IAM headquarters staff in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, recently held a summer cookout fundraiser organized by the General Secretary-Treasurer’s Office. The event aimed to support Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines (GDA | TLC), a nonprofit that provides service dogs for people with various challenges.
Employees who donated were treated to a menu including burgers, hot dogs, vegetarian options, sides, drinks, and desserts. Leftover food was sold the following day. The event raised about $1,000 for GDA | TLC.
Paul Kendall, IAM Assistant Secretary, handled grilling duties during the luncheon. Administrative Staff Secretaries Kelly Felton, Brooklyn Rains, and Yesenia Flamenco promoted and set up the event.
“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 fundraiser is one of several ongoing efforts by the IAM General Secretary-Treasurer’s office to assist GDA | TLC. Other activities include organizing additional fundraisers and promoting regular contributions through events 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 as well as veterans, individuals with autism, and others facing physical or psychological difficulties. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is recognized as the largest financial supporter of this organization.
“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 appreciation for everyone who participated or contributed donations during this initiative.
