TAMPA, Fla.–GTE Financial Credit Union each month focuses on one organization to assist and collect donations through fundraisers, personal contributions, and volunteerism.
For the first time, GTE Financial partnered up with Best Buddies Florida, a nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
In September, GTE Financial raised $10,091 for the organization. Each year, GTE Financial asks its employees to submit a charity of their choice to include on its Monthly Charities list. Jeff Minaya, District Manager at GTE Financial and long-time volunteer at Best Buddies, made sure to enter Best Buddies as it is a charity close to his heart. Jeff has been working with Best Buddies for nearly seven years and was thrilled that GTE Financial chose to team up with the nonprofit.
“I first fell in love with Best Buddies back in high school when I was paired up with an amazing buddy, Lonnie, all four years,” said Minaya. “I am forever grateful that GTE Financial is supporting this great organization. To our members and my fellow employees, I thank you for opening your hearts to our friends at Best Buddies.”
Throughout September, Minaya organized multiple engaging fundraising activities for GTE employees. Activities included a dress-up spirit week to encourage GTE team members to donate to Best Buddies. Events like “My Team Monday” and “Tourist Tuesday” were among the spirit week fundraising efforts.
Minaya also made sure to include his Best Buddies mission partner, Jacob Swann, in the events and started a fundraising page to raise funds for Best Buddies and Jacob specifically.
Through Best Buddies, thousands of people with disabilities have successfully moved from isolation and loneliness to a new acceptance from their family and community. In turn, Best Buddies has created a new spirit of public service for thousands of middle and high school students, as well as college volunteers.