Operating Engineers Local 148 raises $42,000 for Ronald McDonald House in 30th annual charity bass tournament

Union has raised more than $1.7 million for children’s charities

By SHERI GASSAWAY
Correspondent

This year’s 30th Annual Operating Engineers Local 148 Charity Bass Tournament raised $42,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis – $12,000 more than the union’s $30,000 goal – in another example of the good so many unions do for their communities because it is the right thing to do.

The tournament, which was open to the public, was held Sept. 9 at the Lake of the Ozarks. More than 250 people took part in the competition. The event also featured a barbecue and live and silent auctions.

PLEASED WITH THE TURNOUT

Local 148 Business Manager Keith Linderer said he was pleased with both the event’s turnout and the money raised for the charity. He said the live and silent auctions alone brought in about $15,000.

“In addition to the money raised at the tournament itself, we seek donations from our members and their employers throughout the year,” Linderer said. “We also hold a gun raffle at the St. Louis Boat Show.”

RONALD McDONALD HOUSE

Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis provides a home away from home for families of seriously ill children and support to organizations that serve the needs of children. The charity’s three local houses offer parents 

and family members a respite from hospital waiting rooms 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The $42,000 donation will go toward a new playground at one of the organization’s homes. Local 148 raised $28,000 for the Ronald McDonald House in last year’s bass tournament.

“The playground will bring joy to seriously ill children and their siblings, providing them with a little oasis during a very difficult time in their life,” Linderer said. “We are always happy to help others in need, especially children.”

MORE THAN $1.7 MILLION RASED FOR CHARITIES

Since the tournament began, Local 148 has raised more than $1.7 million for charities dedicated to battling childhood diseases. Some of the organizations the union has supported in the past include the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital.