IAM headquarters staff in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, recently held a summer barbecue luncheon to raise funds for Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines (GDA | TLC). The event was organized by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) General Secretary-Treasurer’s Office.
Attendees contributed donations in exchange for a cookout menu that included burgers, hot dogs, vegetarian options, sides, drinks, and desserts. Leftover food was sold the following day. The fundraiser collected about $1,000 for GDA | TLC.
Paul Kendall, IAM Assistant Secretary, managed the grill with assistance from Administrative Staff Secretary Kelly Felton. Brooklyn Rains and Yesenia Flamenco promoted the event among headquarters staff and handled 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.”
The IAM General Secretary-Treasurer’s office regularly supports GDA | TLC through fundraisers, ongoing contributions, and activities such as “Jeans Friday,” where employees donate in exchange for wearing jeans at work.
GDA | TLC provides service dogs to people who are blind or visually impaired, veterans, individuals with autism, and others facing physical or psychological challenges. IAM members have been longstanding supporters of the organization and are 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 expressed gratitude toward everyone who participated or donated during this fundraising effort.
