ST. CLOUD, Minn.– St. Cloud Financial Credit Union sponsored and hosted a community recognition program, "ChangeMakers: Giving back to those who make a difference," with the St. Cloud Times/LOCALliQ. The two organizations came together to highlight people who take their own initiative to do great things in the community, showing their service efforts are on-going.
Nominations were submitted over the course of four weeks, with the winners being chosen by a panel of judges. Each winner received an award and a highlighted article in SC Times. In addition, the grand prize winner received $3,000, with the two finalists receiving $1,000 each for their great work:
Grand Prize Winner: Lori Smith, has a passion for kids and supporting those in need. That support is usually making sure kids in need have food, Lori was instrumental in bringing the free breakfast program to Westwood Elementary. She also spends countless hours providing transportation, volunteering at her children’s school, and her local church.
Finalist: LaVonne Rykus, owns the St. Cloud Clothes Mentor store and initiated the Clothes Mentor Community Cares to Share program to give back monthly to non-profit or local families in need by donating a share of profits as well as promoting the group or family all month long to shoppers.
Finalist: Shannon and Erik Koenig were nominated for their H.E.R.O. Foundation which they established in honor of their 4-year-old son, Nicholas, who passed away from cancer. Through the foundation, which stands for “Help and Encouragement on Rough Oceans”, the family helps other families navigate the “rough oceans” of pediatric cancer through support, information and funding.
At right, from left: LaVonne Rykhus, Lori Smith, Shannon and Erik Koenig.
An award event was held at St. Cloud Financial Credit Union honoring all 33 nominees, nominators, and guests.
“In our business, we believe in the goodness of people,” said Sarah Mason, EVP/CAO for St. Cloud Financial Credit Union. “This award program is our way of recognizing that goodness and inspiring it to grow.” The partnership with LocaliQ has created an opportunity for good people to be celebrated and recognized. “In a world where media shares plenty of bad news, we seek out and celebrate the good news of people helping people and focus on the positive,” Marilyn Birkland, Regional Director of Sales for LocaliQ noted of those recognized.