CU News and Events – August Edition

September 5, 2024 |

Credit unions closed out summer in a big way, celebrating members, Best Places to Work in Maine designations, local charities, and the final days of the sunny season. With ample events, offerings, and engagements at every credit union, communities felt the love all month long. Our League provides an inside look at what some of our credit unions were up to in the month of August. 

  • Acadia FCU wrapped up their member appreciation pop-up events, where they offered free food to members at each branch location over the span of a few weeks. 
  • Atlantic FCU encouraged attendance at the 10th Annual Drive Out Cancer Tournament hosted by the Mt. Ararat field hockey team, where local teams competed in support of the Maine Children’s Cancer Program. 
  • It was announced that Bangor FCU was a sponsor of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Maine’s Red Shoe Run & Walk 5K event. Over $11,000 was raised for this important charity. 
  • Brewer FCU collected school supplies for the Brewer Community School. 
  • Capital Area FCU’s community caterpillar continued to gain legs during the month of August as more donations were received—all in support of Special Olympics Maine.
  • Casco FCU hosted its 7th Annual Ride to End Hunger on August 3 and raised over $5,400 for Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger! 
  • Central Maine FCU alerted members about a fraudulent text messaging scheme to protect them from falling victim to this scam.
  • To help the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Central Maine Community College’s scholarship program, Community CU’s leadership team played in the 24th Annual Knapp Morrison Scholarship Scramble. 
  • Connected CU’s branches collected pet supplies to benefit their local animal humane societies, the Humane Society Waterville Area and the Kennebec Valley Humane Society. 
  • cPort CU supported MaineHealth’s Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital at their first-ever Portland Sea Dogs Cornhole Tournament, where proceeds from the event will directly help patients and families receiving treatment at the hospital. 
  • The Gray Wild Blueberry Festival saw friends from Cumberland County FCU hosting a tent and a challenge to guess the cash in the jar for a chance to win a $100 Gray Shop n’ Save gift card. 
  • On National Financial Awareness Day, Dirigo FCU reminded members on social media that the credit union is committed to helping them take charge of their financial health.
  • Downeast CU hosted a Youth Challenge for a chance to win $100. The Challenge, which was geared towards teaching youth members about credit, was open to members aged 13-21. 
  • Eastmill FCU wrapped up their participation in the Campaign for Ending Hunger Sweepstakes. 
  • Good Shepherd Food Bank saw some love and support from Heidi, Michelle, Lindsey, and Kristy from Empeople CU, who managed to pack up six pallets of boxed food for communities in Maine. 
  • Evergreen CU was invited to attend the Scarborough Land Trust’s Broadturn Farm Bash, expanding on their relationships in the Scarborough region after opening their new branch earlier this year. 
  • Five County CU spent time visiting with the community at the Topsham Fair. Staff members offered balloons to people who stopped by the credit union’s tent to say hello.
  • Franklin-Somerset FCU began collecting school supplies for their local schools in August and are carrying the initiative into September.
  • Gardiner FCU coordinated a school supply cart where they collected timely donations to benefit local area schools. 
  • Great Falls FCU excitedly moved into the next phase of the construction project at their Minot Avenue branch location. 
  • HRCU sent best wishes to two beloved employees this August. First, Donna Claveau retired after 23 years with the credit union, 18 of which she spent as the Executive Assistant to the CEO. Rosemary Shields also retired after 24 years, most recently serving as the EVP & COO. Congratulations and best of luck in the next chapter, Donna and Rosemary! Thank you both for your many years of service. 
  • This summer, Katahdin FCU sponsored the Millinocket Memorial Library’s Summer Reading Program, which had the theme of Read, Renew, Repeat. The Program ran from June 21 to August 16.  
  • Members of KSW FCU could purchase Cornhole Board Raffle tickets in-branch throughout August. A winner was drawn at the end of the month to receive KSW-branded cornhole boards and a set of cornhole bags. All funds were directed to the Campaign for Ending Hunger and Special Olympics Maine. 
  • KV FCU shared tips online with members on how to save money and budget for important college expenses, such as housing, textbooks, and transportation.  
  • A team from Lighthouse CU volunteered time helping the Saco Meals Program. Every month, the credit union sends a team to help prepare and serve meals. 
