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America’s First donates $120,000 to three local charities
America’s First Federal Credit Union (AmFirst) announced today that it has raised $120,000 for three local charities throughout the 2019 calendar year.
Various representatives for the credit union — including employees and branch managers — presented American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Aletheia House and Sight Savers America with an equal split of total funds at a check presentation held today, Oct. 16, at AmFirst’s corporate headquarters.
“One of the core values of our credit union is to be an engaged community partner,” said Bill Connor, President/CEO, AmFirst. “Through our Community First program, we have teamed with wonderful organizations whose work is critically important to the quality of life we enjoy. We are proud to know that the funding we provide is enabling these worthy organizations to continue to fulfill their missions.”
Funds were raised as part of the America’s First “Community First” Campaign — an annual employee-driven fundraising initiative aimed at supporting local nonprofit organizations.
“The Community First Campaign means so much for the Alabama Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention,” said Marissa Grayson, Chair of Alabama Chapter, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “Not only has America’s First Credit Union raised an incredible amount of money to support our organization’s research, education, advocacy and support work, but their campaign has also helped raise awareness about suicide prevention and thus reduce the stigma associated with this issue. The money raised by America’s First will help us make important strides in our goal to reduce the suicide rate by 20 percent by 2025.”
Each year, AmFirst employees select three local charities to receive funds generated internally through numerous efforts such as bake sales, basketball tournaments, member donations, a golf tournament and a clay shoot.
“We are honored to have been selected by America’s First Federal Credit Union to be one of the three charities of choice for their 2019 ‘Community First’ campaign,” said Jeff Haddox, President/CEO, Sight Savers America. “Their employees worked tirelessly to raise funds for Sight Savers America, and we appreciate their hard work and generosity. Their support will allow more children in Alabama to receive the eye care they need so they can see well, read well and reach their full potential in the classroom and beyond.”
Since 2014, a total of $513,000 has been raised by AmFirst and donated to various nonprofit organizations across Alabama on behalf of the Community First Campaign.
“Many times, a funder will award Aletheia House funds for a very specific purpose or service. For instance, a veteran experiencing homelessness will be able to get assistance with employment preparedness training, employment placement assistance, employment tools and some transportation,” Gloria Howard, Chief Operating Officer, Aletheia House. “However, we will not be able to use grant funds to help them get clothes for an interview or dishes for an apartment we may help them find. AmFirst’s wonderful, generous gift, however, makes it possible for Aletheia House to provide these very basic needs for the men and women to who we owe so much.”
For more information on the Community First Campaign, visit AmFirst.org.
