America First and God’s Garage continue tradition of partnering and giving together

After 15 years of quietly helping others, Dora Rubio thought she was headed to a lunch meeting with her boss. Instead, when she arrived at the America First Credit Union campus in Riverdale, Rubio was handed the keys to a reliable, freshly detailed Toyota.

Rubio, a bilingual victim advocate at the YCC Family Crisis Center in Ogden, has spent more than a decade supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence. But recently, she found herself without a working vehicle after her transmission gave out.

On June 25, America First Credit Union’s Charitable Foundation and Utah-based nonprofit God’s Garage surprised her with a car as part of their ongoing partnership. This is the fourth vehicle gifted through the collaboration.

“This gift is going to help me so much,” Rubio said at the event. “It’s going to help me feel confident — like I can be a mom, I can be there for my children, and I can be there for my community.”

Rubio had no idea she had been nominated for the program until she arrived and saw a crowd waiting. The surprise, coordinated in partnership with her employer, brought plenty of tears — and a lot of joy.

“This opportunity just brings back that hope,” she said. “I’m just so happy and so grateful that I can be there for those who need me.”

The story was covered by the Standard-Examiner and KSL-TV, as well as Fox13 and KSL NewsRadio.

God’s Garage, which started in a single repair bay six years ago, now operates out of six bays in Ogden and gives away nearly one vehicle a week to women in need. Volunteer mechanics accept donated cars, fix them up, and hand them off — no strings attached.

“We know we can’t solve every problem,” said God’s Garage leader Jimi Pitts. “But we saw a need — single moms without transportation — and we knew we could do something about that.”

AFCU’s donation of the 2017 Corolla made this particular giveaway possible. It’s part of the credit union’s broader commitment to community, which includes supporting causes through its Charitable Foundation’s four focus areas: Kids First, Community First, Education First, and Service First.

“We’re humbled to be part of something that provides not just a car, but hope,” said Amber Greenwell, executive director of the America First Credit Union Charitable Foundation. “This kind of support can truly change a life.”

After the keys were handed over, Dora and the crowd shared a light lunch — and plenty of hugs. The team at God’s Garage encourages anyone with a vehicle to donate, no matter its condition. And for those wanting to get involved, God’s Garage Utah and the America First Creditable Foundation always welcome contributions, volunteers and other support to — as Rubio put it, help “Good things happen.”

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Now in its 86th year, America First Credit Union has grown from a single branch serving military personnel and federal employees into one of the strongest and most progressive credit unions in the country. The credit union is the largest in Utah, and has 115 locations across Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah. It is also the fifth largest credit union in America with more than 1.5 million members, and the sixth largest in assets with more than $22 billion. America First Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution dedicated to building communities and helping members do more with their money. Learn more at americafirst.com.

ABOUT GOD’S GARAGE

We are a group of people who want to help others. God’s Garage was born out of the needs we saw around us, as some of our single ladies, widows, and wives of deployed military are struggling to make ends meet. Through donated cars and parts, we are able to bridge troubled times in so many people’s lives. We don’t charge anything for labor and try to help with parts as we can. We also give vehicles away to those in need. The future is bright for God’s Garage. We are looking forward to the future, as we train people to help others, and are anticipating becoming a full-time venture, with mechanics working every day. Learn more at godsgarageutah.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Dave Nellis
America First Credit Union
801.827.8606
dcnellis@americafirst.com

Event to be held at America First Center in Henderson

HENDERSON, Nev. (June 17, 2025) – America First Credit Union, the Official Credit Union for Hockey in Las Vegas, is inviting its Henderson Silver Knights debit cardholders to a free private skate on Friday, June 28, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at America First Center in Henderson.

Cardholders can bring up to three guests to join in the fun. To participate, members simply need to present their physical Silver Knights debit card at check-in to receive free skate rentals for the session.

“This event is our way of thanking our members and giving Silver Knights fans a unique way to enjoy their summer,” said Tammy Gallegos, Chief Marketing and Strategic Engagement Officer at America First Credit Union. “We love creating opportunities that bring our members closer to the community and to the sport they love.”

The Silver Knights debit card is accepted almost anywhere in the world, has Card Guard® security and mobile wallet compatibility. Members interested in forging their own Silver Knights debit card can use America First Credit Union’s free Picture Perfect® tool online.

Silver Knights debit cardholders enjoy exclusive perks throughout the year, including:

• Free skate rentals at America First Center
• 30% discount on tickets to select Silver Knights games
• 10% discount on merchandise at team stores
• Access to the Apothecary, an exclusive event-level lounge at all home games
• 20% off stays at U.S.-based Foley Entertainment Group hotel properties.
• 20% discount at Foley Family Wines & Spirits

“Since extending our relationship with America First Credit Union in August 2023, they have been a tremendous partner for our team, our fans, and for the growth of hockey in the Vegas Valley,” said Silver Knights Chief Business Officer Gabe Mirabelli. “They have offered wonderful benefits to Silver Knights fans, and now they are offering Henderson a fun way to beat the summer heat this month.”

America First Credit Union is the presenting sponsor of the Vegas Jr. Golden Knights and Henderson Jr. Silver Knights youth hockey programs. They also continue to support educators in Las Vegas with the Game Changers program, recognizing a new teacher every month during the season for their positive impact in the classroom and in the lives of their students.

For more information regarding the free members’ skate on June 28^th, please contact Andrew Calandro at (317) 410-1992.

ABOUT THE HENDERSON SILVER KNIGHTS

The Henderson Silver Knights are the American Hockey League affiliate of the Vegas Golden Knights. The Silver Knights are owned in part by Bill Foley and his family and operated by the Foley Entertainment Group. The Silver Knights play their home games at Lee’s Family Forum, a state-of-the-art arena in Henderson, NV. For the latest news and information on the Silver Knights visit hendersonsilverknights.com and follow the team on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 86 years of servicing members and a long-standing history, America First Credit Union has become one of the largest, most stable, and most progressive credit unions in the country. As Utah’s largest credit union, it has remained a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution. Today, America First has 115 locations and is the sixth largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $22 billion, and the fifth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1.5 million members.