SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Each credit union is an integral part of the community it serves, whether that community is made up of cities and towns, a workplace or a community formed by people who share an interest of some kind. Unlike for-profit financial institutions, credit unions are cooperatives that exist solely for the purpose of providing for the financial needs of their members. Therefore, it is quite easy to understand how naturally Social Responsibility comes to credit unions.
The League actively supports and encourages credit unions in their community outreach efforts. In support of those efforts, the League maintains a committee on Social Responsibility. The purpose of that committee is to develop a unified plan of social responsibility for the League through recommendations to the League's Board of Directors. That plan features programs and events that focus statewide efforts on designated charitable and community activities and that enhance the positive image of credit unions as well as the public's overall awareness of them.
Make-A-Wish
The League has established a very strong partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of New Hampshire for more than twelve years. Through a variety of events and activities, the Social Responsibility Committee through the League provides a vehicle through which the credit unions of New Hampshire can combine resources to address the wishes of children who face life-threatening medical conditions. To gain a better understanding of the fine work that this organization does, please visit their website at www.newhampshire.wish.org/.
Fundraising Goals
In September 2007, the Social Responsibility Committee established a goal of raising $140,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of New Hampshire and presented a check for $150,000 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of New Hampshire at the Richard D. Mahoney Credit Union Charity Golf Tournament on June 19, 2008 at Canterbury Woods Golf Course in Canterbury, NH. The Social Responsibility Committee worked diligently during the year to surpass that goal.
Since 1997, the credit unions of New Hampshire have donated more than $1,000,000 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of New Hampshire and have provided wishes for many children. The New Hampshire credit unions can be proud of the efforts that have been made in helping the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of New Hampshire bring smiles and joy to the world of special children, one child at a time.
The 2008-2009 fundraising is now underway as the Committee set a new goal of $150,000.
Credit Union Recognition Program
The Social Responsibility Committee established a special recognition program that recognizes all credit unions that reach a fundraising goal for the year. The fundraising goals are as follow: Bronze Level - $100-$499; Silver Level - $500-$2,499; Gold Level - $2,500-$4,999; Platinum Level - $5,000-$9,999; and Titanium Level - $10,000. In addition, one credit union is recognized as the top fundraising credit union of the year and receives a special plaque to be displayed at the credit union for the year. The top fundraising credit union is determined by the most dollars raised on a per member basis (December membership information is used). All contributions are included in the recognition program. Congratulations to Gropaco Federal Credit Union for being this year's top fundraising credit union for the fourth year in a row!
Past Top Fundraising Credit Unions
2008 – Gropaco Federal Credit Union
2007 – Gropaco Federal Credit Union
2006 - Gropaco Federal Credit Union
2005 - Gropaco Federal Credit Union
2004 - Union Leader Employees Credit Union
2003 - Gropaco Federal Credit Union
2002 - Gropaco Federal Credit Union
2007/2008 Credit Union Fundraising Levels
Titanium Level - $10,000
Merrimack Valley Chapter
Bellwether Community Credit Union
New Hampshire Federal Credit Union
Northeast Credit Union
Service Credit Union
Platinum Level - $5,000 - $9,999
Guardian Angel Credit Union
Holy Rosary Credit Union
MembersFirst Credit Union of N.H.
St. Mary's Bank Credit Union
Triangle Credit Union
Woodlands Credit Union
Gold Level - $2,500 - $4,999
Granite State Credit Union
Salmon Falls Community Credit Union
Silver Level - $500 - $2,499
Monadnock Chapter
Northern Chapter
Gropaco Federal Credit Union
New Hampshire Postal Credit Union
St. Joseph Hospital Employees Credit Union
Upper Valley Community Credit Union
Bronze Level - $100 - $499
Cheshire County Federal Credit Union
Cheshire Health Federal Credit Union
New Hampshire Community Federal Credit Union
Precision Credit Union
Seacoast Credit Union
Events
- Year round - Designs by Lucinda Pins
- June thru September - Water Country Discount Ticket Sale
- June thru September - Canobie Lake Park Discount Ticket Sale
- November 19, 2008 – Fire Station Meet and Greet Honoring Heroes
- Early November – Calendar Raffle program – new fundraiser
- December thru March – Candy bar sales (Granite State Candy Shoppe) – new product vendor
- June 18, 2009 - Richard D. Mahoney Credit Union Charity Golf Tournament, Candia Woods Country Club
- August 29, 2009 – New Hampshire Credit Union/Make-A-Wish Night at NH Fisher Cats
Designs by Lucinda Pins
Since 1998, Designs by Lucinda has been creating distinctive, hand-made pins for the purpose of bringing much needed financial help and awareness to non-profit organizations and their causes. To date, more than 2,279 pins sold in New Hampshire have helped raise more than $17,098 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of New Hampshire.
