Bay Gulf Credit Union, Tampa, Fla., has sent the Red Cross a check for $3,000 to assist victims of Hurricane Charley. President/CEO, William DeMare, challenged employees and volunteers with a dollar for dollar matching contribution from the credit union. The credit union collected $1,165, an average of almost $20 per employee. Antioch Schools Federal Credit Union, Calif., has recently initiated a program to raise funds to support the local Children's Miracle Network. The credit union sold candy safes and gumball banks to members, creating a $2.00 donation for every safe and bank sold. Their first donation of $150 benefited the Children's Hospital and Research Center in Oakland. Anitoch Schools FCU is continuing to raise funds to donate again in the future. Technology Credit Union, San Jose, Calif., has teamed up with the Resource Area for Teachers and The Family Giving Tree to help provide underprivileged children in the community with supplies for the new school year. By the close of Technology CU's campaign over 59 new backpacks were donated. Sharon Credit Union, Mass., has donated $1,000 to the Friends of the Sharon Dog Park. The funds will help finance an outdoor recreation facility that is being developed for local dogs and their owners. It is estimated the park will be an asset to the town's 1,800 dogs and their owners. The Sharon Dog Park will be located in an unused portion of Deborah Sampson Park and is set to open on Sunday, October 9, 2004. Vantage Credit Union, St. Louis, has raised $1,750 for the NFL St. Louis Rams' Robert Thomas Foundation. Thomas is middle linebacker for the NFL's St. Louis Rams and his foundation is dedicated to helping sick children at local children's hospitals. Staffers raised half the funds through an employee raffle for a chance to win a trip for two to travel with the St. Louis Rams to their game against the Atlanta Falcons. The remainder of the contribution was matched by the credit union. Visions Federal Credit Union, Endicott, N.Y., has worked in conjunction with the United Way's Day of Caring to sponsor a PX Supplies from Home drive. The supplies collected which include such indemand items such as small clip on flashlights, deodarant and toothpaste will be sent to soldiers stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Kent Credit Union, Ohio, staffers and members teamed up to donate blood for the local American Red Cross. The annual blood drive will assist in the recovery of some 66 people. Security Service Federal Credit Union, San Antonio, Texas, has recently honored San Antonio Children's Shelter workers with an appreciation luncheon. The Child Care Providers who are responsible for caring for the neglected and abused children in the community were treated to a full Italian meal. Recent overcrowding situations at the shelter have had the CCP's working diligently, struggling to find beds for needy children. This luncheon was a simple way for SSFCU to honor the providers for their hard work. In addition, SSFCU has donated $11, 576.11 to the Children's Shelter. The Telephone Credit Union, Cleveland, Ohio, has joined forces with the Brian and Joe Rainbow Radiothon to kick off this year's Children's Miracle Network Campaign. Staffers donated thier time and voices to answer phones and help out in any way. The Telephone Credit Union will continue to raise funds for the Children's Miracle Network through internal campaigns. CU Direct Connect, Denver, Colo., has raised $10,250 during a charity golf tournament benefiting the Colorado Credit Union League Foundation and First Tee of Denver. Over 60 credit unions and 20 credit union service providers were invited to the charity golf tournament held at Meridian Golf Club, and 120 players contributed to the charities. The mission of The Colorado Credit Union League Foundation is to educate credit union personnel, volunteers, and members about credit union related issues and operations and to increase awareness, promotion and development of credit unions and their communities. The Foundation also provides scholarships, grants and various educational opportunities. CU Direct Connect raised $8,450 for The Foundation. Connecticut Credit Union Charitable Foundation, Wallingford, Conn., has raised $30,690.28 during the 18th Annual Dick Abely Memorial Golf Tournament. Fifty percent of the funds raised will go toward the purchase of non-perishable food items that will be delivered to the Connecticut Food Bank and Hartford Food Share. The other 50% will be shared among local charities. In 2003, the Foundation donated a total of $74,122 to local food banks and charities. Bayer Federal Credit Union, Elkhart, Ind., has joined with the local public radio station, WVPE, to sponsor a community event at the local zoo dubbed Zoofari Friday. After park hours, local bands were on site to entertain the crowds and individuals were invited to tour the exhibits in the festive atmosphere. In addition, Bayer FCU played host to a picnic for employees of the credit union and their families. Some 200 employees attended the event.