Credit unions tee off on hunger

Rain may have postponed the Maine Credit Union League’s annual convention Golf Tournament for Ending Hunger from its original date, but the second time proved the charm, as the tournament was held recently under sunny skies with record-setting results.

Out of the original sold-out field of 160, 120 golfers participated in the 18-hole scramble at Val Halla Golf Club in Cumberland. At day’s end, the real number that mattered was $22,000, a new record for the fundraiser, was raised for the 2006 Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger.

Area credit unions participating were Bangor FCU in Bangor, Brewer FCU in Brewer, EMMC FCU in Bangor, Maine Savings FCU in Hampden, Seaboard FCU in Bucksport and University CU in Orono.

“We were pleased to be able to find a date that worked for most people so we could hold the event. The event is about people helping people, a core philosophy of the credit union movement, and this was once again a true example of that philosophy and of the collective effort on the part of credit union staff and directors to help end hunger in Maine,” said Dave Sayers, president and CEO of Casco FCU and chairman of the league’s social responsibility committee, which helps to coordinate the fundraising campaign.

The funds raised from the tournament came from greens fees, sponsorships and a silent auction. The total was a $4,000 increase over last year’s record-setting amount of $18,100. All of the funds will be contributed to the 2006 Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger.

The top three teams in both low gross and low net received plaques. For low gross, first-place was Acadia Auto Auction of Newburgh, followed by Atlantic Regional FCU of Brunswick, Topsham and Freeport; and University CU Team No. 1 of Orono, Bangor and Portland.

In the low net category, first-place honors went to PeoplesChoice CU of Biddeford, Wells and Sanford, University CU Team No. 2 of Orono, Bangor and Portland; and Casco FCU of Gorham and Westbrook.

Since 1990, the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger has raised more than $2 million to help end hunger in Maine, including a record-setting $251,000 in 2005. All funds raised stay in Maine and directly benefit the more than 130,000 Maine people who otherwise would go hungry.

Founded in 1938, the Maine Credit Union League is the State Trade Association for Maine’s 72-affiliated credit unions providing a variety of services and products to assist credit unions in meeting the needs of their membership. For more information, visit www.mainecul.org.