The program features many pins that are symbolically connected to the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of New Hampshire. The uniquely designed, one-of-a-kind, handcrafted pins make great gifts for any occasion especially during the holidays. However, credit unions can order any type of the hundreds of pins to sell to their members.
Here's how the program works:
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Donna Bevilacqua at 800-842-1242 or e-mail dbevilacqua@cucenter.org. Credit unions may visit the Designs by Lucinda website at www.lucinda.com.
Water Country….Have Some Fun!…Discount Ticket Sale
Are your members and employees looking for the ultimate experience in family fun this summer? If so, why not help them by getting involved with the Social Responsibility Committee's Water Country Consignment Ticket Sales.
Water Country will consign discount admission tickets valid any operating day throughout the 2009 operating season (mid June to Labor Day). Consignment tickets offer park admission at a substantial savings! The tickets are sold on consignment. In 2008, tickets sold for $27.00 (cost $24.00 and $3.00 donated to Make-A-Wish Foundation® of New Hampshire). Many credit unions took advantage of this program and raised more than $3,200 from ticket sales for the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of New Hampshire.
At New England's largest water park you will find 20 acres of fun, including 14 areas of excitement for the entire family. Giant Wave Pool; Racing Rapids & The Plunge; Adventure River; Double Geronimo; Triple Giant Slides; Expanded Kiddie Play Area; Double Dive Boggan; The Whirl Pool; Octopus Lagoon; Shoot & Screamer; Warp 8 & Black Hole; Thunder Falls & Wild Canyon Family Raft Rides; Pirates Lagoon; Tahiti Tree House.
If your credit union is interested in helping members find some excitement this summer, then contact Nancy Nadeau at Bellwether Community Credit Union at (603) 645-8181 or by e-mail to nancy.nadeau@bccu.org to order consignment discount tickets. This fundraising program is only valid through the League not through Water Country directly.
Canobie Lake Park Discount Ticket Sale
Are your members looking for a fun way to spend a family day? If so, why not help them by getting involved with the New Hampshire Credit Union League Social Responsibility Committee's Canobie Lake Park Consignment Ticket Sales during the summer months.
Canobie Lake Park first opened in 1902 and for more than 100 years has been the ultimate family amusement park. There are more than 85 rides, games, shows and attractions. Entertainment was added in 2006! "Do You Believe" a glamorous tribute to the female entertainer who has spanned decades with powerful pop hits. "Three Hot Tickets" takes you to the grand clubs of Paris, France; the sultry speakeasies of Old Chicago, and the jazz clubs of New Orleans! "Professor UnCanny" is a fun filled interactive kids' show starring a goofy silly hearted guy who is totally cool! He sings, dances, tells crazy stories and jokes, and even does AMAZING magic! Last year's newest attractions were Castaway Island with more than 150 exciting elements including 33 platforms, 9 water slides, 8 bridges, waterfalls, water guns, a tipping bucket and much more! Wipe Out, a spinning, undulating surfing experience complete with great sounding rock n' roll. The Skater, which is just like riding a skateboard.
Canobie Lake Park will consign discount admission tickets valid any operating day throughout the 2009 operating season. Consignment ticket benefits include:
- LOWEST individual admission price offered for any operating day, all day long (mid April - mid September)
- NO COST to the credit union. Pay only for the tickets you sell and simply return the unsold tickets at the end of the season (mid-September).
