Wright-Patt Credit Union's (WPCU) Sunshine Community Fund presented two $114,262 checks each to their most recent Sunshine Community Champions, Alzheimer's Association Miami Valley and Junior Achievement Dayton, on Monday, July 23, 2018.
Over the years, WPCU partner-employees have personally raised over $1M to benefit the following organizations: Ronald McDonald House of Dayton, Dayton Children's Hospital, March of Dimes, Fisher/Nightingale Houses, Gala of Hope, Crayons to Classrooms, United Rehabilitation Services, Habitat for Humanity, and Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley.
“WPCU's Sunshine Community Fund gives our partner-employees the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to our community by raising funds for outstanding organizations that work hard every day, just like we do," says Tracy A. Szarzi-Fors, Wright-Patt Credit Union's Vice President of Marketing and Business Development. “Our number one goal is to make a lasting difference in the communities we serve and allow our partner-employees to drive that success."
The WPCU Sunshine Community Fund is an employee-driven initiative. From October 2017 through June 2018, the Sunshine Committee hosts numerous events and fundraisers to raise money for the selected Sunshine Community Champions. One of the largest fundraising events was our annual golf outing that included WPCU's business partners participation which raised over $100,000.
The funds will be used by Alzheimer's Association to help develop a military task force to build awareness and advocacy for veterans with PTSD. Junior Achievement will help build students' self-efficacy and allow them to improve their circumstances by changed behaviors related to financial responsibility, educational attainment with career readiness, and entrepreneurship.
These Sunshine Community Champions were chosen by WPCU's Sunshine Committee, after reviewing several applications and an extensive interview presentation. Applications for 2018-2019 Sunshine Community Fund Champions are now closed. For more information and details about Wright-Patt Credit Union's Community Fund and sponsorship initiatives, visit www.WPCU.coop/SunshineCommunityFund.
About the Sunshine Community Fund
The Sunshine Community Fund's name was derived from Wright-Patt Credit Union's “people helping people" philosophy that has been around since the beginning in the 1930s. Back then, times were hard for everyone and those who didn't work didn't get paid. Government workers on today's Wright-Patterson Air Force Base joined together to contribute 25 cents a pay period to help a fellow coworker who was ill and in need of financial support, until he could return to work. Recognizing a good idea, they decided to continue the “Sunshine Fund," a shoebox located in the nurse's office, to help one another during tough times. In 1932, the fund evolved and is now known as Wright-Patt Credit Union.
About the Sunshine Community Champions
Alzheimer's Association Miami Valley provides optimal care and services to individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related illnesses to their families and caregivers. Their goals are to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. To find out more about the Alzheimer's Association, please visit www.alz.org/dayton/
Junior Achievement is the nation's largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their futures, and make smart academic and economic choices. Their purpose is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy. To find out more about Junior Achievement, please visit www.juniorachievement.org
About Wright‐Patt Credit Union
Established in 1932, Wright‐Patt Credit Union is a member‐owned, not‐for‐profit financial cooperative proudly serving Central and Southwest Ohio with over 360,000 members and $4.0 billion in assets. As a cooperative, Wright‐Patt Credit Union joins members together, pooling financial resources to meet the needs of all. The pooled resources provide the capital to run a strong and efficient operation. Wright‐Patt Credit Union is headquartered in Beavercreek, Ohio, and has 31 Member Centers throughout Southwest Ohio and the Columbus Area. Wright‐Patt Credit Union's mission is to help people through life by allowing members to achieve a greater degree of economic independence. Visit Wright‐Patt Credit Union's website at www.wpcu.coop for more information.