MARLBOROUGH, Mass.–The Credit Unions of Rhode Island raised a record-breaking $90,900 for Special Olympics Rhode Island during the 2015/2016 fundraising season. The amount raised surpassed a goal of $80,000 and brings a 19-year donation total to $890,000. The donations were achieved through the collaboration and collective efforts of the credit unions from a series of state-wide and local fundraising initiatives. The Credit Unions of Rhode Island are part of the Cooperative Credit Union Association (CCUA).
The $90,900 check presentation to Dennis DeJesus, executive director of Special Olympics Rhode Island, capped off a recent charity golf tournament at Crestview Country Club in Rehoboth, Mass., sponsored annually by the credit unions.
“We value the extraordinary partnership we share with the Credit Unions of Rhode Island and we thank you all for your year-round support,” he said.
During the ceremony, Wave Federal Credit Union was named the 2015/2016 top fundraising credit union; determined by the most dollars raised on a per-member basis. PGE Federal Credit Union in Providence and Cranston Municipal Employees Credit Union in Cranston were recognized as the second- and third-largest contributors on a per-member basis.
Greenwood Credit Union in Warwick, Navigant Credit Union in Smithfield and Pawtucket Credit Union in Pawtucket were acknowledged for outstanding fundraising amounts of more than $10,000 for the year.
Above right, from left, David Dupéré, vice president/COO, Wave Federal Credit Union; Paul Gentile, president, Cooperative Credit Union Association; Michael Lucca, Special Olympics Rhode Island Global Messenger; and Dennis DeJesus, executive director, Special Olympics Rhode Island.