$100,000 Ending Hunger Challenge Surpasses Collective Fundraising Goal


When faced with a challenge, credit unions always rise to the occasion. This October, the Campaign for Ending Hunger set out with an ambitious goal: raise $100,000 in 31 days to support local food pantries, Good Shepherd Food Bank, meal sites and a new hunger-relief initiative with Special Olympics Maine. With support from their members and volunteers, credit unions accepted this challenge in a big way!

While final fundraising numbers are still being tabulated, the League is pleased to announce this year’s Challenge was a big success. The Campaign secured $103,000 in donations from credit unions, Synergent, vendor partners, members, and employees—a huge feat in a short amount of time. Credit unions across the state also held events throughout the month. Our current tally from events alone is $51,498 and we anticipate this figure will grow even higher as credit unions finalize and report in their results. This means $154,498 was raised by the Campaign last month!

“I am thrilled with this year’s $100,000 Ending Hunger Challenge fundraising results,” said Jen Burke, League Assistant Vice President of Outreach and Communications. “Moving this monthlong endeavor to October was the right decision. Credit unions were energized this fall to raise money and critical awareness about hunger in our state. With the holidays just around the corner, our movement is going to be even better positioned to help local food pantries and soup kitchens feed Mainers in need. I am so grateful for the outpouring of support. Our League shares this success with each of our credit unions and with all those who contributed in some way.”

If your credit union held an event to benefit the Campaign for Ending Hunger during the month of October and has not shared your fundraising success with the League, please contact Burke at jburke@mainecul.org. Final fundraising results for both the $100,000 Ending Hunger Challenge and the Campaign’s collective efforts for 2024 will be announced in February during the annual Ending Hunger Luncheon. For those interested in planning ahead, the luncheon will take place in Freeport on February 10, 2025. Details and registration information will be shared soon.