IAM Union Headquarters staff in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, recently held a summer barbecue fundraiser to support Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines (GDA | TLC), a nonprofit that provides service dogs to people who are blind or visually impaired, veterans, individuals with autism, and others facing physical or psychological challenges. The event was organized by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) General Secretary-Treasurer’s Office.
For a donation, employees enjoyed a cookout menu including burgers, hot dogs, vegetarian options, sides, drinks, and desserts. Leftover food was sold the following day. The fundraiser generated about $1,000 for GDA | TLC.
IAM Assistant Secretary Paul Kendall handled grilling duties with assistance from Administrative Staff Secretary Kelly Felton. Administrative Staff Secretaries Brooklyn Rains and Yesenia Flamenco promoted the event among headquarters staff and managed setup.
“I appreciate the opportunity to cook and spend time with our staff and help to raise money for GDA | TLC,” said Kendall. “The IAM and GDA | TLC were founded to make the lives of many better, and anything we can do to support the cause is a win for all.”
This cookout is one of several efforts by the IAM General Secretary-Treasurer’s office to back GDA | TLC. Other initiatives include organizing fundraisers throughout the year and promoting weekly “Jeans Friday” donations at headquarters.
According to information provided by IAM leadership in the release, members have long supported GDA | TLC. The union is noted as being its largest financial contributor.
“With the rest of our union, the GST’s Office takes great pride in doing our part to support GDA | TLC,” said IAM General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes. “We are all blessed and fortunate to be part of a strong union, and we take giving back to those in need very seriously. The life-changing gift GDA | TLC provides is dear to our hearts, and it’s our pleasure to help in any and every way.”
The office extended thanks to everyone who participated or donated during this recent fundraising effort.
