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Supporting our local community is at the heart of the credit union movement. Guided by our shared People Helping People philosophy, our industry strives to create a better tomorrow for all in a vast variety of ways. Here in Maine, one of the biggest ways credit unions across the state show up and uplift their communities is by raising awareness and funds for Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger.
Each year at our annual Ending Hunger Results Luncheon, we celebrate the top fundraising credit unions—both in total dollars raised and in dollars raised per member. In 2024, two outstanding credit unions took first place in these categories. Atlantic FCU secured the first place spot for total dollars raised, bringing in an incredible $156,831.51, and Gardiner FCU received the first place recognition for highest per member contributions at $6.72 raised per member.
As we pass the halfway mark in fundraising for the Campaign’s 35th anniversary year, these two credit unions have shared valuable insight into the leadership, creativity, and dedication that drive their success in raising critical funds to put healthy, nutritious food into the hands of Mainers in need. Their innovative approaches and unwavering commitment may spark ideas to strengthen your own Ending Hunger action plan for the remainder of the year, helping us collectively reach—and surpass—our goal.
Staff Engagement
The team at Atlantic FCU shares that “having an engaged staff starts at the top. Our CEO, Scott Chretien, and all senior leadership set the tone, vision, and culture for Atlantic. The Campaign for Ending Hunger is a priority for Atlantic, and the establishment of the Atlantic Foundation demonstrates the credit union’s commitment to driving social impact in the communities we serve.”
They’ve seen firsthand how this kind of leadership inspires employees, fostering a culture of dedication and engagement. While the team divides and conquers various projects, their Ending Hunger Crew—a core group of passionate individuals—champions and supports the effort year-round. In their words, “Ending Hunger is a part of our culture.”
Gardiner FCU knows that teamwork fuels impact, approaching their Ending Hunger efforts with unity, enthusiasm, and a shared sense of purpose. Friendly internal competitions—like seeing who can sell the most tickets or raise the most money—not only keep the atmosphere fun and engaging, but also spark creativity and boost results. This spirit of camaraderie has become a key ingredient in their continued fundraising success.
Key Fundraisers
Creative and exciting initiatives are crucial to successful fundraising. Atlantic’s Calendar Sweepstakes is their signature fundraiser, operating from October through December—however, the team begins their hard work and planning in January to ensure they maximize their fundraising.
Gardiner’s biggest and best fundraisers include their cash calendars, “Summer Sweepstakes,” a craft fair, and ticket auction. In fact, 2024 was the first year they tackled coordinating both the craft fair and ticket auction and each were very successful.
Keeping Fundraising Fresh & Engaging Members
Coming up with new and innovative ways to raise money can be a challenge, but both credit unions are dedicated to furthering the Campaign for Ending Hunger’s mission through collaboration and detailed planning.
“The Atlantic marketing department has long-believed in the benefits of ‘purpose-driven marketing.’ Our annual ‘Swipe Out Hunger’ asks members to use their debit card, and when we reach one million ‘swipes,’ the Atlantic Foundation promises to donate $30,000 to Ending Hunger. It is about making the member a partner in achieving the goal. For ten years, the Portland Sea Dogs have been a partner with us. Every run scored by the Sea Dogs is another $10 to End Hunger in Maine. Keeping it fresh is the job of our marketing department, but the passion for Ending Hunger comes from individuals and the emotional connection that they feel.”
Gardiner’s team continues their tried-and-true fundraisers that they know their members love, but sometimes when numbers are a little lower than usual or there is extra time to fill on the calendar, they come up with new, fun ideas to “get [their] groove back.” For example, this past March, they tackled their first-ever “Pie an Employee for Pi Day.”
“This fundraiser was a HUGE hit with our members, and it took little to no effort on our end,” explained Anna Toman, Marketing Coordinator for Gardiner FCU. “At Gardiner FCU, we’re close with our members, and this was the perfect way to get them involved and pique their interest. Our members were the ones who got to decide who got pied! All they had to do was cast their votes by putting money into a jar. We even posted a video of our President getting pied, so they were able to see it happen. It was great, and our proceeds were way higher than we expected. We will definitely do this again in 2026!”
Gardiner has found their most successful fundraisers tend to be ones where members have a chance to win, noting “whether it’s a new grill, money, or a goodie basket, members like the excitement of buying a ticket to support a cause while also getting the chance to win something too! Kind of like good karma. We make sure to hype up the prizes and post a lot about our fundraisers on our social media platforms, and all over our lobby.” Atlantic has found similar success in offering prizes to members, explaining that winners will often donate their prize money back to the Campaign.
“We also keep members engaged by having our ongoing fundraiser called ‘Friday Franks’ where one of our employees sits in our lobby and sells hotdogs. We’ve been doing this for the past year or so, and members love it! It’s also an opportunity to chat with members about why we are doing this, and how important the Campaign is.”
Recognition as a Top Contributor
Being recognized as a top credit union fundraiser—in any capacity—is an honor and true testament to the power of collaboration. Atlantic shares that “being able to make significant contributions to more than 20 food pantries is truly meaningful. We see the impact of our efforts and that continues to motivate us every year.”
Similar feelings are felt by Gardiner FCU’s employees who “are incredibly proud of both our members and our staff here at the credit union! We are one of the smaller credit unions, so it feels amazing to be recognized. We have such a great community here in the Gardiner area. Our members are loyal, generous, and love to participate and give back. We feel so lucky!”
Advice for Growth and Success
The League asked both credit unions what advice they would give to a fellow credit union aspiring to strengthen or grow its Campaign for Ending Hunger efforts.
“Remember your ‘why,’” offered Atlantic FCU. “If you haven’t yet had or taken the opportunity to visit local pantries, make it a priority, and invite staff to join. Talking directly with the volunteers and those in need, while seeing firsthand what they experience, fuels the need and desire to offer help, and in turn, it also fuels the desired results.”
Gardiner’s Toman added that her “best advice would be to have fun with it! Think outside the box, and don’t be scared to switch up your fundraisers or add new ones into the lineup. You never know what will be popular with your members unless you try. I also believe that sharing is caring! Sometimes it can be hard to come up with idea after idea. Check in on your fellow Maine credit unions to get some inspiration if you need it. We’re all on the same team with the same goal!”
The League is deeply grateful for the hard work and dedication of every Maine credit union working to fight hunger in our communities. Each contribution—whether big or small—moves us closer to our goal.
We extend special thanks to Atlantic FCU and Gardiner FCU for their standout leadership in 2024 and for all they have contributed this year to support the Campaign for Ending Hunger, setting an inspiring example for credit unions across Maine. Together, we look forward to finishing the fundraising year strong, striving to reach our shared goal of raising $1.35 million in honor of the Campaign’s 35th anniversary.