State’s credit unions announce fundraising record for ending hunger in 2012

    PORTLAND — Recently, Maine’s Credit Unions made a major announcement before a packed crowd of about 100 credit union staff and guests on the success of their efforts towards “thawing” out hunger in Maine in 2012 at the Thaw to End Hunger Results Celebration Event. At this annual event, credit unions were recognized for their success in raising the most funds ever for the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger, and the official, record-breaking total was announced. This year’s total funds raised was $471,744.42, an increase of nearly $25,000 over last year’s record. Through buying power, the funds will enable food pantries and hunger organizations to purchase nearly $7 million worth of food to help Maine’s hungry.  

Contributed photo

PUTTING AN END TO HUNGER — From left, Luke Labbe, chair of the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger Social Responsibility Committee, Diane Parola and Darcie Burch, both of Maine Highlands FCU, which has branches in Brownville, Dexter, Dover-Foxcroft, Greenville and Guilford, Jonathan Edwards, legendary musician, and John Murphy, president of the Maine Credit Union League, pose for a photo at the 2012 Maine CUs’ Campaign for Ending Hunger Results Celebration Luncheon. Maine Highlands FCU placed in the Top 10 in total funds raised and the top 10 in per member contributions.

    Maine Highlands FCU, which has branches in Brownville, Dexter, Dover-Foxcroft, Greenville and Guilford, placed in the top 10 in total funds raised and per member contributions for the 2012 campaign.
    “The generosity of the nearly 627,000 credit union members in Maine is extraordinary,” explained John Murphy, president of the Maine Credit Union League. “This marks the seventeenth consecutive year that the Campaign has raised a record-setting total. To raise nearly a half a million dollars this past year is especially remarkable in such a challenging economy.”
    The luncheon event featured an address by Jonathan Edwards, a top-selling and enduring musician who has had multiple hits over the years including a Top 5 song, “Sunshine.” Edwards not only gave remarks about the importance of giving back, but also helped unveil the 2012 total and presented certificates to all credit unions in attendance. He concluded the event with a very special musical performance.  
    Edwards, who now lives in Cape Elizabeth, said he is “so touched by the sense of community and willingness to help others that Maine credit unions have captured through this campaign. It is really impressive and I am honored to be a part of it. Thank you for spreading some ‘sunshine’ to the problem of hunger in Maine.” Edwards has participated in providing songs to a couple of recent CDs that have raised funds for the campaign.  
    Since 1990, the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger has now raised $4.8 million to help end hunger in Maine, 100 percent of all funds raised stay in Maine and go directly to the cause of ending hunger.
    Formed in 1938, the Maine Credit Union League is the State Trade Association for Maine’s 61 credit unions and nearly 627,000 members, 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.