Jason Wright is vice president of JE Dunn Construction Company. Recently, he and his colleagues at JE Dunn built a deck for Friends of JCDS (Johnson County Developmental Supports). “Helping people in need who cannot help themselves such as children or those with disabilities gives me great joy. Thanks to God for giving me the desire, ability, and time to help others.”

Jason recently was asked and accepted a position on the board of directors for the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce.

When he was young, he used to go with his Grandpa Wright when he delivered meals to those in need through a program called Meals on Wheels. “I enjoyed the feeling of helping others and am glad to be able to do so now,” said Jason.

 Jason has taken his construction experience and has utilized it with several charitable organizations. One of those organizations is KidsTLC. As a board member, he helped raise funds for a canopy to protect children–who live on campus and suffer from external wounds–from sun exposure. This allows these children to play outside, enjoy fresh air, and, at the same time, be safeguarded from the sun.

Jason also is active on the KidsTLC campus. He has led career exploration days by bringing crews from JE Dunn to talk to kids living on the campus. This informative and fun activity gives the kids hope for the future by sharing the different jobs that are available in the construction industry. 

He has served on the advisory board of The Children’s Spot at Saint Luke’s Hospital for seven years and has been president for three. Jason has been generous with his construction knowledge while the organization settled into a new facility, and, as a result, has been able to grow its capacity to serve more children. In addition, Jason has increased awareness and advocated for The Children’s SPOT within his network of colleagues, friends, and family.

As a leader, team captain, and volunteer laborer for the Christmas in October program, Jason’s group of volunteers blows insulation into the attics of the homes his church is working on. He spends weeks creating a list of needed materials, raises funds to purchase additional supplies and coordinates large crews of volunteers to rehabilitate houses of low-income homeowners, particularly the elderly, the disabled, and veterans so that they may continue to live in warmth, safety, and dignity. This is a tremendous effort as the rehab work takes place in one day. Jason motivates not only the volunteers at the houses he oversees, but also puts into place a model for the homeowner to continue to live securely long after the work is complete. Because of volunteers like Jason, The Christmas in October program is able to make home repairs to approximately 300 homeowners every year.

Jason is humbled and honored to receive the Rising Star award. “It’s great to be recognized for being philanthropic in the community. Hopefully, the recognition will encourage others to consider philanthropy.”

Also featured in the November 28, 2020 issue of The Independent
Photo credit: Tom Styrkowicz