The following was written by Ken Raymie, President & CEO of Generations Federal Credit Union and San Antonio Sports board member.
In honor of our 80th anniversary this year, the team at Generations Federal Credit Union decided to underscore our legacy of community service in San Antonio by stepping up our commitment in the 2020 San Antonio Sports Corporate Cup Charity Challenge. Our Member Engagement team established a fundraising committee made up of volunteers throughout the organization to lead the effort. The committee began collecting food and clothing items in February. Big plans were in the works when the stay home order was issued in March. Suddenly, all branch lobbies were closed. Member service delivery transitioned to drive-thru, phone and online channels, with support teams moving to work remotely.
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The fundraising committee soon returned in full force, meeting online to brainstorm creative ways to continue supporting local charities. Here are a few of the ways they continued engaging team members in our Charity Challenge (click here to read more):
- We partnered with the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center to host blood drives in June and July, collecting 47 units of blood. An additional drive is slated for August. We promoted this event with Facebook Live shows, inviting partners from San Antonio Sports and the STBTC to share the need for community partnership during this crisis.
- A virtual Lotería Night, with employees participating at $5 per card, and a social-distance bake sale together raised $600 for the Food Bank.
- In lieu of gifts, team members donated $325 online to San Antonio Sports (with GFCU receiving credits) in honor of a colleague’s birthday.
- Employees have committed over $4,000 through one-time or ongoing payroll deduction, contributing to specific charities or designating the funds be allocated where most needed. Our initial participation goal was surpassed, and currently 24% team members are donating funds through payroll deduction.
Our fundraising committee will next host a company-wide, bracket-driven contest to Smash or Splash fellow team members – everyone can nominate contestants with a $5 donation, and final winners can opt to get smashed in the face with a pie, or splashed in a dunking booth. At the same time, we’ll host a school supply drive to benefit Boys and Girls Clubs of San Antonio.
I am especially proud of the efforts from Generations team members because of the energy and commitment shown by this lean, efficient team of just under 200 employees. Our Committee Members lead by example rather than by title, and through their actions, enthusiasm and generosity.