What started with a simple challenge by CUES and the $582 million CitizensFirst Credit Union has spurred others across the credit union industry to get soaked for a good cause.
Credit unions and their vendors have joined the national ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, pouring a bucket of ice water over their heads to raise money for charities that support victims of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. ALS attacks nerve cells, ultimately leading to paralysis. Countless celebrities and everyday people have participated in the trend.
Here is how the Ice Bucket Challenge works. Participants post videos of themselves getting soaked on Facebook, Instagram, Google+ or Twitter and nominate three others to do the same within 24 hours and make a donation of $10 per person, or $100 total. Those challenged can opt out of taking the icy bath and simply make a donation. Funds raised not only help further research for a cure but also go toward providing care for those living with the disease.
According to the ALS Association, the viral campaign has not only helped raise awareness but more than tripled donations raised during the same time period last year.
Here's a look at how those across the credit union industry have answered the call:
Watch: ALS hits home at Vermont FCU …
Vermont Federal Credit Union dedicated its Ice Bucket Challenge in memory of Vice Chairman Gilbert Tabor, who passed away in 2011 of ALS. In addition, the credit union will be donate $10 for each employee who completed the challenge, totaling more than $500 to the local ALS chapter.
Vermont Federal has also challenged New England Federal Credit Union, North Country Federal Credit Union and Vermont State Employees Credit Union to do the same.
Watch more: PCUA steps up …
During the Pensylvania Credit Union Association's Big Ideas Conference, President/CEO Patrick Conway accepted the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge from Bruce Foulke, CEO of American Heritage FCU. PCUA Board Chair Maria LaVelle had the honors of dumping the bucket of ice water on Conway, who then challenged LaVelle, SVP Mike Wishnow, CUNA Interim CEO Bill Hampel, CUNA Mutual Group CEO Bob Trunzo and John Longstreet, president of the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association. LaVelle fulfilled her challenge and called out Corinne Sherman, association SVP, Fee Services, Trumark Financial President/CEO Rick Stipa, Westmoreland Community Federal Credit Union COO Dennis McGowan and Sun East Federal Credit Union CEO Michael Kaczenski.
The team at Element Federal Credit Union took a page from Flashdance for its Ice Bucket Challenge and nominated The NCUA, Callahan & Associates and CU*Answers. Over in Alaska, Credit Union 1 took the challenge and in turn nominated AlaskaUSA Federal Credit Union SVP Corporate Administration Dan McCue and the entire team. Tobyhanna Federal Credit Union staff, management and members accepted the Ice Bucket Challenge in support of ALS research. In addition, a donation of more than $400 was made to alsa.org on behalf of the credit union. Mazuma Credit Union's entire executive and senior management team opted to do its Ice Bucket Challenge in waves. President/CEO Brandon Michaels was doused during the second wave. The team at Air Academy Federal Credit Union not only took the challenge but also donated $1,000 to the ALS Association. OMNI Community Credit Union also took the challenge to raise awareness for ALS and donated $1,000 to ALS research. Over in Chicago, First Financial Credit Union called out the Filene Research Instititute, CU*Answers and Chatter Yak!. Even CU Times' Social Media Director Myriam DiGiovanni took part after being challenged by CU Insight. We're waiting to see if others who have been nominated participate as well. In the meantime here are more Ice Bucket Challenge videos.Continue Reading for Free
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