Bay Federal Credit Union employees fulfill commitment of 100% community service in 2017
Five most active team members awarded with surprise $100 to donate to the charity of their choice
CAPITOLA, CA (January 22, 2018) — Bay Federal Credit Union’s more than 220 employees have continued their streak of 100% community support every year since 2002. In 2017, every one of the talented local people who work for the Credit Union donated their own money and/or volunteered to support numerous non-profit organizations and community events.
Employees were provided with 40 opportunities to give of their time or money throughout the year, embracing the credit union philosophy of People Helping People throughout Santa Cruz County and beyond. They stepped up to raise funds for local organizations, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Cruz County, Children’s Miracle Network, and Second Harvest Food Bank. They also supported the American Red Cross and the Mexican Red Cross with their disaster relief efforts following major natural disasters in California, across the U.S., and Mexico.
In total, the Credit Union raised $72,567.28 for 20 relief efforts and non-profits, and team members volunteered an estimated 2,046 hours. Watsonville Branch Manager/Assistant Vice President Laura Owen was one of the most involved employees, participating in 30 events and/or fundraisers throughout 2017.
“Leaders like Laura motivate our team members and get them excited about volunteering their time to improve the quality of life in the beautiful place we call home,” said Carrie Birkhofer, Bay Federal president and CEO. “I truly appreciate all our employees’ commitment to making a real difference in our community.”
In celebration of their commitment, Bay Federal awarded Mrs. Owen and four other employees who were the most involved with Credit Union-sponsored opportunities offered in 2017 with recognition and a surprise $100 donation to the non-profit of their choice. Tonée Picard, Alicia Flores, Dawn Wingert, and Jason Stidham filled out the top five spots. Among their selections, the employees chose to donate to LEO’s Haven, Pajaro Valley Shelter Services, and CASA of Santa Cruz County.
Bay Federal Credit Union presents Melissa Gross, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Program Director at Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital Foundation, with a check for $22,426.69 on Thursday, June 8, 2017.
Bay Federal Credit Union team members, including Watsonville Branch Manager/AVP Laura Owen (second from right) volunteered at the Capitola Art and Wine Festival, which supports numerous athletic programs in the area.
Bay Federal Credit Union staff and President and CEO Carrie Birkhofer (third from right) volunteered with United Way of Santa Cruz County for its annual Stuff the Bus campaign, which provided backpacks filled with school supplies to homeless and underprivileged children. The event was held at the Santa Cruz Warriors’ Kaiser Permanente Arena with mascot Mav’Riks on hand to get everyone excited.
About Bay Federal Credit Union
Bay Federal Credit Union is a full-service, not-for-profit financial institution that serves over 86,000 members and 2,400 local businesses throughout Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey counties. With more than $1.6 billion in assets, Bay Federal is the largest member-owned financial institution in the region. The organization has been proudly serving its members and the community since 1957. Bay Federal is a certified Community Development Financial Institution, with a primary mission of promoting community development alongside their financial activities. Bay Federal has an award-winning employee volunteer program in which employees have given their own money and volunteer for numerous local schools, nonprofit organizations, and community events each year.
