Press
United Federal Credit Union Gives $2,000 to the Marvin Picollo Therapeutic Pre-School Playground Project
RENO, NV (June 24, 2013) United Federal Credit Union (UFCU) is helping the Marvin Picollo School realize its dream of building a new and improved playground for students. Serving physically- and cognitively-challenged children since 1974, the school is in urgent need of new, more sophisticated playground equipment. UFCU is donating $2,000 towards the project.
“The school depends upon its volunteers and community-giving to offer students a safe environment to learn and excel,” said UFCU VP of Member Relations Nevada, Danny DeLaRosa. “We’re excited to step up to the plate to help the school meet its goal for a new playground.”
The Marvin Picollo playground and new ADA-approved (Americans with Disabilities Act) equipment will accommodate the unique exercise requirements of its students, as well as promote cognitive development. Children will experience the joy of swinging and sliding, but also benefit from the physical therapy the equipment will provide.
Using an array of surfaces, levels, and balance supports, students will work to develop their mobility. Specialized equipment will also serve various occupational therapy needs, including the development of fine motor skills, where students learn to grasp and manipulate objects.
The Marvin Picollo project was selected as the annual community project by the Reno Chamber Leadership Reno-Sparks (LRS) program. Through this unique and comprehensive program, LRS develops current and future leaders with approximately 30 professionals participating this year.
“The goal is to provide training for leaders and increase awareness of the challenges facing their neighborhoods,” explained UFCU Branch Manager, John Ahdunko. As a member of the LRS class of 2013, Ahdunko believes in the values of the program and has seen, firsthand, the impact it makes. “LRS is a powerful experience, not only for the receiving organization, but for participants who learn true integrity and leadership skills,” said Ahdunko.
Each year, LRS participants bring a variety of talents to accomplish one core project. Together, they blend their skills to create and implement one vision for the undertaking, which cultivates leadership skills and reinforces their roles as upstanding professionals.
On behalf of UFCU, Ahdunko has played a key role in raising funds for the playground. After fundraising is complete, including corporate sponsorships as well as a live and silent auction, Ahdunko anticipates LRS will have raised more than $100,000 for the playground initiative, a much higher figure than original estimates.
On August 22, 2013, UFCU, other contributors, community officials, and Mayor Bob Cashell will be on-hand for a ribbon cutting ceremony introducing the new playground. “Parents and children will be present to see their school re-energized with this wonderful equipment,” added DeLaRosa. Sponsors of various levels will also be recognized.
Community participation is a core value for UFCU. “We strive to meet the needs of all the areas we serve,” concluded DeLaRosa. With more than 23 locations nationwide, each UFCU branch reaches out to help make their communities a better place.
About UFCU
United Federal Credit Union has served its Members since 1949 by helping them to build a sound financial future. UFCU consists of more than 118,000 Member/owners worldwide, and manages assets in excess of $1.5 billion. Its corporate offices and main branch are located in St. Joseph, Mich., with additional branches in Arkansas, Indiana, Michigan, North Carolina, Nevada, and Ohio. UFCU has been named the Michigan Credit Union League Outstanding Credit Union of the Year 2013.
About The Marvin Picollo School
Located in Reno, Nev., the Marvin Picollo School was established in 1974 to serve students with special needs. Now, with a student body of approximately 120, the school is proud to offer a normal school environment along with an exceptional learning experience. It’s estimated that 70 percent of the students eventually return to a regular school environment, a testament to the school’s teachers and staff.