Security Service Federal Credit Union President Jim Laffoon (right) and Manager of Business Development Letha Harrelson (left) presented the check on behalf of the Foundation to Gloria Delgado, president/CEO of CCCSSA (center).

SLFCU CEO Todd Mashaw said, "Mr. Remington's work is a timeless testament to the spirit of the American West. We are proud that our donations can help the Museum continue to share his art with new generations," said SLFCU CEO Todd Mashaw.

The $113 million United Educational Credit Union of Battle Creek, Mich., recently awarded $2,500 to Valley View Elementary School and Springfield Middle School in Battle Creek, and another $2,500 to Lakeland Elementary School in Coldwater. The grants were awarded as part of the credit union's Bright Ideas Partnership Program, which helps fund innovative and unique educational programs that do not fall under current educational budgets.

Brad Crandall, CU Companies president/CEO, poses with the food items his employees collected to win the CUSO challenge.

At Lakeland School, Fifth Grade Teacher Jayne Harris submitted a request for "Picture Books for Literacy Practice." Her program was entitled CAFÉ, which is an acronym for comprehension, accuracy, fluency and expanded vocabulary. Students in the target group were ESL students, with many coming from low socio-economic homes where increasing literacy is a priority.

Valley View Elementary School and Springfield Middle School were the joint recipients of the other grant supporting the Bearcat Robotics Program. The program is a continuation of a four-year program that began with introductory and advanced robotics clubs at Valley View and the competitive robotics team at Springfield.

Despite collecting more than 3,000 food items, CU Alliance did not win the CUSO challenge. Pictures with the donations is CU Alliance President/CEO Adrian Dominguez.

UFCU also donated $2,500 to the St. Joseph Public Schools Foundation, sponsoring its recent American Girl® Fashion Show fundraiser. Approximately $25,000 was raised from the two-day event held at St. Joseph High School. Only 65 organizations nationwide are selected to host the event, and, as required by American Girl®, 100% of net proceeds are used to support student initiatives. More than 900 people attended three shows, which featured 75 young ladies from across Michigan modeling clothes from the retailer's Christmas catalog. Myriad fashions were represented, including historical and contemporary styles. Attendees also enjoyed refreshments, special drawings, and learned how clothing has changed to reflect history, culture, and individual style.

North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory (front, center) poses with the 2013 Governor's Award of Excellence winners.

The $1.57 billion United Federal Credit Union of Holland, Mich., contributed $1,500 to the Children's Advocacy Center of Ottawa County, Holland, Mich. for its recent 8th Annual Bids and Bites Gala Event. Bids and Bites is the center's premier fundraising event, attended by more than 250 business professionals, business leaders, child advocates, and community members. Since 1998, the Children's Advocacy Center has provided care and support to child victims of sexual abuse and their families. The Bids and Bites event funds many of the center's programs and services throughout the year.

"Many of these families have nowhere else to turn," said Holland South Branch Manager Sarah Unem. "At UFCU, we want to be there for the kids in our community and a resource to the non-profits that serve them. Our credit union's community and team spirit resonates everywhere. I'm thankful we could offer our financial support."

Through SECU Foundation's sponsorship of the 2013 Governor's Awards for Excellence, members of the $25 billion State Employees' Credit Union of Raleigh, N.C. members helped honor 18 individuals and a state agency for their extraordinary accomplishments and dedicated service to the state. Held at the North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh and hosted by the Office of State Human Resources, awards were presented by Thomas Stith, Governor Pat McCrory's chief of staff and Neal Alexander, director of the Office of State Human Resources. Awards included the categories of Customer Service, Efficiency & Innovation, Human Relations, Outstanding State Government Service, Public Service, Safety and Heroism and Spirit of North Carolina. The Award is the highest honor bestowed upon a state employee.

The $512 million Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union of Pensacola, Fla., made a $15,000 donation to MANNA Food Pantries during the annual Fill the Mayflower event. The donation was presented to MANNA Executive Director DeDe Flounlacker and MANNA Board President Jay Bradshaw by Gulf Winds President/CEO Chris Rutledge and Gulf Winds board members.

The $7.6 billion Security Service Federal Credit Union of San Antonio, through its Security Service Charitable Foundation, selected Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Greater San Antonio as the recipient of a $5,000 donation. The funds will be used to provide financial education classes to help low- and moderate-income families create budgets, manage their debt and help resolve other financial issues. The Security Service Charitable Foundation helps to further SSFCU's corporate goal of community service by contributing to deserving organizations and causes in the credit union's market areas.

Three CUSOs challenged each other to a month-long food drive to benefit their respective local food shelves. The employees of the Houston-based CU Alliance partnered with employees from the Knoxville, Tenn.-based CU Community to compete against staffers at CU Companies, based out of New Brighton, Minn. to donate the most goods. CU Companies won the challenge, collecting 7,661 food items.

"It was a fun way to educate our organizations about our peers," said Larry Jackson, CU Community president and COO. "CUSOs play an important role in the financial industry and our friendly competition was a simple way to help everyone see that a larger movement exists."

CU Companies' items were donated to the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf. CU Community's items were donated to The Love Kitchen and Knoxville Area Rescue Mission. CU Alliance's items were donated to Cy Hope.

"Competition aside, we know our contributions are helping a lot of people and it's fun to see our employees stepping up and giving what they can for these great causes," said Brad Crandall, CU Companies president/CEO.