September 19, 2025

Local 98: members helping members

98 Cares is a nonprofit created by IBEW Local 98 to support union members and their families facing hardships

By Ryan Gerold, Shawn Hayes Jr., Justin Bielec, and 98 Cares Committee Members

Provided Courtesy/IBEW Local Union 98

Life throws curveballs. Even with the strength of a union behind us, individual members and their families can face tough times. These struggles aren’t always just financial—they can bring emotional pain as well. An injury on or off the job, a medical emergency, or an unexpected disaster can turn a stable life upside down in an instant.

But we don’t have to face these challenges alone.

That’s where 98 Cares comes in. This program was built to support members when life gets really hard. It’s a helping hand, ready to lift you up during your darkest hours. Local 98 members are the heartbeat of this union, and they deserve to feel it—not just on the job, but off the job as well. This fund provides security, comfort, and a stronger bond throughout the membership.

How it started

From the outside looking in, it often seemed that Local 98 did a great job supporting causes outside the organization—but there was no real hardship program for members themselves. With Mark Lynch Jr. elected as Business Manager, a fresh opportunity arose. He welcomed new ideas and voices, and the focus quickly turned to putting the members first.

What happens when one of our own falls on hard times? What support can we provide? Out of that discussion, 98 Cares was born: a nonprofit, fueled by the members, for the members.

The land down under: from backyard to Keenan’s Irish Pub

The roots of our largest fundraising event go back over 30 years, when Past President Harry Foy hosted a summer weekend gathering in his backyard. What started with a few dozen members and a couple of kegs has grown into the Land Down Under (LDU), now held for the past 26 years and now home at Keenan’s Irish Pub.

In its first year as a 98 Cares fundraiser, the LDU raised over $100,000. The following year, it brought in nearly $150,000. None of this success would have been possible without the support of our friends, partners, leadership, and most importantly—the members of Local 98.

Because of this support, in just the first year, 98 Cares was able to allocate $110,000 to more than 28 families experiencing financial hardship.

Looking ahead

The vision is clear and the future is bright. Local 98 is not only a union on the job site, but also a family that takes care of its own. 98 Cares has proved that 98 is stronger than ever.

With Gratitude and Overwhelming Pride,

Ryan Gerold
Shawn Hayes Jr.
Justin Bielec
98 Cares Committee Members

What 98 Cares means to our members:

Acts 20:35: “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

— Pastor Buddy Osborne "The Rock," 98 CARES Board Member

“Being part of 98 Cares has shown me the true strength of our membership. This fund provides security for our members and their families during times of hardship and uncertainty. It’s an honor to be involved with 98 Cares, and I’m truly grateful to our membership for their support and contributions to help our brothers and sisters in need.”

— Shawn Hayes Jr. 98 CARES Committee Member

“I remember as a kid having parties in our backyard at North Wildwood. These members were more than just co-workers—they became lifelong friends. Even though many have long since retired, I keep in touch, also seeing them at our retirees’ meetings. Understanding the Importance of sticking together to make Local 98 stronger, that’s why I love this Union.”

“What we are doing now is a testament to what my Dad and the original members started many years ago! Taking care of each other in a Time of need.”

“I am incredibly proud of what 98 CARES was able to accomplish in a short period of time. Local 98 is back to helping our own.”

— Jim Foy, President

“For over 20 years, I’ve had the honor of being part of the charity work that makes Local #98 so special—not just to our members, but to so many families outside of our Union. We’ve done incredible work for community organizations and individuals in need, and that’s something we can all be proud of. But being able to help our own is especially meaningful. I’m truly grateful to all the members and volunteers who make it possible to support our brothers and sisters when they need it—often without them ever having to ask.”