- Get to the FUN FASTER. Admission tickets are purchased ahead of time, so no waiting in ticket lines at the front gate.
- Great for employee or member INCENTIVES, member appreciation and departmental giveaways.
- PROMOTIONAL SUPPORT including posters and flyers to help advertise your program.
The tickets are sold on consignment. In 2008, tickets sold for $25.00 (cost $23.50 and $1.50 donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of New Hampshire.) Many credit unions took advantage of this program and donated more than $850 from ticket sales for the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of New Hampshire. The 2009 ticket price will be announced in late March.
If your credit union is interested in helping members spend a fun family day, contact Donna Bevilacqua at (800) 842-1242 or e-mail dbevilacqua@cucenter.org and your credit union will be enrolled in the New Hampshire Credit Union League's Canobie Lake Park Consignment Ticket Sales Program!
Fire Station Meet and Greet Honoring Heroes Day
Representatives from the New Hampshire Credit Union League, along with 15 Make-A-Wish® Foundation of New Hampshire children ambassadors who have been granted various wishes, were joined by family members, credit union representatives, and Make-A-Wish volunteers to meet firefighters throughout the state on November 19 to honor and thank them for all they do.
To thank firefighters, the wish children presented the firefighters with the first 2009 New Hampshire Credit Union League/Make-A-Wish Calendar Raffle to symbolize that both giver and receiver, in their own way, are heroes facing life-threatening challenges every day. The Calendar features two stories of New Hampshire children who face a life-threatening medical condition and the certain wish they were granted as they cope with medical treatments.
Wish children were treated to special fire station tours, fire truck rides, and one was named an “Honorary Firefighter.” The Berlin Fire Department surprised Wish Child Brendan with a ceremonial induction as an “Honorary Berlin Firefighter.” Many local dignitaries attended the induction ceremony including: Mayor David Bertrand, Senator John Gallus, City Manager Pat McQueen, and City Councilors Richard Lafleur, Mark Evans, and Tom McCue. Brendan’s grandfather Michael O’Connell, a Worcester, MA firefighter, surprised his grandson by attending the special event.
The League extends a special thank you for the support of all the credit unions that helped make this special day a great success for so many wish children and local firefighters. It is a Heroes Day they will never forget.
Fire Station Visits
Berlin Fire Station: Wish Children Brendan, Paige, and Chandler visited the Berlin Fire Station.
Concord Fire Station: Wish Child Brenden visited the Concord Fire Station.
Derry Fire Station: Wish Child Taylor visited the Derry Fire Station.
Keene Fire Station: Wish Child Nicholas visited the Keene Fire Station.
Manchester Fire Station: Wish Children Amelia, Hannah, Stephanie, and Zachary visited the Manchester Fire Station.
Nashua Fire Station: Wish Children Anna and Sarah visited the Nashua Fire Station.
Portsmouth Fire Station: The Portsmouth Firefighters visited with Wish Child Hannah at Service Credit Union’s parking lot with a tower truck due to construction at the fire station.
Rochester Fire Station: Wish Children Teagan and Barbara visited the Portsmouth Fire Station.
New Hampshire Credit Union League/Make-A-Wish 2009 Calendar Raffle
The Social Responsibility Committee made the decision to change the statewide holiday fundraising effort from the Adopt-An-Angel program to the 2009 Calendar Raffle in support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of New Hampshire.
It is the calendar that keeps on giving all year long with daily chances to win prize money! This calendar is very special. Like the angels, the 2009 Calendar features the story of two Wish Children, Rosie and Shayla, who recently had their wishes granted. The stories and photos serve as year-long reminders for all who enjoy providing special moments and memories for hundreds of children.
Here’s how the program works:
- Promote the 2009 Calendars for purchase to employees, members, and/or general public at $25.00 each for a chance to win cash prizes throughout 2009. (Purchaser must be 18 years of age or older).
- A maximum of 2,500 calendars will be sold.
- Prizes for the entire month are randomly drawn on the first Monday of each month; the following day in the event of a holiday.
