Supreme Council
Bergen Chapter
Page last updated on:
21 Feb 2009
History of the Bergen Federation
The
Bergen Federation grew out of the old Bergen Caucus. The
Caucus
met once each year to determine which council would run the hospitality
room at the State Convention. The idea for creating the
Federation came from Past State Deputy Tony Zally, who as a state
officer, visited various Chapters and Federations throughout the state.
Seeing how other Chapters and Federations worked, he
assembled a group of Bergen County District Deputies
consisting of
Ralph Gifuni, Bob Hatler, John Hoffman, and Joseph McHale to create the
foundation for the Bergen Federation.
On March 19, 1982, a vote was taken to create the Bergen Federation. Two months later on May 19 the first set of By-Laws was adopted. Ralph Gifuni was named as the First President of the Federation.
In the 25 years since its inception, the Federation has grown from an organization that just handled booking rooms and running a hospitality suite at the convention, into an organzation that spearheads projects in Bergen County and fund-raises for worthy causes. The twice-monthly masses at the Paramus Veterans Home is now in its 14th year, and the highly successful Pride in Our Priests Program is now in its 4th year. The annual Golf Outing and Hockey Games has raised thousands of dollars for charitable giving to causes within the county, the state, and the country. As the Federation looks towards the future, it looks to continue these and other projects as well in order to promote unity among the 45 member councils of Bergen County.
During this time, the Federation has evolved into a key organization in the New Jersey State Council. Its 45 member councils representing nearly 9000 Knights has been fortunate to send a delegate to the Supreme Convention each year. The Federation is also on the verge of having its second State Deputy in 23 years as we look forward to the election of Herb Meyer of Regina, Council 1688, Rutherford at the 2009 Convention. The first State Deputy in Federation history was Tony Zally of Trinity, Council 747, Hackensack, from 1986-1988.
On March 19, 1982, a vote was taken to create the Bergen Federation. Two months later on May 19 the first set of By-Laws was adopted. Ralph Gifuni was named as the First President of the Federation.
In the 25 years since its inception, the Federation has grown from an organization that just handled booking rooms and running a hospitality suite at the convention, into an organzation that spearheads projects in Bergen County and fund-raises for worthy causes. The twice-monthly masses at the Paramus Veterans Home is now in its 14th year, and the highly successful Pride in Our Priests Program is now in its 4th year. The annual Golf Outing and Hockey Games has raised thousands of dollars for charitable giving to causes within the county, the state, and the country. As the Federation looks towards the future, it looks to continue these and other projects as well in order to promote unity among the 45 member councils of Bergen County.
During this time, the Federation has evolved into a key organization in the New Jersey State Council. Its 45 member councils representing nearly 9000 Knights has been fortunate to send a delegate to the Supreme Convention each year. The Federation is also on the verge of having its second State Deputy in 23 years as we look forward to the election of Herb Meyer of Regina, Council 1688, Rutherford at the 2009 Convention. The first State Deputy in Federation history was Tony Zally of Trinity, Council 747, Hackensack, from 1986-1988.