Press

Pen Air FCU employees celebrate giving $200k to local charities

PENSACOLA, FL (February 23, 2018) — The employees of Pen Air Federal Credit Union (Pen Air) celebrated giving more than $200,000 to local nonprofits since 2013, when the Jeans for Communerosity (J4C) program began.

Pen Air employees celebrated the milestone though “I Wear Because I Care” week, which took place February 12 – 16 through various events and activities including a puppy kissing booth with SouthBARK Animal Rescue on Valentine’s Day, an entire week of jeans, an ice cream social, a “200 Reasons Why We Love Our Community” cards display at the corporate location, a thank you video from impacted charities, and employee videos sharing why they give their time and treasure.

The favorite activity amongst the employees was the “Pay It Forward for a $1,000 Surprises”. Each day of the week an employee who participated in the J4C payroll deduction program was selected to be surprised with a presentation check made out for $1,000 and left blank for the employee to choose a local nonprofit to pay it forward. The five nonprofits that were selected to receive $1,000 were: Autism Pensacola, CanHOPE Pensacola, Council on Aging of NWFL, Gulf Coast Kids’ House, and SouthBARK Animal Rescue.

A social media contest was also held throughout the week, allowing followers to comment a local nonprofit they would pay it forward to for $200. The five nonprofits that were selected to receive $200 each were: Autism Pensacola, Pensacola High School IB Program: Buddy Bench Project, Phoenix Rising Rescue, Rally Pensacola, and Supporting Educational Enrichment in Daphne’s Schools.

“I Wear Because I Care” week was specifically selected during the Valentine’s holiday to allow the employees to show their Communerosity spirit and love for their community. At the end of the week more than $211,000 has been given to date through J4C.

J4C is an employee-driven fundraising effort to give back to those in need in the community. Each year, Pen Air employees nominate local, nonprofit organizations to be voted on as recipients of this philanthropic program. Funds are raised through payroll deductions and J4C days. The funds raised by the employees are matched by Pen Air and divided equally among the voted charities for the year.

The 2013 – 2017 J4C were: Alzheimer’s Family Services, Covenant Hospice, American Cancer Society – Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, ARC of Baldwin County, Bay Area Food Bank, Beacon Shelter for Women & Children, Care House Child Advocacy Center, Children’s Home Society of Florida, Covenant Hospice, Dogs on Deployment, Loaves & Fishes Soup Kitchen, Magic Moments of AL, Pensacola Breast Cancer Society, Pensacola Humane Society, Ronald McDonald House Charities of NWFL, SouthBark, Truth for Youth, and Veteran’s Advocacy Council.

The 2018 J4C Charities who will each receive $5,000 are: Baldwin County Child Advocacy, Covenant Care, Magic Moments of Alabama, myBELONGINGS, Prodisee Pantry, Ronald McDonald House Charities of NWFL, SouthBARK Animal Rescue. By the end of 2018, more than $246,000 will be given back to the community through the program.

“It is rewarding to see the collective impact that our employees are making through their generosity,” said Stu Ramsey, President/CEO of Pen Air. “By giving their time, talent, and treasure – they truly are enhancing lives.”

About Pen Air Federal Credit Union

Since 1936 PenAir Credit Union has been the catalyst where community, resources, and impact come together and produce a powerful force for good. With more than $2.8 billion in assets, our purpose is to enhance the lives of those we serve, from Mobile, Alabama, to Tallahassee, Florida. Visit www.penair.org to learn more.