America First donates $15K during DSD Child Spree Event

America First Charitable Foundation volunteers spent the morning of August 5th selecting clothes for approximately 400 at-risk youth during the annual Child Spree Event while donating $15,000 towards new pairs of shoes. Kohl’s joined forces with the Davis Education Foundation hosting the shopping spree at the Clinton, Layton, and Centerville locations.

Several volunteers arrived as early as 6 a.m. to get started, while numerous Kohl’s employees were there well before their regularly scheduled shifts to assist, making it a heart-warming success for everyone. While the children were not in attendance for the shopping, they did submit videos to inform the shopper what they like and to express their appreciation.

Mady Dawson, the Events Planning Manager at America First Credit Union, was emotionally touched by the experience. “I couldn’t help but to fall in love with the little girl that I was shopping for! She was adorable and it made the experience so special to be a part of. Every child should feel enthusiastic about the thought of going back to school and starting a new year. I’m so happy that she’ll be heading to school with cute clothes, and I was able to find her favorite shirt that she asked for!”

“Child Spree morning is one of our favorite events of the year,” said Jodi Lunt, Executive Director of Davis Education Foundation. “Our goal is to ensure that every child has the resources they need to succeed in school. When basic needs are met, these students can feel more comfortable and confident at school and gear their focus towards participating in the classroom. We are so grateful for community partners and volunteers who continue to make this initiative possible.”

Over $55,000 worth of school clothes were purchased to aid children who will need it for the upcoming school year. Anyone wanting to donate to the cause should visit dsdgive.net.

America First is Volunteering “For the Kids”

America First volunteers spent the morning of August 2nd packaging food for children that are in danger of being food insecure. For the Kids is a program that specializes in fighting against childhood hunger for students who are on the Federal Free Lunch program. Volunteers pack food together to keep kids’ stomachs and pantries full during the weekend. Kenzie Richardson, the

From left to right: Mckaylie Richins, Melissa Veltri, Mady Dawson, and Tony Parks

Operations Assistant at For the Kids, is thankful for the boost, “For The Kids is honored to make a difference in the local community with America First Credit Union through their America First Charitable Foundation. With their focus on helping to aid those in need, we have been able to make a real impact on local children struggling with food insecurities. We currently provide weekend meal kits to 400 kids, which would not be possible without socially conscious cooperatives like AFCU in our corner. We are grateful that AFCU believes in what we do, and we are inspired by all that they do in our communities.”

Program Director Paul Welsh understands how critical this program is for the emotional state of children. “Hunger can be a silent struggle and when volunteers want to step in and contribute to those fighting hunger, it gives so many people an emotional lift. We’re so appreciative of America First Credit Union for their monetary contributions obviously, but also for coming out to help us package items that will help so many children in need.”

For the Kids started back in 2012, when founder Minda Zoloth wanted to act on returning the favor after receiving valuable help from others at an early age while she was experiencing hardships. “I started out by simply wanting to feed as many kids as I could, and what has happened is that I found so many more people, just like me, that wanted to help. And together we not only feed hundreds of kids, but we are also giving these kids hope.” Minda said.

America First Charitable Foundation plans helping For the Kids with packing food and delivering it to various families. Mady Dawson is an Event Planning Specialist with America First and she understands that passion and empathy plays a vital role when positively impacting the community. “Putting the bags of food together was truly special and the enthusiasm of the organization’s staff made the experience even better,” she said.” “A simple donation does so much to help these kids in need, but being there in person, putting your name on the wall, seeing the smiles, and feeling the love at the facility gives you something that can’t be described.”

Anyone interested in donating to For the Kids can visit forthekids.org. The cost is just $7 to feed one kid for an entire weekend.

America First Charitable Foundation & Young Automotive Group Team Up to Fight Hunger

America First Charitable Foundation joined forces with Young Automotive Group to put together 4,000 pantry packs for children currently fighting hunger. It was all part of the Young Caring for our Young 10,000 Pantry Pack Challenge.

