BILLINGS, Mont. – Not satisfied with last year's record breaking $7,000 net sale of Credit Union Advocacy Council (CUAC) raffles to benefit Montana Credit Union Network's state and national advocacy efforts, credit unions throughout the state this year set a new record. From January through April, Montana credit unions raised $34,116 in the annual CUAC raffle, selling raffle tickets to members for chances to win one of eight prizes. Funds raised from the raffle are also used towards contributions to CULAC and to local legislative races. Montana FCU took the highest honor of most dollars sold. The CU's staff was divided into teams and sold $8,055 worth of raffle tickets at $2 a ticket. MFCU VP and CUAC Trustee Mike Bruskotter offered up his head – actually his hair – as an incentive for staffers to sell $8,000 worth of tickets, a nearly 400% increase over the CU's 2004 sales. Bruskotter's head was shaved at a staff appreciation party by the winning team of credit union staff who sold $2,567 worth of tickets. Other top sellers of raffle tickets were Sky FCU, $6,421; Avanta FCU, $6,348; Bear Paw CU, $3,365; and Rocky Mountain CU, $2,671. Avanta FCU and Bear Paw CU also took honors for the most dollars sold per member. The "Rookie of the Year" award was given to Flathead CU in recognition of it being the most successful first time participant. The CU sold $213 worth of raffle tickets. MCUN said past efforts by Montana credit unions have allowed them to be the highest percentage contributor to CULAC or all CU leagues, reaching up to 380% of their goal. -

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