IAM Local 1487 Retirees Club Rings in the Season With Record-Breaking Holiday Luncheon

Holiday cheer was in full swing as IAM Local 1487–Chicago Retirees Club hosted its annual Holiday Luncheon at the Seville Banquet Hall, drawing a lively crowd of approximately 200 retired members and guests. The long-standing tradition once again delivered an afternoon filled with camaraderie, good food, and generous giving.

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The Seville Banquet Hall—with its festive décor and warm atmosphere—served as the perfect backdrop for one of the most successful holiday gatherings the Club has hosted in years. This year’s luncheon featured seven major raffles, each raising funds for charitable initiatives and Club programs.

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One of the afternoon’s highlights was the Food Pantry Fundraiser. In place of collecting canned goods, organizers raffled a $100 Omaha Steaks package. The change in format paid off, bringing in $630 in ticket sales, which the Club announced it will match dollar for dollar.

The IAM Women’s Committee also contributed to the giving spirit with its Holiday Basket raffle. The themed basket—complete with wine, snacks, and a decorative pillow—raised $360 to support Kids with Cancer.

Support for the Machinists Non-Partisan Political League (MNPL) remained strong, with attendees contributing $227 through the MNPL raffle.

The crowd favorite, the Gift Basket Extravaganza, offered between 40 and 50 prizes ranging from wine and gift cards to themed collections for pets, kids, kitchens, and more. The extensive raffle generated $870.

Excitement spiked again with the Television Raffle, thanks to a TV donated by Local 1487. Ticket sales for the popular prize brought in $375.

The Retirees Club Monthly Fund collected another $650, allowing organizers to award thirteen $50 cash prizes to lucky attendees.

To cap off the raffles, a Poinsettia Drawing sent four festive holiday plants home with four final winners.

“I am proud of the IAM Local 1487 Retiree Club’s work, as one of the largest retiree clubs in the IAM,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “They do incredible work to help the community, and local, and I thank them all for their continued service and involvement in the IAM.”

The annual Holiday Luncheon has become a cherished tradition within Local 1487. Many retirees, even those unable to attend monthly gatherings, make the holiday luncheon a priority each year. For longtime members, it is a chance to reconnect with old friends, share stories, and celebrate the season together.

Monthly Retirees Club meetings continue to draw more than 80 attendees and remain an opportunity for fellowship, good meals, and ongoing community engagement.

The IAM Retirees Club extends warm holiday wishes to all and looks forward to welcoming even more members in the new year.