- Drawings are as follows – One $500 winner each month; One $100 winner each week; and One $25 winner each remaining day. In addition, there are Two $250 early-bird drawings on December 15 and December 31, 2008.
- All winners will be notified by mail or telephone.
- Winners’ names will be returned to the pool for following months’ drawings.
These calendars make great holiday gifts even for the most difficult to shop for…and are only $25 for 367 chances to win!
If your credit union would like to receive a supply of 2009 Calendars on consignment to sell for the New Hampshire Credit Union/Make-A-Wish 2009 Calendar Raffle along with promotional posters, please contact Nancy Nadeau at Bellwether Community Credit Union by email – nancy.nadeau@bccu.org or by phone at (603) 645-8112.
Richard D. Mahoney Credit Union Charity Golf Tournament
The Richard D. Mahoney Credit Union Charity Golf Tournament is the culmination of the Social Responsibility Committee's yearlong fundraising efforts. In June 2008, 144 golfers and more than 40 sponsors combined to make the tournament a tremendous success. A check for $150,000 was presented to the Make-A-Wish Foundation at the end of the day. The tournament has been named in memory of Richard D. Mahoney, who initiated the relationship with the New Hampshire Credit Union League and the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of New Hampshire. "Naming the tournament after Dick is the least we could do to honor someone who gave so much of himself to charity and so much of his wisdom and commitment to the credit union ideal," said Daniel F. Egan, Jr., President, New Hampshire Credit Union League.
Save the date for the 2009 Richard D. Mahoney Credit Union Charity Golf Tournament. It will be held Thursday, June 18, 2009 at Candia Woods Country Club in Candia, NH.
If you have any questions regarding the tournament, please contact Paul Roy at Bellwether Community Credit Union at (603) 645-8181 or by e-mail to paul.roy@bccu.org.
Granite State Candy Shoppe Candy Bar Sale
The New Hampshire Credit Union League’s Social Responsibility Committee is promoting premium candy bars from Granite State Candy Shoppe located on Warren Street in Concord, New Hampshire.
Established and managed by the Bart family since1927, Granite State Candies has delighted customers for three generations. Today, Peter's (founder) original recipes are followed to the letter, using many of the original copper kettles.
Credit unions throughout New Hampshire can help make dreams come true for children with life-threatening medical conditions by purchasing $2.00 premium candy bars with custom Dream wrappers specifically for the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of New Hampshire from Granite State Candy Shoppe. The candy bars are great for sale or as giveaways to both members and staff at annual meetings, special occasions, appreciations, product promotions, etc.
Credit unions may order candy bars in cases of 72 of any one of the four varieties offered by Granite State Candy Shoppe.
For more information about this fundraiser, please contact Donna Bevilacqua at the League office at (800) 842-1242 or dbevilacqua@cucenter.org.
New Hampshire Credit Union/Make-A-Wish Night with the Manchester Monarchs
Six-year-old Ryan of Raymond, a Make-A-Wish Foundation® of New Hampshire Wish Child, dropped the first puck at the February 9, 2008 Manchester Monarchs hockey game against the Philadelphia Phantoms as part of the New Hampshire Credit Union League/Make-A-Wish night at the Manchester Monarchs. Social Responsibility Committee Chairman John Young, president/CEO, New Hampshire Federal Credit Union and Julie Baron, CEO, Make-A-Wish Foundation® of New Hampshire looked on as Ryan, dressed in his full hockey gear and accompanied by his brother Richard, dropped the puck. A portion of the ticket sales from the game goes to Make-A-Wish as part of the continued support from the League.
Ryan, who was diagnosed with vascular disease, was granted his wish to go to Disney World and meet Mickey Mouse last April. Despite his continued battle with his illness, he serves as a Wish Ambassador for the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of New Hampshire during its many fundraising efforts to help make other children’s wishes come true.
Ryan, his brother, and their father Miguel were given the royal treatment with a visit to the players in the locker room following the game. Both Ryan and Richard returned with autographs covered on their Monarchs hats. It was a special evening for them all and the many credit union employees and members that attended. The Social Responsibility Committee would like to thank all the credit unions that participated in this event. It was a night of fun and great hockey but the Monarchs lost to the Phantoms 3-2 in the final minutes of the game.
