BAKERSFIELD, Calif.–Strata Credit Union here his marking its 70th anniversary with 70 “gifts of love.
Strata Credit Union is celebrating the milestone by granting the wishes of 70 deserving Kern County residents and organizations for each year of Strata’s service to Kern County.
“We wanted to do something special in celebration of our 70th anniversary that encompasses the foundational philosophy of the credit union movement,” said Strata CEO Brandon Ivie in a statement. “With the help of our community, we will grant a total of 70 wishes for individuals or organizations that are in need right here in our community.”
Strata FCU, which changed its name from Kern Federal Credit Union, in 2018, said anyone can submit a wish on behalf of a deserving organization online. The $263-million credit union said it will team award everything from equipment to monetary donations to building materials to make selected wishes come true. Already, the credit union said, individuals and organizations have been granted wishes “beyond their wildest dreams,” including a woman who needed an air conditioner, teachers and the Trona Community Chest Disaster Relief Fund.
One Beneficiary
One of the most heartfelt and graciously well-received wishes was No. 21. It was granted to Anthony Rodriguez, a drummer born blind who does not let that stop him from finding his sound, the credit union said. He has been honing his talent with the Bakersfield Jazz Workshop for the past year, and Strata representatives appeared in person to present a gold sponsorship to the Workshop.
The credit union has approximately 20,000 members.