A memorial grant from within the Community Foundation will allow more than 50 HVACR apprentices to gain more knowledge and hands-on experience using the latest technology, helping them service the needs of contractors and customers in the community.

The Community Foundation has awarded a $1,500 grant to UA 400 Pipe Trades through the Rollie Choudoir – UA Local 400 Memorial Fund.

The funding will be used for the purchase and installation of new heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) equipment to train apprentices at the UA 400 Training Center in Kaukauna.

The fund is named in memory of Rollie Choudoir, who was a member of the United Association of Plumbers and Steamfitters, and who devoted many years to the UA Local 400.

Kathy Clark established a fund with her three siblings, who live in Appleton and Menasha, in memory of their father, Rollie Choudoir, who passed away on September 2, 2014 at the age of 97. The fund was created with memorial funds received following their father’s passing, and an initial gift from the four children.

“We’re here to support our members who want to get additional education and training,” says Jeff Knaus, business manager and financial secretary/treasurer for UA 400 Pipe Trades. “That’s what the UA 400 training center is here to do, and this grant will allow more than 50 HVACR apprentices to gain more knowledge and hands-on experience using the latest technology so they are better prepared to service the needs of our contractors and customers in the community. We are very grateful to the family of Rollie Choudoir and the Community Foundation for this donation.”

The UA 400 Training Center in Kaukauna supports apprenticeship and advanced career training for members in the pipefitting, fabrication, plumbing and HVACR industries in 18 counties throughout Northeast Wisconsin. The training center offers a curriculum supported by a wide variety of training materials and UA certified instructors free of charge to their members.

Interested in exploring a memorial fund? We have a variety of flexible fund options. Check them out here.