A golf tournament held by members of the local rail labor community raised money to help raise, train and provide guide dogs across the country.
On the banks of the Tennessee River, the IAM Union District 19 tournament raised around $65,000 for Guide Dogs of America Tender Loving Canines, which “provides service animals that help individuals achieve greater independence and improve their quality of life,” said GDA | TLC Vice President Zack Gittlen.
The dogs are “modern-day miracles” for many people who rely on them for mobility, companionship and daily assistance, Gittlen said. One example highlighted at the tournament was Paxton, a guide dog who helps young people process grief and loss and develop healthy coping skills at a facility in Huntsville.
The annual fundraiser was a powerful reminder that when working people come together in support of a worthy cause, the impact reaches far beyond the golf course.
Jonathan Battaglia