The 2009 New Hampshire Credit Union/Make-A-Wish Night at the Monarchs will be scheduled on March 7 – American Pride Night. Details will be sent to all credit unions in early January. Tickets will be available for sale by contacting Nancy Nadeau at (603) 645-8181 or by email nancy.nadeau@bccu.org.
If you have any questions about the event, please contact Donna Bevilacqua at 1-800-842-1242 or by e-mail at dbevilacqua@cucenter.org.
New Hampshire Credit Union/Make-A-Wish Night at the NH Fisher Cats
Four Wish Children threw the first pitch at the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Toronto Blue Jays affiliate) as part of the New Hampshire Credit Union/Make-A-Wish Night at the ballgame on Saturday, August 2, 2008. Despite the heavy rain prior to the start of the game which caused a half hour delay, approximately 400 credit union fans showed their support that evening for their home team as well as for the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Hampshire. Prior to the start of the game, fans were entertained by the music and singing of Social Responsibility Committee member Jack Crane from St. Mary’s Bank Credit Union and his friend Bob Desmarais in the Sam Adam’s Grille and Pub.
Corey, Stephanie, and brothers, Sam and Gabe, were on hand with New Hampshire Credit Union League Chairman John Young, League/Make-A-Wish Director Peter Kavalaukas, and Jason Tremblay from Make-A-Wish to display the million dollar check on the field. They met several of the players, threw the first pitch, stood on the field by a player’s side during the National Anthem, and received an autographed baseball from a player.
During the evening, several volunteers from Bellwether Community Credit Union and Granite State Credit Union worked a concession stand as well as sold 50/50 raffle tickets. A portion of the sales from the 400 tickets, the raffle, and concession stand were donated to Make-A-Wish on behalf of the New Hampshire Credit Unions. In total, more than $1,600 was raised that evening. At the 7th inning stretch, Brittany Collia, daughter of Woodlands Credit Union CEO Timothy Collia sang “God Bless America”.
It was a close game but the NH Fisher Cats held on to the one point lead and took the win 2-1 against the Connecticut Defenders (San Francisco Giants affiliate). What started as a questionable evening turned out to be a picture perfect night with the Atlas Fireworks Show which followed at the conclusion of the game. The crowd was in awe and cheered through it all.
The League extends a special thank you to all those who attended, as well as volunteered their time during the game. See you all next year at the ballgame…August 29, 2009.
Tickets will be available in late April. If you have any questions about the event, please contact Donna Bevilacqua at 1-800-842-1242 or by e-mail at dbevilacqua@cucenter.org.
National Credit Union Recognition Programs
The League and CUNA & Affiliates sponsor two programs annually for credit unions that are specifically designed to recognize exceptional examples of the good work that credit unions do in their communities. They are: the Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Recognition Program and the Louise Herring Award for Philosophy in Action.
The Dora Maxwell Award program honors the work of credit unions in the community, and the Louise Herring Award program recognizes the practical application of credit union philosophy in daily internal operations.
Since 1987, the Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Award has honored credit unions for their charitable works in their communities. Some credit unions have ongoing programs and establish a special relationship with local social service agencies or school programs. Other programs address many different needs in the community. No matter the size or scope of the project, each participating credit union builds its reputation as a good corporate citizen along the way.
Beginning in 1990, the Louise Herring Award for Philosophy in Action has commended credit unions that make exceptional efforts to include credit union philosophy in their daily operations and member service. Programs that provide financial education to particular member groups within the credit union or special assistance to low-income members struggling to pay heating bills, for example, are clear examples of the philosophy that sets credit unions apart from other financial institutions.
For additional information, please e-mail Donna Bevilacqua at dbevilacqua@cucenter.org or contact her at the League office at (800) 842-1242.
Individual Credit Union Charities
Credit unions throughout the state are making a major effort to support those less fortunate. Many imaginative and effective programs have been undertaken to support their communities. Credit unions have traditionally embraced the concept of "people helping people."
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