Olympic champion swimmer Mark Spitz inspired millions of Americans when he won seven gold medals in the 1972 Olympics in Munich, Germany.
Last week, Maine's credit unions and their members inspired Spitz when the Maine Credit Union League announced a record-breaking $622,933 that was raised by the state's credit union members during the 2015 Ending Hunger Campaign. What's more, the record amount of funds raised was more than $70,000 greater than last year's record-breaking total.
"What you are doing to help your fellow citizens is amazing and awe-inspiring," Spitz said, who was the guest speaker at a celebration luncheon in Freeport, Maine last week.
Recommended For You
"Though swimming is mostly an individual sport, I always felt more inspired when I was part of a team, such as the relay, and the teamwork shown through this campaign is pretty special," he said. "Collectively, your team has accomplished great things for Maine people, and I am proud and honored to be here today to help you celebrate. You are true champions."
The 66-year-old sports icon retired from the competitive swimming scene following the 1972 Munich Games and ran a successful real estate firm in Beverly Hills, Calif. He also became a popular motivational speaker, according to Biography.com.
Philanthropically, Spitz is active in supporting several charities that address the problems of hunger and poverty through his work with The Lareus Sport for Good Foundation, according to the Maine league.
Since 1990, the Maine Credit Unions' Campaign for Ending Hunger has raised $6.5 million to help end hunger throughout the state.
"The generosity of the more than 665,000 credit union members in Maine is extraordinary," John Murphy, president/CEO of the Maine league, said. "Hunger affects communities in many ways, however, credit unions use it as a chance to change lives and put forth the credit union philosophy of 'people helping people.'"
Murphy added, "As we celebrate the close of another year of the campaign, we are humbled by the remarkable efforts each credit union has made to make their communities a better place. Every cent raised in this campaign goes directly to helping Maine people of all ages – adults, teenagers and young children. These funds will help people who otherwise may not have had enough to eat have food and that is pretty great."
© 2025 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.
Peter Strozniak
Credit Union Times reporter covering credit union operations, fraud, M&As, leagues, business continuity, and breaking news.
