Did you know that the Union has a program called Painters & Allied Trades for Children’s Hope? The PATCH Foundation helps kids in many different ways. Whether it be sports programs, medical services, education & more. Any DC16 member can put in a PATCH request, if the request meets the standards, it will usually be approved. Money for PATCH comes from various fundraisers held throughout the year by the entire IUPAT. The biggest event we have locally is the PATCH Golf Tournament held every year in August at the Las Positas Golf Course in Livermore. Last year’s event raised over $100,000 dollars.

 Glaziers Local 718 recently assisted Redwood High School put in for a PATCH request for their shop program. Redwood Continuation High School in Redwood City has a great shop class taught by Jim Bender. Jim is teaching the students real word skills they can use after graduation. Even if they don’t choose a career in the construction industry, they will be able to use the things they learned in that class throughout their lifetime. Most of the material and equipment used in the class comes from community donations. Local 718, 913 & 12 (The West Bay Locals) went to deliver the $2,500 dollar check to the class on May 1st. They toured the shop facility along with projects done by passed classes, and spoke to the students about career opportunities within DC16. 

DC16 West Bay Team presenting the PATCH check to Jim and the Class 

Partially constructed Greenhouse 

Chicken Coop built by Jim and last year’s class. (they have chickens, and a garden)