IAM headquarters employees in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, recently held a summer barbecue fundraiser organized by the General Secretary-Treasurer’s Office. The event supported Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines (GDA | TLC), a charity long supported by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM).
Attendees who donated were served a variety of cookout foods, 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, managed the grill during the cookout with help from Administrative Staff Secretary Kelly Felton. Brooklyn Rains and Yesenia Flamenco promoted the fundraiser among headquarters staff and assisted with 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 barbecue is one example of ongoing efforts by IAM’s General Secretary-Treasurer’s office to support GDA | TLC. Other initiatives include regular fundraisers, collecting contributions, and encouraging participation in their weekly “Jeans Friday” tradition at headquarters.
GDA | TLC supplies service dogs to individuals who are blind or visually impaired as well as veterans, people with autism, and others facing physical or psychological challenges. The IAM has been a major supporter of this organization over time.
“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 General Secretary-Treasurer’s Office expressed gratitude toward everyone who contributed or participated in supporting this charitable effort.
