The funds came from donations by CoVantage Credit Union members, staff and community members who responded to the Foundation’s 2019 Giving Tuesday campaign.

Giving Tuesday, which is immediately after Black Friday, is nationally recognized for charitable giving. The foundation selected this date as an opportune time to kick off fundraising effort in support of local organizations that help individuals and families in need. Branch staff throughout CoVantage Credit Union’s locations were asked to select a non-profit group in their community to receive the funds raised, with the understanding the foundation would match contributions generated over two weeks up to $150,000. The $382,183 total represents a 25% increase from 2018.

“We are overwhelmed by the generosity of our members, employees and community members for giving a financial boost to these twelve deserving charities,” said Charlie Zanayed, CoVantage CEO and CoVantage Cares Foundation board member.

“CoVantage Cares Foundation was established as a way to provide financial support to organizations that serve individuals, especially those experiencing significant financial challenge, and organizations that work to enhance quality of life in communities served by CoVantage Credit Union.”

THE IRON ENDURANCE/Crystella Recreation Association received $45,914.50 from the CoVantage Cares Foundation’s Giving Tuesday fundraiser at the CoVantage Credit Union Crystal Falls branch. From left are Brian Fabbri, Paul Sundquist, Suzie Schwedler and Chandra Ziegler, representing Iron Endurance/Crystella Recreation Association; Katie Clark, Crystal Falls branch manager; and Louise Holmes, Crystella Recreation Association.

Charities selected to receive funding from the Giving Tuesday initiative and their sponsoring branches include: Iron Endurance/Crystella Rec. Association in Crystal Falls; Sons of American Legion Reino Squadron No. 21 in Iron River; Menominee Opera House in Menominee; Midwest Indian Mission Inc./New Hope Shelter and Transitional Housing, Crandon, Wis.; National Alliance on Mental Illness Northern Lakes, Rhinelander, Wis.; United Way of Langlade County, Antigo; The Neighbors’ Place in Wausau, Weston, Rib Mountain and Rothschild, Wis.; Elcho Food Pantry in Elcho, Wis.; Operation Bootstrap Inc. in Stevens Point, Wis.; Bridge the Gap Inc. in Shawano, Wis.; Suamico Fire Department in Suamico, Wis.; Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA, of the Fox Cities in Neenah, Menasha and Appleton, Wis.

For more information about the CoVantage Cares Foundation or to obtain the grant application to request a donation, go to www.covantagecu.org/cares.