IAM District 19 recently held their sixth annual Guide Dogs of America/Tender Loving Canines charity golf event, raising more than $70,000 for the Machinists Union’s favorite charity. The tournament brought together 92 golfers and many volunteers at the Chattanooga Golf and Country Club in Tennessee.
“I want to thank District 19 President Mike Perry and his tremendous staff and all the volunteers for again hosting a great event which will better the lives of those in need,” said Transportation General Vice President Sito Pantoja. “Guide Dogs of America has always held a special place in my heart, and I cannot express enough gratitude, especially in these trying times, to all the Machinists who donated their time and money to make this year’s event such a success.”
“District 19 has taken great pride in hosting an annual Guide Dogs of America event,” said District 19 President Mike Perry. “I thank GVP Sito Pantoja for his continued support and for attending and speaking at the event. We are very fortunate to have so many caring members and volunteers who have made this event special each year.”
Guide Dogs Graduate and Machinist Phillip Whitcher and his companion, Virgil, were the honorary guests at the tournament. Whitcher gave a heartwarming speech about how the GDA and Virgil have changed his life for the better.
At the beginning of last year, GDA completed a merger with Tender Loving Canines, and now provides hardworking service dogs for people who are blind/visually impaired, veterans, individuals with autism, and facilities to become trusted companions that bring confidence, independence, and mobility. Their services are provided free of charge to residents in the U.S. and Canada.
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