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 relationship with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Hampshire for more than eleven 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 illnesses. 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 2006, the Social Responsibility Committee established a goal of raising $135,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Hampshire and presented a check for $157,000 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Hampshire at the Richard D. Mahoney Credit Union Charity Golf Tournament on June 21, 2007 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 $900,300 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 2007-2008 fundraising effort is now underway and the Committee is diligently working hard to achieve the new goal of $140,000! This fundraising year is special in that the credit unions will reach a new milestone by raising more than $1 million for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Hampshire.
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!
Past Top Fundraising Credit Unions
- 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
2006/2007 Credit Union Fundraising Levels
Titanium Level - $10,000
- Bellwether Community Credit Union
- New Hampshire Federal Credit Union
- Northeast Credit Union
- Service Credit Union
- Triangle Credit Union
Platinum Level - $5,000 - $9,999
- Merrimack Valley Chapter
- Holy Rosary Credit Union
- MembersFirst Credit Union of N.H.
- St. Mary's Bank Credit Union
Gold Level - $2,500 - $4,999
- Granite State Credit Union
- Gropaco Federal Credit Union
- Guardian Angel Credit Union
Silver Level - $500 - $2,499
- Monadnock Chapter
- Northern Chapter
- New Hampshire Postal Credit Union
- Seacoast Credit Union
- St. Joseph Hospital Employees Credit Union
- Union Leader Employees Credit Union
- Upper Valley Community Credit Union
- Woodlands Credit Union
Bronze Level - $100 - $499
- Cheshire County Federal Credit Union
- New Hampshire Community Federal Credit Union
- Precision Credit Union
- Salmon Falls Community 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 14, 2007 - Official Adopt-An-Angel Program Kick-Off
- Mid-November thru December - Adopt-An-Angel Program
- December thru March - Hebert Candy Bar Sale
- February 9, 2008 - New Hampshire Credit Union/Make-A-Wish Night at Manchester Monarchs
- June 19, 2008 - Richard D. Mahoney Credit Union Charity Golf Tournament - Canterbury Woods Golf
Course
- August 2, 2008 - New Hampshire Credit Union/Make-A-Wish Night at the 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 3.5 million pins sold have helped raise more than $20 million for 8,000 organizations.
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 for Make-A-Wish.
Here's how the program works:
- A minimum order of 60 pins is required at a cost of $7.50 per pin.
(Suggestion: an order of 60 pins could be divided among several credit unions).
- Payment for pins required in advance prior to shipping pins.
- Orders are packed and shipped directly to each credit union.
(If order is divided among several credit unions, shipment will be sent to one credit union only).
- Sell pins for $15.00 each making $7.50 per pin for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Hampshire.
- Make proceeds check for Make-A-Wish Foundation payable to New Hampshire Credit Union League and send to Nancy Nadeau, Bellwether Community Credit Union, 425 Daniel Webster Highway, Manchester, NH 03104.
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 2008 operating season (mid June to Labor Day). Consignment tickets offer park admission at a substantial savings! The tickets are sold on consignment for $27.00 (cost $24.00 and $3.00 donation for Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Hampshire). Last year, many credit unions took advantage of this program and raised more than $3,500 in 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. With over 85 rides, games, and attractions Canobie Lake Park has something for everyone in the family – even those who are looking for BIG thrills. 2007’s addition of the Xtreme Frisbee delivers a heart pounding experience on a giant spinning Frisbee as it soars over 60 feet high! Spending time at Castaway Island brings out the kid in all of us. Enjoy the coolest place at Canobie, with over 150 ways to get wet including 33 platforms, 9 waterslides, 8 bridges, waterfalls, water guns, a tipping bucket and much more. Looking for something more relaxing? Take a cruise on the Lake aboard Canobie Lake Park’s own Blue Heron. Thrills even come “pint-sized” in Kiddie Land where tots can have the time of their lives on rides like the Merry-Go-Round, the Helicopters, or the Fire Engines. They can even take a spin on the Dragon Coaster. With an all new show line-up for groups of all ages that includes Bob the Builder, JUMP! The Ultimate Dog Show, and Soul Man back by popular demand, a day at Canobie Lake Park is filled with endless possibilities.
Canobie Lake Park will consign discount admission tickets valid any operating day throughout the 2008 operating season. Consignment ticket benefits include:
The tickets are sold on consignment for $25.00 (Cost $23.50 and $1.50 donation for Make-A-Wish). Last year, many credit unions took advantage of this program and raised more than $1,200 in ticket sales for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Hampshire.