Tami Olsen, the director for Young Caring for our Young, knows the importance of both organizations having a congruent mindset when it comes to giving back. “We are so grateful for our partnership with America First Credit Union. Their support allows us to make a huge difference in our community. Whether it’s helping us provide pantry packs to over 10,000 kids, supporting our Healthcare Heroes Campaign, or our KIND Fund, America First really steps up. Not only through financial support, but through their volunteer efforts, their Foundation, and the leadership. And their employees are top notch.”

Volunteers strategically laid out all items at 6 a.m., then carefully packaged food for teachers, who will distribute them to students to take home over the weekend. Due to one in six kids being food insecure, weekends and school breaks are challenging for those who don’t receive regular meals.

America First EVP Chief Strategic Engagement Officer, Tammy Gallegos has always carried a service-first mindset that has become core principle of the credit union. “We’re so proud to join Young Automotive in the fight against childhood hunger. We have an important responsibility in our communities to be a part of the solution and help children in need. I can’t thank Tami and her team at Young Automotive enough for the passion and love they’ve put into this.”

Fighting childhood hunger and helping children in need continues to be a major focus of America First Credit Union. The annual food drive takes place in September and October, our Backpack Bonanza provides school supplies to underprivileged children, and the Warm the Soles Program surprises kids with a new pair of shoes during the holidays.

America First Saddles Up and Helps Out on Pioneer Day

 

America First volunteers were heavily involved with preparations for the Pioneer Day weekend celebration in Ogden. They painted the numbers on the south bleachers of the Ogden Pioneer Stadium, followed by cleaning the venue before the upcoming celebration. Volunteers also showed up after the events were over to help take down signs and wrap up another successful year of the rodeo.

AFCU volunteers help put numbers on the south bleachers at Ogden Pioneer Day Stadium. 

McKaylie Richins, former Miss Rodeo Utah and America First’s Events Planning and Management Coordinator, knows the importance of the work that takes place before and after events at the stadium. “It is awesome that America First Credit Union not only sponsored the Ogden Pioneer Days rodeo and celebration, but also had the opportunity to volunteer with them this year,” she said. “From painting the bleachers to garbage cleanup, we had so many willing employees volunteer. It takes a village to put on such a spectacular production and how awesome is it that we could be a small part of it! Thank you to the Ogden Pioneer Days committee for this opportunity.”

Ogden Pioneer Days was established in 1934 and draws more than 30,000 people a year. Their annual rodeo is consistently ranked as one of the top outdoor rodeos in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.

While the Days of ‘47 celebration honors the arrival of Mormon settlers into the Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847, Ogden Pioneer Days commemorates Ogden’s own storied past. The celebration played a vital role in the economic health of the community during The Great Depression. The event capitalized on the rodeo interests of wealthy cattle ranchers and tourists while lifting the spirit of the community.

America First Charitable Foundation plays important role at Davis School District Teen Center

Jordan Gibson, Mady Dawson (left) & Kloe Bartruff (right) help package & organize hygiene kits at DSD Teen Center in Clearfield, UT

America First Charitable Foundation volunteers spent the morning of July 1 sorting items, packaging hygiene kits and organizing them for distribution at the Davis School District Teen Center.

It’s part of the program known as The Greater Good, which looks for opportunities to enrich the lives of those in neighboring communities.

America First’s Events Planning and Management Coordinator, McKaylie Richins was ecstatic about the turnout and how productive the event was. “I am so glad we were able to organize items at the DSD Teen Center Warehouse to aid the homeless teens in Davis School District,” she said. “I encourage everyone to either volunteer with them or donate items.  All too often we take for granted what we have, and I am grateful we got to volunteer and be a small part of this program.”

More than 1,300 teens in Davis County are classified as homeless and go without the basic daily items necessary to help them succeed, while 16,000 kids in the district are financially insecure.  The teen center gives them as safe place to shower, do laundry and access resources.

