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IAM Union Headquarters employees in Upper Marlboro, Md., recently joined together for a summer BBQ luncheon hosted by the IAM General Secretary-Treasurer’s Office to benefit the IAM’s favorite charity, Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines (GDA | TLC).
With a donation, attendees enjoyed a full cookout menu that included burgers, hot dogs, veggie options, sides, drinks, and desserts — all in the spirit of generosity and community. Leftovers were sold the next day. The cookout raised approximately $1,000.
IAM Assistant Secretary Paul Kendall manned the grill with the help of Administrative Staff Secretary Kelly Felton, and Administrative Staff Secretaries Brooklyn Rains and Yesenia Flamenco promoted the event to HQ staff and set everything up.
“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 one of many ways the IAM GST’s office takes initiative to support GDA | TLC in addition to organizing fundraisers, taking regular contributions, and promoting their weekly “Jeans Friday” tradition at IAM headquarters for a small donation.
GDA | TLC provides service dogs to people who are blind or visually impaired, veterans, individuals with autism, and others with physical or psychological challenges. IAM members and leadership have long championed the organization, making the union the single largest financial contributor to the nonprofit’s mission.
Events like this cookout not only raise crucial funds but also reinforce the IAM’s deep commitment to service beyond (and within!) the workplace. Every dollar raised helps GDA | TLC continue to transform lives.
“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 thanks everyone who participated and donated in support of the department’s efforts to help the IAM’s favorite charity.
