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Every year at the Annual Ending Hunger Luncheon, top-fundraising credit unions are recognized alongside credit unions who donate the most volunteer hours in three distinct asset categories. At the culmination of this year’s celebration, the League’s Social Responsibility Committee agreed to implement a fun, new opportunity to acknowledge the creativity that goes into fundraising efforts for the Campaign for Ending Hunger all year long.
A brand-new award will be presented at the 2026 Luncheon to the credit union who facilitates the most creative Campaign fundraiser in 2025—will that be you?
Objective of the New Award
Credit unions across Maine work tirelessly to plan and execute fundraisers in support of the Campaign throughout the year. Between having portraits taken by professional photographers, themed balls and activities, unique tournaments, competitions to pie managers in the face, and many more imaginative ideas, credit unions are not lacking creativity. The objective of this award is to recognize unique credit union efforts to raise awareness and funds for the Campaign regardless of fundraising totals. Credit unions of any size can submit their most creative fundraiser(s) for consideration.
How Will the Winner Be Chosen?
Obtaining a chance at winning this new award is easy; simply fundraise throughout the year and submit your favorite fundraiser for consideration at the end of the year. A form will be open on the League’s website throughout the month of November, allowing credit unions time to complete their nominations. In the first week of December, the Social Responsibility Committee will receive the compiled submissions and will take the month of December to vote anonymously for their favorite concept. A special award will be presented to the winner at the following Luncheon, with recognition for some of the top creative submissions.
What Counts for a Submission?
To help with submissions, a few simple guidelines have been created for credit unions to consider as they plan this year’s Campaign fundraisers and decide which effort(s) to nominate for this award:
- Any fundraiser concept that benefits the Campaign for Ending Hunger qualifies. Profits raised must not be split between multiple philanthropic efforts.
- Any credit union can submit their fundraiser concept regardless of how much money was actually raised. Creativity is what counts!
- Credit unions can submit multiple entries if they wish.
- The League’s Social Responsibility Committee will vote anonymously on their favorite submission. The Committee also retains the ability to submit on behalf of their credit union and can vote for themselves (one vote per Committee member).
- Brief submissions must include:
- A short summary detailing the concept of the fundraiser and its goal/objective
- When the fundraiser takes/took place (ongoing fundraisers that take place throughout 2025 can be submitted, even if they have not concluded by the time the submission process begins)
- The structure of the fundraiser (how it was operated, who was involved, how many volunteers were needed, etc.)
- What makes this fundraiser unique and creative; what sets it apart?
Questions?
Our League hopes to honor the work done at your credit unions to raise awareness about the Campaign and the realities far too many hungry Mainers face every day. If you have any questions about this new award initiative, please contact Lauren Simonds at lsimonds@mainecul.org.