In the early 1990s, the International Union began efforts to merge countless smaller Local Unions into larger entities. In the case of New Jersey, those smaller Locals became what is now Locals 4 & 5 under the Administrative District Council. An adverse effect of the consolidations was a loss of familiarity and solidarity among the membership. Change is never easy!

So, in the spring of around 1995, 12 members got together to go golfing and hopefully mend some of the lost camaraderie. Each year, that group would grow. At the time, the National Building Trades’ involvement with the Diabetes Research Institute involved members collecting nickels, dimes, and quarters in front of local businesses.

Although successful in its own right, what became our annual DAD’s Day (Dollars Against Diabetes) golf outing has accomplished great things with the money it has raised.

In 2002, Local #5 Business Manager Joseph P. DiRenzo passed away at the age of 71. Joe spent over 50 years in the BAC, serving at every level. He also served in countless positions in his hometown of Camden, NJ. The following year, the BAC began awarding scholarships to children of our members graduating high school and moving on to higher education. Joe’s legacy—and the impact he had on all of Labor—continues through this scholarship program.

So, what began as an effort to maintain connectivity and solidarity among BAC members has grown into what we have today, and what the ADC has built into the tremendous effort you see! But just as valuable is the lesson it teaches us: solidarity and awareness of our history are what will keep us strong, relevant, and ensure that noble efforts like this golf outing continue!