IAM Union Headquarters employees in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, held a summer barbecue luncheon organized by the IAM General Secretary-Treasurer’s Office to raise funds for Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines (GDA | TLC). The event offered a cookout menu featuring burgers, hot dogs, vegetarian options, sides, drinks, and desserts. Leftover food was sold the following day. The fundraiser collected about $1,000.
Paul Kendall, IAM Assistant Secretary, handled grilling duties with support from Administrative Staff Secretary Kelly Felton. 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 example of how the IAM General Secretary-Treasurer’s office supports GDA | TLC through fundraisers, regular contributions, and initiatives such as “Jeans Friday,” where employees donate in exchange for wearing jeans at work.
GDA | TLC provides service dogs for people who are blind or visually impaired as well as veterans and individuals with autism or other physical or psychological challenges. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) has been a longstanding supporter of GDA | TLC and is recognized as 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 General Secretary-Treasurer’s Office expressed gratitude to everyone who participated or donated during this effort on behalf of their chosen charity.