LIVONIA, Mich.–In June 2018, Zeal Credit Union made an auction donation of $500 which was matched by the Michigan Credit Union League (MCUL) for a signed and framed a piece of art made by Jonny Hendricks, an 11-year-old boy receiving cancer treatment at Beaumont Children’s to benefit Children’s Miracle Network (CMN).
“I met Jonny at the auction last year, and his strength and positive attitude was inspiring,” said Lisa Fawcett, chief marketing officer for Zeal Credit Union. “Jonny’s artwork is displayed in our headquarters and is a daily illustration of our credit union values of passion, empathy and character.”
To show the impact Jonny’s story and artwork had on Zeal Credit Union, staff participated in a drive to send cards to Jonny, including pictures of the different departments holding his artwork. Staff also wrote individual cards of support for Jonny and a gift of drawing items was included in a holiday package sent to Jonny.
In December, the credit union hosted a Jingle Bell Rock party for families at Westland Shopping Center attended by 160 children. In addition to playing holiday style games, making crafts and enjoying refreshments, children were invited to make handmade cards for patients at Beaumont Children’s Hospital in Royal Oak.
For each card made, Zeal Credit Union pledged to donate $1 for up to 250 cards to the Beaumont Foundation for CMN. Westland Shopping Center agreed to match the donation.
As a result, Zeal Credit Union recently donated a total of $1,500 that included $500 from the Jingle Bell Rock party along with an additional $1,000 from the credit union.
Zeal Credit Union CEO Tony Carnarvon and additional Zeal employees paid a visit to Beaumont Children’s in mid-December to present the check and also receive a tour of the children’s hospital.
“Seeing the incredible children’s facility and witnessing firsthand what Children’s Miracle Network does to help kids made a tremendous impact on all of us,” said Carnarvon. “We continue to thank Jonny for how he inspired us.”
At right,center, Jennifer Shea, manager, Student Heart Check, CMN at Beaumont Health Foundation, accepts Zeal’s donation from the credit union’s leadership and marketing team including, from left, Shelton, CTO Norm Thomas, CEO Tony Carnarvon, CMO Lisa Fawcett, Tiffany Sweet and Mariah Brown.