The IAM Wood Pulp & Paper Council (WPPC) organized its annual Chillin’ & Grillin’ for GDA Virtual BBQ Competition to support Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines (GDA | TLC). This year’s online event featured 20 participants who competed in barbecue categories such as pork ribs and cook’s choice, aiming to raise funds for providing guide and service dogs.
“Our cooks, sponsors, donors, and judges made this event a true success,” said IAM Wood, Pulp and Paper Council President Matt Murdaugh. “The passion and generosity that make this tradition so meaningful.”
The competition awarded Nina Flack as Grand Champion. Other top finishers included Matt Murdaugh in second place and Don Barker in third. Dave Lehive was recognized as Pork Rib Champion, while Brandon Bryant took the Cook’s Choice Champion title. Best of Territory awards went to Nina Flack (Southern), Brandon Bryant (Western), Andrew Peltier (Midwest), and James Little (Headquarters).
Sponsors played a key role in the fundraiser’s outcome. The Title Sponsor at $5,000 was International President Brian Bryant. Other notable supporters at the $1,500 level were the IAM Wood, Pulp and Paper Council, IAM District W2021, IAM District W24, IAM Air Transport Territory, Employee Benefit Systems, and the IAM Southern Territory. Additional sponsors and donors also contributed.
Judges for the event included Yvette Sheehan and LJ Brown from GDA | TLC as well as Laura Ewan from the IAM Legal Department.
All 33 raffle entrants received prizes such as cutting boards, watches, GDA | TLC merchandise, and Union Sportsmen’s Alliance items.
