The donations are part of the Hobaica Services’ BEGIN program, which stands for Business Entities Getting Involved in our Neighborhoods. Established in 2008, BEGIN asks local community members to nominate deserving families for an opportunity to receive a free heating and cooling system.

In total, the BEGIN program has given away and installed 23 units in the metro Phoenix area since 2008 at no cost to the homeowners. Just this year, Hobaica has installed $49,500 worth of heating and cooling equipment with 136 hours of labor. The three-year projected value is just under $150,000 — at $148,380.

The BEGIN program also challenges other local businesses to get involved in changing the lives of others. Businesses are asked to donate their time, supplies, or other resources to make giving and installing the heating and cooling systems a reality.

This past year the following companies have participated in the BEGIN program: The Trane Co., American Refrigeration Supply, Bud Carey Realtors, Emerson Climate Technologies, Empire Metal Products, Heating and Cooling Supply, Hercules Industries, Johnstone Supply, KG Group, Lennox Industries, ServPro of Glendale, Smiley Crane, Double D Services, and KTAR FM.

Celebrating 60 years in business this year, Hobaica Services is family-owned and operated since 1952 and specializes in heating, cooling, and refrigeration, wine cellars, and solar applications. For more information, visit www.hobaica.com.

Publication date: 03/05/2012