Machinists Local 751-C doubles down for Guide Dogs

TULALIP — Machinists Union Local Lodge 751-C has doubled down its fundraising efforts on behalf of Guide Dogs of America. 

The local lodge raised more than $18,000 with its Feb. 16 “All in for Guide Dogs” Hold ‘Em Tournament, which was held at the Tulalip Resort Casino.

That’s almost twice the amount Local 751-C raised at its first poker tournament in 2012.

This year’s tournament attracted 150 players.

“We had a great tournament,” said Local 751-C President Ron Coen. “Our committee members worked hard, we had some really good sponsors and the people at Tulalip Resort Casino were once again great to work with.”

All proceeds from the tournament go to Guide Dogs of America, the California-based charity that provides guide dogs and training free of charge to people who are blind or have impaired vision from across North America.

Local 751-C is affiliated with Machinists Union District Lodge 751, which is the top fundraiser for the charity. Over the past four years, District 751 volunteers have raised more than $1 million for Guide Dogs of America, including a record $299,000 in 2012.

Originally formed in 1935 to represent hourly workers at the Boeing Co., District Lodge 751 of the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers now represents more than 33,000 working men and women at 49 employers across Washington, Oregon in California. Last year, union members donated more than 10,500 hours of community service and raised nearly $299,000 for charity.

For more information on District 751, read the Machinists News.