Lobdell to lead newly formed Canstruction Long Island, Inc.; Talley of Krueger and Schlameuss of RXR to serve on board

According to Tracy Lobdell, Canstruction Long Island, Inc. has been formed. The organization is an all-volunteer non-profit organization responsible for producing the annual Canstruction Long Island design/build competition to help feed the hungry on Long Island. The organization consists of Lobdell serving as executive director and treasurer; Ellen Talley of Krueger International serving as director and secretary; Eric Schlameuss of RXR Realty serving as director, and a steering committee of 15 industry professionals. Canstruction is an international charity of the design and construction industry, initiated by the Society for Design Administration, which showcases the talents resident in the industry while helping to fight hunger in our communities. Teams of industry professionals spend months designing colossal structures made entirely of canned food. In one evening teams erect the structures at RXR Plaza, oftentimes building well into the night. Structures are judged in a variety of categories, prizes are awarded and the exhibit remains on display to the public for two weeks. The price of admission: one can of food. At the close of the exhibit, all cans are donated to Long Island Cares, Inc., The Harry Chapin Food Bank to be distributed to food pantries across Long Island. This will mark the event's 5th year on Long Island, and this year participants will include not only architects, engineers, designers, contractors and vendors, but also college students in architecture, engineering, design, and construction-related degree programs, K-12 students and community groups. To date, the event has provided over 143,000 cans of food to feed hungry Long Islanders. This unique sculptural exhibit will be open to the public daily starting October 28 and running through November 11 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Additional information can be found at www.canstructionli.org.