Teen Center Warehouse Manager, Ginger Coulam, was overjoyed about the impact of the project: “We can’t thank America First enough for their time and effort organizing hygiene kits at the foundation warehouse. Having hygiene kits available truly makes a difference in the day-to-day lives of our students in need. Many of these kids lack access to the most basic of essentials that we so often take for granted. The extra hands and smiles made a world of difference. What would normally take us days of work, they got done in just a few hours.”

The Davis Education Foundation continues to be valuable to so many kids in need.  They recently raised more than $86,000 at their annual fundraising gala sponsored by America First Credit Union at the Megaplex Movie Theatres in Centerville, Utah.

“We’re so grateful for the help and community partnership of America First.” Ginger said.

The Davis Education Foundation started in 1982 and has helped 72,000 students, 8,000 teachers and 90 schools. Anyone wanting to be involved in helping with the Teen Center or the Davis Education Foundation should contact Ginger Coulam at GCoulam@dsdmail.net.

America First Credit Union Opens New Full-Service Branch in Sparks Nevada

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SPARKS, Nevada – June 14, 2022 – To satisfy an underserved area in Nevada’s fifth largest city, Sparks, America First Credit Union has opened its newest branch. This is the credit union’s 17th branch in Nevada and 120th branch across Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and Idaho. On Monday, the credit union held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the branch’s grand opening.

America First’s new Sparks branch opens with four team members under the leadership of Debbie Martin as branch manager. Martin is a seasoned leader with 25 years of experience in accounting, coaching and training, financial consulting and branch operations. She was a Branch Manager at PNC Bank in Clovis, California prior to joining America First Credit Union. Martin has extensive experience in all aspects of a financial institution, including service excellence, education on products and services, lending and relationship management.

“Since 2008, America First Credit Union is proud to call Nevada home and to strengthen our ties in the wonderful Reno-Sparks metropolitan community,” said Thayne Shaffer, president and CEO of America First Credit Union. “Sparks is rapidly growing, and our new site sets us up well for our next chapter of expansion.”

In celebration of the grand opening, new members who open a savings or checking account and deposit $25 may receive a match of up to $100.

The credit union is excited to hire several new employees. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit America First’s career page.

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 83 years of serving 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, and has remained a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution. Today, America First has 120 locations, and is the seventh largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $17 billion, and the fifth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1.2 million members.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

Kelsey Richardson
R&R Partners
801.913.9454
kelsey.richardson@rrpartners.com

America First Credit Union Expands Into New Mexico

 

Camille Thomas will serve as branch manager of the new Albuquerque America First Credit Union (left). Thomas cuts the ribbon for the Albuquerque branch opening. More photos can be found here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico – March 14, 2022 – To satisfy an underserved area in Albuquerque, New Mexico’s largest city and its economic capital, America First Credit Union has opened its newest branch. This is the credit union’s first branch in New Mexico and 119th branch across Utah, Nevada, Arizona and Idaho. On Friday, the credit union held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the branch’s grand opening.

America First’s new Albuquerque branch opens with five team members under the leadership of Camille Thomas as branch manager. Thomas is a creative financial expert with 20 years of financial services leadership experience. She was a VP, branch manager at Kirtland Federal Credit Union in Albuquerque prior to joining America First Credit Union. Thomas has extensive experience in all aspects of a financial institution, including member service, lending and operations.

“America First Credit Union is proud to call New Mexico home and to strengthen our ties to the Southwest and this wonderful community,” said Thayne Shaffer, president and CEO of America First Credit Union. “Albuquerque is rapidly growing, and our new site sets us up well for our next chapter of expansion.”

In celebration of the grand opening, America First members who open a new savings or new checking account and deposit $25 during the first two weeks of opening will receive $100. There will also be a chance for members to win a $500 America First Visa card for members who visit the branch during that time.

The credit union plans to hire several new employees. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit America First’s career page.

