Donations, dedication and devotion create a successful year of giving and thousands of lives changed
Credit union earns prominent Tampa Bay Business Journal’s 2016 Corporate Philanthropy Award
TAMPA, FL (December 12, 2016) — College students struggling to pay tuition; families in need of a dose of cheer and gifts during the holidays; single moms desperate for reliable transportation; organizations racing for a cause and a cure—they all benefit from the unwavering support of GTE Financial. The credit union that believes in “people helping people” and giving back to its community is proud to announce today that it won the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s 2016 Corporate Philanthropy Award in its category; Bigger (101-500 employees) and the highest honor of the evening the Benefactor of the Year award.
“Giving back is what we do, it’s why we exist and we’re so honored to have received this prestigious award,” says Brian Best, president and CEO of GTE Financial. “Our employees are so passionate about our charitable initiatives and it gives them a strong sense of pride knowing they are making a difference in the community in which they live. We hope that what we do inspires other local businesses to do the same,” added Best.
GTE contributed more than $636,000 to nonprofits and charities last year, along with more than $51,000 in in-kind donations. GTE employees drive these fundraising efforts and donate their time, energy and resources. Every year, based on employee suggestions, GTE selects 12 monthly charities to support. In 2015, they supported numerous organizations, including The National MS Society, Junior Achievement, and the American Cancer Society. In addition to these charities, GTE sponsors charitable organizations through corporate partnerships, the GTE Cares program and its Holiday Charities campaigns.
In addition to the efforts of employees, the GTE Foundation, supported by GTE, provided $90,000 in scholarships to 36 local students. The credit union also maintains long-term partnership commitments to Junior Achievement, Boys & Girls Club, United Way and Wheels of Success.
Also, GTE has had positive impacts on children’s lives throughout the community with more than $100,000 contributed in continued financial support of the Boys & Girls Club of Tampa Bay over the years.
About GTE Financial
GTE Financial is a not-for-profit financial cooperative located throughout West Central Florida with $2.9 billion in assets and 23 Community Financial Centers. Chartered in 1935, GTE Financial is locally owned and operated in the Tampa Bay area, serving more than 230,000 individuals and businesses. For more information on GTE Financial, visit www.gtefinancial.org.
For more information, interviews, or media requests, please call (813) 644-7443 or email Savannah Cruz at pr@bkncreative.com.
