Western Springs woman wins new roof in Brookfield contest

WESTERN SPRINGS – A Western Springs resident was recently named the winner of Licitra Roofing’s No Roof Left Behind contest.

Bonnie Krozel, who was originally nominated by the Treasure Chest Foundation, received the most votes among the final four contestants in the competition. She said a call came in from Jonathan Licitra, owner of Brookfield-based Licitra Roofing, letting her know she’d won.

“I never thought I’d go this far,” Krozel said. “I broke out in sweats, I thought I was going to have a heart attack. I just couldn’t believe it.”

Krozel is a very deserving winner, according to Licitra.

“I was happy to see she won … she’s just a great lady and very giving to others,” Licitra said. “It’s exactly what the program is all about; helping someone [who] deserved it.”

Krozel said she wouldn’t have gotten this far if not for the foundation and Maggie Stepuszek, who helped Krozel become involved with the foundation.

“It’s is a blessing,” Krozel said. “I’m truly thankful to all my friends, family and everyone who voted for me.”

Moving forward, Krozel is set to receive her new roof at the end of September.

Licitra said the two-day construction will begin Sept. 29, with a celebration planned for the final day of work, Sept. 30. Little Joe’s Beef, of Countryside, has donated lunch for crew and guests at the celebration, according to Licitra.

After launching its No Roof Left Behind program in January, Licitra Roofing narrowed down the contestants to just four finalists in July before asking the public to make the final decision.

The Brookfield roofing company sponsored the local No Roof Left Behind program to give back to the community, according to Licitra.

“We’ve been here for almost 30 years and the community around us has supported us. So in these economic hard times, we wanted to support them because we know there are a lot of families in need,” Licitra said.

Through the contest, Licitra offered one family in the area a free roof ranging from $10,000 to $15,000.

The No Roof Left Behind contest, which began with 30 contestants, included runner-up families Jack and Cyndi Teel, of Brookfield; The Frisbie family of Countryside; and Westchester residents Scott and Sharon Galloway.

Licitra said that, while he wished all four finalists could have received new roofs, the company could only afford to give one new roof this year.

“We could help one family this year and that’s great,” Licitra said. “But maybe in the future we could do two.”

Although Licitra couldn’t provide new roofs for the runner ups, he’s hoping local businesses will reach out and lend a hand.

“These other three families are really in need,” Licitra said. “People just need the awareness and they’ll step up.

“If we do it again, the runners up can nominate themselves or get nominated again,” Licitra said. “But for now we’re looking for local sponsors to step up and help out.”