MECHANICSBURG, Pa.-After raising nearly $80,000 in contributions for NAFCU/PAC, Members 1st Federal Credit Union is a strong contender for the 2005 White Hat award. The White Hat goes to the NAFCU-member credit union that has raised the most funds for the trade association's political action committee throughout the year. At $79,461.34 raised, Members 1st FCU is aiming to win NAFCU's White Hat award for the third year running. However, the effort is not just about raising money, Members 1st FCU President and CEO Bob Marquette explained. "Members 1st is trying to show all credit unions that fundraising can be done, and it can be done fairly easily if you put a plan in place, and create some competition. I hope we have created some competition among credit unions to win the 2006 White Hat Award," he said. Members 1st FCU, with $1.1 billion in assets and over 111,000 members, raised the funds by selling NAFCU/PAC bears at its more than 25 branches. NAFCU Director of Political Affairs Murray Chanow said he would not reveal just yet who will win the White Hat award. He explained that a lot of credit unions send in one big check at the end of the year, so it is hard to say who will win. As of Dec. 16, NAFCU/PAC had raised about $205,000 in receipts, nearing their record, and made nearly $204,000 in contributions.