American Eagle donations will support youth soccer, animal cruelty prevention, and vocational training for adults with autism
Ellington and Coventry nonprofits selected to share over $27,500 in AEFCU’s latest round of “Cash Back to the Community” program
EAST HARTFORD, CT (July 6, 2021) — American Eagle Financial Credit Union (AEFCU) today announced the recipients of over $27,500 in donations from the latest round of the Credit Union’s popular Cash Back to the Community quarterly program. The second quarter’s winners—three nonprofits from AEFCU’s service area that were chosen by the local community—will each receive $9,187.
The newest winners of American Eagle’s Cash Back to the Community include Around the Worlds of Ellington, That Newfoundland Place of Coventry and Creative Living Community of Connecticut, which is based in Coventry. An impressive 2,448 votes were cast by AEFCU members and the general public during the two week voting period, determining which of the 215 local nominees would receive a financial boost from American Eagle to support their work in the community.
In total, AEFCU has donated $137,148 to nonprofits in AEFCU’s service area since the program’s inception, including $50,727 since the start of 2021.
“This was our strongest quarter since the Cash Back to the Community, program began, and we are so tremendously pleased with its continued growth and popularity,” stated Dean Marchessault, President & CEO of American Eagle Financial Credit Union. “What began as an idea on how we could give back to our community in a new, innovative way has morphed into one of the most engaging and successful chartable initiatives in our region. We congratulate and thank our latest winners for all they do for our members and community, and we want to encourage other organizations to remain or get involved in future rounds of this worthwhile program.”
Since January 2020, AEFCU has donated one percent of its credit and debit card interchange income to three nonprofit and/or 501(c)(3) organizations each quarter through the Cash Back to the Community program. Funding for the program is generated each time its members use an American Eagle Financial Credit Union credit or debit card. At the end of each quarter, one percent of the total interchange income – the fee paid for credit and debit card transactions – is distributed to the three top qualified nonprofits as voted on by a combination of the Credit Union’s members and the public.
Around the Worlds
“It’s a tremendous honor to have been selected as one of the Cash Back to the Community Q2 donation recipients,” shared Stephen Schirra, Founder of Around the Worlds. “Our free-of-charge soccer programs have provided children a welcome and much-needed escape from lives filled with immense trial and uncertainty. Our programs afford our young beneficiaries opportunities to learn, dream, and play—while allowing us to provide a safe space for them to do so. A contribution of this magnitude will foster that learning, amplify those dreams, and restore play during a time children need it most.” More can be learned about Around the Worlds at aroundtheworlds.org.
That Newfoundland Place
“Winning American Eagle’s Cash Back to the Community program is beyond exciting,” shared Catherine Derench, President of That Newfoundland Place. “Throughout the pandemic we been following our normal protocols of rescuing, vetting, rehabbing and placing dogs—and this generous donation will help us continue to provide these important services for our local community. We are grateful to American Eagle Financial Credit Union for their opportunity, kindness, and generosity!” More can be learned about That Newfoundland Place at thatnewfoundlandplace.org.
Creative Living Community of Connecticut
“This generous donation from American Eagle will enable Creative Living Community of Connecticut (CLCC) to expand our highly successful Greenhouse and Farming Vocational Program on our 10-acre farm in Coventry,” said Patrick Byrne, Executive Director of Community Living Community of Connecticut. “Our program provides training, educational opportunities, and engaging horticultural experiences for adults with Autism and intellectual or developmental disabilities. These funds will be used to grow and maximize our growing space in order to employ more adults with developmental disabilities and further serve our community.” More can be learned about Creative Living Community of Connecticut at creativelivingcommunityofct.org.
About American Eagle Financial Credit Union (AEFCU)
Established in 1935, American Eagle Financial Credit Union (AEFCU) is a full service credit union offering checking and savings accounts, credit cards, auto loans, mortgages, business accounts and more. American Eagle offers banking online, through its mobile app, or at one of its 14 branches located in Connecticut. AEFCU has more than 180,000 members, over $2.5 billion in assets, and offers banking services to anyone who lives, works, attends school, or worships in Hartford, Middlesex, Tolland, and New Haven County in Connecticut, and Hampden County in Massachusetts. For more information about American Eagle Financial Credit Union, visit www.americaneagle.org.