  • On Kindness Day, which took place on August 8, Lincoln Maine FCU offered fresh popcorn and donut holes and collected donations for the Eastern Area Agency on Aging Meals on Wheels program. 
  • Lisbon Community FCU hosted a chocolate candy bar fundraiser for the Campaign for Ending Hunger.  
  • Katie and Kadyn from Maine Family FCU volunteered at the High Street Congregational Church’s food pantry, packing and distributing over 70 boxes of meals for those in need. 
  • With fraud an ever-present threat, Maine Highlands FCU shared important information on their website with steps for members to take if impacted by a data breach. 
  • Maine Savings FCU held their 5th Annual Cruise-In on August 31 complete with food; music; and a showcase of cars, trucks, and motorcycles. All event proceeds supported the Campaign for Ending Hunger. 
  • Maine State CU was a proud sponsor of MaineGeneral’s Day of Hope, an event that honors those fighting cancer and supports cancer care. The credit union donated $2,500, which will help the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care provide crucial services to patients. 
  • Taylor, Beany, and Katherine from Midcoast FCU spent weekend time volunteering at the Midcoast Youth Center’s “Set for Success” event at Morse High School in Bath, helping organize the donations and set up stations for students to receive backpacks and other important school supplies. In total, the event helped over 650 students! 
  • Milestones FCU updated the book offerings in their Little Free Library. 
  • In hopes of benefiting the Campaign for Ending Hunger and Special Olympics Maine, New Dimensions FCU offered strawberry shortcake for $5 each at their Skowhegan and Waterville branches. 
  • NorState FCU joined the Aroostook County Action Program for their Back-to-School Bash, excitedly wishing students a great school year ahead. 
  • OTIS FCU held its annual yard sale to benefit the Campaign for Ending Hunger and brought in over $2,300 for the cause! 
  • Oxford FCU helped local teachers gear up for the school year by giving away VISA gift cards. 30 teachers were randomly selected and provided either a $200 or $100 card.
  • Penobscot County FCU wished Mark Cates a happy retirement after 17 years serving the credit union. Best wishes in your retirement, Mark, and thank you for your dedication! 
  • Throughout the month, PeoplesChoice CU hosted a Member Appreciation BBQ at each branch location, gathering with members to eat delicious food, play games, and win prizes. 
  • Charlotte, Flo, and Tiffiny from Sabattus Regional CU represented the credit union at the 29th Annual Norm Nolette Golf Tournament at Poland Spring Golf Course on August 22. Credit unions rallied together this year to raise funds for the Campaign for Ending Hunger and helped this event officially reach $1 million raised in its 29 years! 
  • On August 5, the Saco Meals Program saw their largest crowd since reopening from COVID-19 in 2022. Saco Valley CU sponsored the dinner and sent a team to help plate and serve over 150 meals. 
  • Seaboard FCU participated in Hermon Recreation’s Summer Sizzler on August 17, with their popular lemonade stand and face painting booth. In total, the credit union raised over $480 for the Campaign for Ending Hunger. 
  • Sebasticook Valley FCU hosted a yard sale on August 11 at their Newport branch location. Proceeds benefitted the Campaign for Ending Hunger.
  • Tony Lahey joined The County FCU as their new Chief Financial Officer. Tony is a Caribou native and has volunteered with many community organizations and councils over the years. Welcome, Tony! 
  • Town & Country FCU teamed up with the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland (ARLGP) in August to celebrate DOGUST—a month-long annual partnership where the credit union spotlights a dog up for adoption every Thursday through social media. In addition, the credit union contributed $200 in conjunction with each of the five dogs spotlighted in support of ARLGP. 
  • Trademark FCU’s April, Systems Analyst II, celebrated a remarkable 35 years with the credit union in August. Her coworkers appreciate that she always makes their lives easier, goes above and beyond, has an innovative approach, and committed to exceptional service. Congratulations, April, on this milestone and thank you for serving your members! 
  • As part of their Buxton branch’s reopening, TruChoice FCU made a $500 donation to Buxton Recreation as a way to show their thanks for what the organization does for the community. 
  • On August 28, University CU and CU Insurance Solutions partnered for the 2nd annual Biggest Little Golf Tournament at Seacoast Adventure in Windham in support of Special Olympics Maine. They also hosted a second leg of this event on September 3 in Bangor for the northern part of the state to expand fundraising and participation opportunities. 
  • In support of the Winthrop Community Fund, Winthrop Area FCU held a back-to-school raffle in their branch.