Local 4’s 6th Annual Golf Outing raises over $100,000 for local children’s charities

In 2023, our union proudly contributed over $100,000 to an array of charitable organizations – a testament to the generosity of Local 4 members. The funds were raised during our 6th Annual Golf Outing.

Local 4 donated $25,000 each to four children’s charities, including:

• Why Me & Sherry’s House, a Worcester-based organization which helps families facing childhood cancer;
• Rare New England, which is dedicated to helping individuals with rare diseases;
• The Martin Richard Foundation, honoring the young victim of the Boston Marathon bombing through initiatives promoting inclusiveness, kindness and peace; and
• The New England Center for Children, which provides comprehensive services for children with autism through day and residential programs, partner classrooms in public school systems, consulting services, and autism curriculum software for teachers.

Local 4 donates over $13,000 to Cradles to Crayons

Local 4 members recently demonstrated their unwavering generosity by contributing $6,514 in donations to Cradles to Crayons at our December Body Meeting. To increase our giving power, the union matched these contributions, resulting in an impressive total of $13,028 donated to this dynamic non-profit organization.

Cradles to Crayons is dedicated to combating children’s clothing insecurity by providing affordable, appropriate clothing to thousands of children annually across the U.S. Shockingly, over 20 million children nationwide lack essential clothing and basic necessities for healthy childhood development.

Local 4’s support will contribute to Cradles to Crayons’ mission, ensuring that no child goes without these vital items. From properly fitting school outfits to diapers, backpacks, shoes, pajamas, and winter coats, our members’ generosity will make a significant difference in the lives of children facing these challenges.

Local 4 has a rich history of supporting organizations and causes that positively impact our communities. We extend our heartfelt thanks to each member who contributed at the December Body Meeting.

Your generosity is a beacon of hope for children and families in need, and we are proud to have such compassionate members in our union.

$100,000 donated to fund cutting-edge Alzheimer’s research in Massachusetts and New Hampshire

Local 4 is pleased to have made a $100,000 donation to the Alzheimer’s Association Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter in January. 

The donation will fund research, treatment, and advocacy for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia. The funds were raised by union members and partners through the 5th Annual Operating Engineers Local 4 Charitable Foundation, Inc. Golf Outing. In addition to industry-leading research, the Alzheimer’s Association provides care and support infrastructure for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The organization is the largest nonprofit contributor to Alzheimer’s research and aims to ultimately develop a cure. 

Local 4 donates $9,564 to fight Heart Disease and Stroke

Local 4 was pleased to make a donation of over $9,500 to the American Heart Association. This contribution, which was made possible through the generosity of our members, will advance the fight against Heart Disease and Stroke. Donations totaling $4,782 were collected at the December Body Meeting, which was then matched by the Local General Fund. The American Heart Association leads the way in education and research to promote prevention and healthy living. This organization is making a significant difference to families across the nation and we are proud to support their work.

Local 4 Proudly Gives $10,000 to support Veterans

Local 4 was proud to have donated $10,000 to Helmets to Hardhats, a national nonprofit program that connects National Guard, Reserve, and retired and transitioning active-duty military service members with skilled training and quality career opportunities in the construction industry. The Mass Building Trades Council Helmets to Hardhats Fundraising Event was held last November. 

Local 4 member Brent DeLongchamps spoke at the event. Members of Local 4’s leadership, including Training Instructor Peter Carpenter, Vice President David Shea, President Michael Bowes, Business Manager William McLaughlin, Training Coordinator Michael Carey, and Training Instructor Thomas McEvoy attended the fundraiser to present our Local’s donation.

$100,000 donated to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for Breakthrough Cancer Research

The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 4 recently donated $100,000 to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to assist their efforts in the fight against cancer. The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a top-ranked cancer hospital in the nation and leads the way in important cancer research, such as precision cancer medicine and cancer immunology. Dana-Farber delivers advanced and specialized cancer treatments for various types of cancers that have affected our membership, family, and friends.

The funds for this donation were raised through our Charitable Foundation’s 4th Annual Golf Outing in 2021. We thank our membership for their generosity and commitment to supporting our communities. Local 4 is proud to contribute to further the advancement of future cancer breakthroughs and life-saving research.

Local 4 Donates Over $10,000 to support Veterans

We’re proud to announce that our December Body Meeting attained its largest collection to date reaching $5,124. These donations were made by our generous members who participated in the meeting. The Local general fund has matched these contributions, bringing the total amount to $10,248.

This year, we are honored to donate over $10,000 to two veterans’ organizations, Veterans, Inc. and House in the Woods.

L to R: Worcester Business Representative David Dobson, Veterans Inc. Development & Volunteer Coordinator Kristen Franks, Business Manager William McLaughlin, Executive Director of Local 4 Charitable Foundation Amanda Johnson, and Business Representative Michael Bowes.

House in the Woods 
On January 25, 2022, Local 4 presented a check of $5,124 to House in the Woods from Lee, Maine. House in the Woods is a nonprofit organization that offers outdoor programs to create a therapeutic, recreational, and educational retreat for active military, veterans, and their family members. The organization uses wilderness activities in Maine and natural habitats to help participants share common challenges such as stress, loss, and grief related to their service.

L to R: Paul House, Executive Director of House in the Woods, Business Manager William McLaughlin, Maine Business Representative Robert Burr, and NH Deputy Adjutant General Warren Perry. Permission to remove masks for the photo op was granted by all participants.

L to R: Training Instructor Peter Carpenter, President Michael Bowes, Apprentice Jake Donovan, Instructor Tom McEvoy, and Vice President David Shea attend the Mass Building Trades Council Helmets to Hardhats Fundraising Event on November 9th to present Local 4’s $10,000 donation to the program. Helmets to Hardhats is a national, nonprofit program that connects National Guard, Reserve, retired and transitioning active-duty military service members with skilled training and quality career opportunities in the construction industry.

Local 4 Business Manager William D. McLaughlin (right) and Business Agent Robert Burr present Lt. Mark Holmquist with a donation to the Maine State Troopers Foundation, in memory of  John G. Richardson, Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives.