IAM Union Headquarters employees in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, held a summer cookout fundraiser organized by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) 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 to individuals who are blind or visually impaired, veterans, people with autism, and others facing physical or psychological challenges.
Employees who donated were served a menu featuring 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.
Paul Kendall, IAM Assistant Secretary, led the grilling efforts. Administrative Staff Secretary Kelly Felton assisted at the grill while 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.”
The cookout is part of ongoing initiatives by the IAM General Secretary-Treasurer’s Office to support GDA | TLC. These efforts include organizing fundraisers throughout the year as well as collecting regular contributions from employees. The office also promotes a weekly “Jeans Friday” tradition where staff can wear jeans in exchange for making a small donation.
IAM has long supported 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 office expressed gratitude toward everyone who participated or contributed during this recent fundraising effort.
