POTTSTOWN, Penn.--Diamond Credit Union, Junior Achievement of Delaware Valley, and the Zeigler Family Foundation joined forces to teach local middle school students about real world finance. The materials and training for the program were funded by the Zeigler Family Foundation, whose mission is to enhance education through the implementation of financial literacy programs. Diamond Credit Union provided eight volunteers to present the program to 10 classroom sections, for six classes each. The program has already begun, and will continue through the end of the school year.
Andrea Sawchuk, manager of the Diamond Credit Union Pottstown Branch, was responsible for organizing the volunteers, helping to coordinate with Junior Achievement and the Pottstown School District, as well as delivering the program in classrooms. “
Photo Captions:
JA volunteers 2015.jpeg: Diamond Credit Union staff volunteers for JA from left to right. Top row: Andrea Sawchuk, Tara Diefenderfer, Kiley Wade, Chantelle Stankiewicz, June Jackson. Bottom row: Monica McCoach, James Hufford, and Keri McLaughlin.
Separately, Diamond Credit Union sponsored the “Shoot for Comm-younity” challenge at 13 Saturday home games. The contest invited local charities to shoot for a chance to win up to $1000 each. The participating causes were: The Children’s Home of Reading, Kencrest EmployNet, multiple Veterans Associations, Berks Encore, Berks Women in Crisis, Derrick Redcay Strong Fund, Boyertown Area MultiService, Breast Cancer Support Services of Berks County, Penn State THON for Pediatric Cancer, Eastern PA Down Syndrome Center, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, Autism Awareness (donations made to Unending Promise and the Autism Society of Berks County), American Cancer Society. In total, the “Shoot for Comm-younity” challenge resulted in $2,800 in winning for the participating charity organizations.
In addition to the winnings provided by Diamond, the Reading Royals donated $5 for each ticket sold through links on Diamond’s website for each charity’s featured game.
“We’ve always enjoyed partnering with the Reading Royals for fun promotions, but this year’s ‘Shoot for Comm-younity’ challenge is definitely my favorite so far. It’s great to partner with so many wonderful charity organizations to make a difference while having a great time,” stated John Faust, President/CEO of Diamond Credit Union.
At right, top, on the Ice with Derrick Redcay at the Derrick Redcay Strong Fund Shoot for Comm-Younity night.
At right, bottom, represenatives from the Diamond Credit Union Wyomissing Branch and the Children’s Home of Reading at the Children’s Home Shoot for Comm-Younity night.
Finally, at the Tri-County Area Chamber of Commerce (TCACC) annual dinner, John Faust, President/CEO of Diamond Credit Union was presented with the Business/Enterprise of the Year Award by Heather Chandler, Chairman of the TCACC Board of Directors. Diamond was chosen to receive the award because of their commitment to the local community and dedication to stimulating growth in the Tri-County Region. As part of the presentation, the Chamber aired a short video, created by Dan O’Connor of Polaris Productions, which can be viewed here.
“On behalf of the entire staff and board of Diamond Credit Union, I am honored to receive this award. Our team truly believes in a concept we call ‘younity’ which relates to giving back to the local community, providing excellent service, and providing our entire region with the financial tools they need to succeed. This recognition reinforces our belief that we are making a difference,” stated John Faust, President/CEO of Diamond Credit Union.
At right, from left, Phil Fry, Chelsea Fry, James Hufford, Sandi Chieffo, Beth Walton, Patrick Austin, Todd Rothenberger, John Faust, Gary Yost, Marcia Levengood, Paul Yacobowsky, Lori Levengood, and Marty Gallagher