The IAM Wood Pulp & Paper Council (WPPC) recently held its annual Chillin’ & Grillin’ for GDA Virtual BBQ Competition, raising over $20,000 to support Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines (GDA | TLC). The event was conducted online and featured 20 cooks and teams preparing a variety of barbecue dishes, including pork ribs and other specialties.
Funds raised from the competition will help provide 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.”
This year’s Grand Champion was Nina Flack. Matt Murdaugh took second place, while Don Barker placed third. Dave Lehive earned the Pork Rib Champion title, and Brandon Bryant won Cook’s Choice Champion. Regional Best of Territory winners included Nina Flack (Southern), Brandon Bryant (Western), Andrew Peltier (Midwest), and James Little (Headquarters).
Sponsors played a significant role in supporting the fundraiser. The $5,000 Title Sponsor was International President Brian Bryant. Other notable supporters at the $1,500 level included the IAM Wood, Pulp and Paper Council itself along with several IAM districts and territories as well as Employee Benefit Systems.
Judges for the competition were Yvette Sheehan and LJ Brown from GDA | TLC, along with Laura Ewan from the IAM Legal Department.
All 33 raffle participants received prizes such as cutting boards, watches, GDA | TLC merchandise, and items from Union Sportsmen’s Alliance.
