How Petra Employees Give Back
Service has always been a part of Petra’s DNA. As builders, we are proud of the work we do on job sites, but we are equally proud of the work our employees do outside the office to support their neighbors, their communities, and the causes they care about. This post highlights some of the ways our team members give back and the organization they’re passionate about supporting.
Erik Lee, Senior Project Manager
Organization/Nonprofit: Special Olympics Connecticut
Role: Basketball Coach
Website: https://www.soct.org/
Mission: Special Olympics Connecticut provides year-round sports training and competitions for nearly 14,000 athletes and Unified Sports® partners. We also promote a healthy lifestyle by offering free health screenings at events, and providing participants with the education and resources to improve their sports performance and enhance their overall health and fitness.
“I volunteer for the North Haven Special Olympics. I’m a head coach of one of their basketball teams. We won Silver this Year at the tournament at Quinnipiac on November 23rd, 2025. We practice at the North Haven Middle School every Wednesday night.”
Lesley Borrelli, Executive Assistant
Organization/Nonprofit: Good World Animal Rescue & Protection (GWARP)
Role: Foster & Transporter
Website: https://gwarp.org/
Mission: GWARP’s headquarters in New York facilitates many of the donations and transportation efforts and our team and physical facility in Azerbaijan takes on the main role of rescuing and caring for the animals we take in - the most desperate lives in Azerbaijan. Animal rights in Azerbaijan are non-existent. Stray dogs and cats are abused, poisoned, shot or euthanized by local authorities. GWARP is their only hope and safe haven.
To date, over 5,000 stray dogs and cats have been spayed and neutered by GWARP; over 500 dogs and cats have flown from Azerbaijan and have been happily adopted in the US and Canada.
GWARP also partners with various non-profit organizations around the world to collectively better the lives of animals.
“Here are Teddy & Jina, both former Azerbaijan strays I adopted from GWARP. Jina started out as a foster but I caved after about a week.”
John McKinney, Assistant Estimator
Organization/Nonprofit: Rocky Hill Fire Department
Role: Volunteer Fire Fighter
Website: https://www.rockyhillfiredepartment.com/
Mission: The Rocky Hill Fire Department is committed to providing for the safety and welfare of our community through the preservation of life, property, and the environment. We accomplish our mission with professionalism, integrity, and dignity by maintaining a constant state of readiness.
Susie Mehring, Marketing & Business Development Manager
Organization/Nonprofit: The Re:JOY Project
Role: Board Member
Website: www.therejoyproject.com
Mission: The Re:JOY Project is a non-profit established by Adrienne Browning in honor of her childhood best friend Jeff who brought joy to everyone around him. The mission of The Re:JOY Project is to spread joy by collecting and donating used toys, books, sports gear and costumes to children in need while keeping these items out of landfills. Their moto is Recycle Joy. Reduce Waste. Repeat the Joy.
“When I was approached to join the board at The Re:JOY Project, it was a no-brainer. The mission of The Re:JOY Project is to spread joy by donating gently used toys, costumes, sports gear and books to children in need while teaching others about the joy of giving, all while striving to foster a culture of minimal waste. What’s better than that?”
Stephen Saunders, Superintendent
Organization/Nonprofit: Rotary Club of North Branford
Role: Volunteer at Rotary Fundraising Events
Website: https://northbranfordrotary.org/
Mission: The North Branford Rotary Club is an organization of business and professional leaders who work toward world understanding and peace, encourage high ethical standards, and conduct community and international service projects.
The members of the club represent a wide variety of vocations all working together to help the community locally, regionally and internationally in several countries.
Members all strive to exemplify the motto: Service Above Self!
“I volunteer for the North Branford Rotary events. My wife is a member and they can always use extra help at their affairs. I have run the grill at the senior picnic, carted boxes at shred it, and run the wine toss activity at the Fall Fling fundraiser. Profits from these events benefit the North Branford Food Pantry, Project Warm, and other worthwhile charities. ”
Diane Petra, Business Development
Organization/Nonprofit: Yale New Haven Health Auxiliary Toy Closet Program
Role: Volunteer and Chair
Website: www.ynhh.org/about/community/auxiliary/toy-closet-program
Mission: The goal of the Toy Closet Program is to provide each pediatric patient with an age-appropriate toy or small gift when they are discharged from Yale New Haven Children's Hospital. Toys are given out 365 days a year.
Guido Petra, President
Organization/Nonprofit: Ronald McDonald House Charities of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts
Role: Volunteer Board Member
Website: https://www.rmhc-ctma.org/
Mission: For over 30 years, Ronald McDonald House Programs have been a home away from home for families who must travel far for their child’s healthcare. The Ronald McDonald Family Room program gives families a place to rest, reflect, and recharge just steps from their child’s hospital bed. Their dedicated staff, volunteers, and community have led with compassion to surround families with support, hope, and courage.
Organization/Nonprofit: Albertus Magnus College
Role: Business Advisory Committee for the School of Business
Website: https://www.albertus.edu/business/albertus-magnus-advisory-board-tagliatela.php
Mission: In 2022, Albertus Magnus College formed the Tagliatela School of Business and Leadership Advisory Board, bringing together volunteer leaders from across industries who believe in the value of business education. The board provides expert insight on topics ranging from academic programs to entrepreneurship, and acts as a diverse think tank to enhance student learning, align coursework with real-world needs, and expand internship and job opportunities. According to Dean William Aniskovich, members share a commitment to making a positive difference at a time when business education is especially impactful, and their support helps shape the next generation of leaders.
Organization/Nonprofit: LEAP, Inc.
Role: Building Committee Member
Website: https://www.leapforkids.org/
Mission: LEAP, founded in 1992 by educators, students, and community activists to counter historic disinvestment in young people of color, operates two community centers and seven neighborhood sites. It provides children with a safe place to learn and grow, while giving teens and young adults opportunities to develop as leaders and role models. College and high school student counselors teach younger students in literacy, the arts, and athletics.
Closing
As we move through the season of gratitude and giving, we are especially inspired by the generosity of our team. Every hour volunteered, every meal prepared and every donation collected matters. These stories remind us that when we give of ourselves, we build more than structures. We build connections, hope, and community.