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IAM District 776 hosted its 11th annual Robert Martinez Jr. Invitational Golf Tournament at Squaw Creek Golf Course. The event raised an astounding $94,000 for Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines (GDA | TLC), a charity close to the hearts of IAM members.
The tournament saw participation from many members of the IAM’s leadership team, including then Resident General Vice President, now International President Brian Bryant, General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes, retired Southern Territory General Vice President Rickey Wallace, and current Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin, who was then the Southern Territory Chief of Staff.
IAM District 776 President and Directing Business Representative Paul Black and Vice President and Event Coordinator Anna Ritchey led the district in organizing the charity tournament.
Additionally, several Grand Lodge Representatives from different territories, along with multiple district and local leaders and members joined in the event to show their support.
Local 776 A member Joni Schug’s restaurant, Double J BBQ, catered the event, making the day even more special.
The top three teams won prizes and prizes were also awarded to exceptional performances for “closest to the pin” and longest drive.
The heartwarming event featured a guide dog recipient who serenaded participants with “God Bless America,” and a military veteran and service dog recipient who delivered a poignant speech about reclaiming her sense of normalcy with the support of her service dog, expressing gratitude towards GDA | TLC.
IAM Local 2916 members with Amentum, including Zavier Myles, Katie Gamez, Andrew Espinoza, and Paul Tran, volunteered their time and effort to help the event run smoothly. From setting up tables to selling raffle tickets and providing refreshments, they added their hands to pull the event together.
“I was impressed with the support and participation for the event by all levels of the union. Not only were members volunteering, but family and friends of members also volunteered their time,” said Katie Gamez, a proud IAM Local 2619 member working at Amentum. “It made me proud to be part of an organization that is so dedicated to helping people through Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines.”
GDA | TLC President Russ Gittlen also addressed attendees, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support from IAM members.
“I was happy to participate and will definitely be helping out again next year,” said IAM Local 2916 volunteer Paul Tran.
Click for more information on Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines.
