BRILLIANT, Ala.–Avadian Credit Union made a surprise visit at Brilliant High School here to surprise 17-year old Abbie Sherman with her magic moment.
Abbie was involved in basketball and karate, until she was recently diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis, which left her unable to walk completely in a short matter of time. Transverse Myelitis is a neurological disorder caused by inflammation across both sides of one level, or segment, of the spinal cord. This damage causes nervous system scars that interrupt communications between the nerves in the spinal cord and the rest of the body.
Avadian Credit Union partnered with Magic Moments to surprise Abbie at her school with a trip to Las Vegas to see her favorite music artist, Carrie Underwood, perform at a Party For a Cause Festival.
"We were so excited and honored to present Abbie with this moment. From playing sports to suddenly being dependent on a wheelchair, we can't imagine what a shock it has been for her and her family. We hope this trip to see one of her idols is a welcome diversion and an experience she'll never forget," said Stanton Davis of Avadian.
STERLING, Ill.–During October, the staff of Select Employees Credit Union in Sterling, Illinois got the urge to put their money where their mission is.
“This all started when a couple of my employees were discussing how they could raise money for breast cancer awareness during the month of October,” explained Suzie Branch, CEO of Select Employees Credit Union. “The team decided they would designate a theme for each Friday of the month. For a $5 donation, the staff would be allowed to forgo their normal work attire and dress in the theme for the day. The first week, you paid to wear pink. The second week was Cubs apparel. Week three was any professional sports team.”
To close out the month, the theme for Friday, Oct. 30th, was 80's wear! After a totally awesome finish to their October fundraiser, Select ECU donated all the funds collected to the CGH Medical Center Foundation in Sterling. The hospital even set up a cancer information center inside the credit union which was greeted with an overwhelmingly positive reception from members.
“This was just a fun way for our small credit union to help make a difference in the community,” said Branch. “All of the money raised stays local in the community hospital foundation. The credit union is matching the funds raised by the employees.”
As a result of a simple act, from just a handful of people who believe they can make a difference in their community, $480 was raised for a great cause. That is the greater truth about credit unions, that our mission reaches beyond the products and services we offer. Our people truly believe and are dedicated to making communities stronger and lives better.