construction story is already under construction.
