The IAM Wood Pulp & Paper Council (WPPC) organized its annual Chillin’ & Grillin’ for GDA event virtually this year, holding a barbecue competition to raise funds for Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines (GDA | TLC). The event gathered 20 cooks and teams who competed in categories such as pork ribs and cook’s choice dishes.
According to the council, the fundraiser collected over $20,000 to support providing guide dogs and service dogs to individuals in need. “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 named Nina Flack as Grand Champion. Other winners included Matt Murdaugh in second place, Don Barker in third place, Dave Lehive as Pork Rib Champion, and Brandon Bryant as Cook’s Choice Champion. Regional Best of Territory winners were Nina Flack (Southern), Brandon Bryant (Western), Andrew Peltier (Midwest), and James Little (Headquarters).
Sponsors contributed significantly to the fundraiser’s outcome. The $5,000 Title Sponsor was International President Brian Bryant. Other major supporters at the $1,500 level included the IAM Wood, Pulp and Paper Council itself along with several IAM districts and territories.
Judges for the contest were Yvette Sheehan and LJ Brown from GDA | TLC, joined by Laura Ewan from the IAM Legal Department.
A raffle was also held during the event where all 33 entrants received prizes such as cutting boards, watches, merchandise from GDA | TLC, and items from Union Sportsmen’s Alliance.