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!
NHCUL and Make-A-Wish Kick Off Adopt-An-Angel Campaign 
Make-A-Wish child ambassadors who have been granted various wishes were joined by family members, credit union representatives, and Make-A-Wish volunteers as they presented decorated paper angel cutouts to local firefighters for the kick-off celebration of the Adopt-An-Angel campaign on November 14, 2007. The first angels are given to firefighters by a Make-A-Wish child to symbolize that both giver and receiver, in their own way, are heroes facing life-threatening challenges every day. The angels feature the story of a New Hampshire child who faces a life-threatening medical condition and the certain wish he or she was granted as they cope with medical treatments.
The following children presented decorated angels for the firefighters: Brendan (9), Berlin Fire Station; Emily (9), Concord Fire Station; Hunter (6), Derry Fire Station; Sarah (7), Keene Fire Station; Faith (8), Hailey (6) and Stephanie (16), Manchester Fire Station; Anna (6) and Krystin (17), Nashua Fire Station; Alex (7) and Hannah (8), Portsmouth Fire Station; and Teagan (7), Rochester Fire Station.
The event was covered by the media across the state and was featured on the evening news of WMUR-TV 9.
The 2007 Adopt-An-Angel campaign continued through December 31 and featured a new angel this year. If you have any questions, please contact Donna Bevilacqua at the League, dbevilacqua@cucenter.org or (800) 842-1242.
Hebert Candy Bar Sale 
The League has continued its sale of Hebert Candy Bars and extended it from December thru March. This continues to be a popular fundraiser for each year and has made many chocolate lovers who visit their credit union on a weekly basis very happy. 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 40 assorted, 52 assorted, 80 of any one of the many varieties, or the Hebert Chocolate Candy Mansion.
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 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.
Ryan, who has been 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.
Between the second and third period of the game, League Social Responsibility Committee Chairman John Young and Make-A-Wish Foundation CEO Julie Baron were interviewed on WGIR. John and Julie spoke about the special partnership between the two organizations and the many events that the League sponsors in support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Hampshire.
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 that attended.
The Committee will plan another game night in February 2009. Details will be sent to all credit unions in November 2008. 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
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 2007, 144 golfers and more than 40 sponsors combined to make the tournament a tremendous success. A check for $157,000 was presented to the Make-A-Wish Foundation at the end of the day. This year's tournament will be held on June 19, 2008 at Canterbury Woods Golf Course in Canterbury, NH. The tournament has been named in memory of Richard D. Mahoney, who initiated the relationships 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.
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.
New Hampshire Credit Union/Make-A-Wish Night at the Fisher Cats
“Take me out to the ball game…take me out with the crowd…buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack…” a tune recognized by most and one that everyone looks forward to as a sure sign that summer is on its way. In a team spirit of supporting the local “boys of summer,” the New Hampshire Credit Union League’s Social Responsibility Committee has added a new summer fundraiser to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Hampshire.
The Committee has arranged Saturday, August 2, 2008, to be New Hampshire Credit Union/Make-A-Wish Night at the NH Fisher Cats (Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays) baseball game against the Connecticut Defenders at the MerchantsAuto.com Stadium in Manchester. The game will begin at 7:05 p.m. Following the game, a special Atlas Fireworks Show will light the sky inside the stadium located along the banks of the Merrimack River. The New Hampshire Fisher Cats are proud to serve the entire state of New Hampshire; and since their inception in October of 2003, they have been dedicated to bringing affordable, family entertainment to the Granite State.
Prior to the game, the Social Responsibility Committee will present the special “One Million” check to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Hampshire. Several wish children will meet and greet some of the players and have the chance to throw the first pitch.
The tickets are $8.00 – Box Seats (cost $5.00 and $3.00 donation for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Hampshire. These tickets are not sold on consignment.) Credit unions have several options when purchasing tickets. Here are just a few ideas:
- Give tickets to employees and make it a night at the ballgame as a fun summer outing.
- Raffle tickets each week to employees and/or members.
- Sell tickets to employees and/or members.
If your credit union would like to purchase tickets for the New Hampshire Credit Union/Make-A-Wish Night at the New Hampshire Fisher Cats for August 2nd, please contact Donna Bevilacqua by June 17 by e-mail – dbevilacqua@cucenter.org or by phone at (800) 842-1242.
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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