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 82 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, and has remained a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution. Today, America First has 119 locations, and is the seventh largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $16 billion, and the fifth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1.2 million members.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Nicole Cypers
America First Credit Union
801.827.8655
ncypers@americafirst.com

Kelsey Richardson
R&R Partners
801.913.9454
kelsey.richardson@rrpartners.com

America First Credit Union Rewarding Educators Committed to Teaching Financial Literacy with $5,000 in Teacher Grants

Financial Literacy Reward
America First Credit Union VP of Public Relations & Government Relations Nicole Cypers surprises teacher Kristy Larsen at West Point Jr. High on May 5, 2021. Larsen was one of 10 recipients of America First’s 2021 FUNDamentals teacher grant contest.

Riverdale, Utah – March 10, 2022 – America First Credit Union has launched its second annual FUNDamentals teacher grant competition where it will be giving away $5,000 in grant awards to K–12 educators who are commitment to elevating youth financial literacy.

To apply for one of the 10 $500 grants, K–12 teachers using the financial literacy program FUNDamentals can share a picture of themselves and/or their students using the program and complete a short nomination form.

FUNDamentals is a customizable financial literacy program created for K–12 students and teachers. This free program empowers educators to teach important monetary concepts and offers a customizable program, unlike many one-size-fits-all programming by other providers. The program includes entertaining videos, clever handouts, engaging presentations, and easy-to-read articles.

One of 2021’s grant recipients, West Point Jr. High teacher Kristy Larsen, shared upon receiving the grant, “I love teaching and I love kids. For America First to give me this opportunity to spend money on my students and things they need is awesome. The FUNDamentals program has prepared lesson plans from America First. All I do is log in and download the hour and half lesson plans. It’s a great tool, especially for a teacher who is short on time.”

Teachers can request access to FUNDamentals by visiting www.education.americafirst.com. Additional information on the teacher grant programs can be found at www.americafirst.com/learn/financial-literacy-program.

Nominations for the competition are open through March 31 and winning teachers will be randomly selected no later than April 15. Winners will be honored as part of the credit union’s celebration of Financial Literacy Month in April.

“Our goal is to make financial literacy easily accessible to educators and students,” said Thayne Shaffer, president and CEO of America First Credit Union. “All too often, teachers lack access to free and customizable programs. Our FUNDamentals program takes that challenge away, and this competition rewards teachers for rising to the occasion.”

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 82 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, and has remained a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution. Today, America First has 119 locations, and is the seventh largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $16 billion, and the fifth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1.2 million members.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Nicole Cypers
America First Credit Union
801.827.8655
ncypers@americafirst.com

Kelsey Richardson
R&R Partners
801.913.9454
kelsey.richardson@rrpartners.com

Utah small business owners invited to participate in the Utah Jazz and America First Credit Union Inaugural “Small Businesses Spotlight”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Small Business Spotlight winner will receive a customized single-season sponsorship valued at $200K

Riverdale, UT – March 8, 2022 – America First Credit Union (AFCU) and the Utah Jazz are excited to announce the inaugural “Small Business Spotlight” contest. Together, these partners are giving small businesses in Utah the opportunity to compete for a customized single-season sponsorship agreement valued at approximately $200,000 with the Utah Jazz. The winning business will also participate in business and marketing strategy meetings with executives from the Utah Jazz and America First Credit Union.

The contest is open to Utah-based for-profit small businesses with an annual revenue of less than $10 million. Participants can enter on America First’s website and provide their contact information and a short profile about why a sponsorship would help their business.

All entries must be submitted by May 1, 2022, and finalists will pitch their businesses to judges for final selection. Representatives from America First and the Utah Jazz, as well as community and business leaders, make up the selection committee. The finalists will be invited to attend a private reception at Vivint Arena where the winner of the contest will be announced.

Businesses will be evaluated on how well they represent Utah, how much they currently give back to the community, and how this opportunity will help them execute their business objectives successfully. All participants will be subject to the Official Rules. Click here for official rules.

“Small businesses have really been impacted over the past couple of years,” said America First president and CEO, Thayne Shaffer. “With the support of the Utah Jazz, we’re excited to be able to offer this sponsorship to a deserving small business in our community. As an organization, we want to encourage innovating entrepreneurship throughout our state and this is just one way we’re doing that.”

“The Utah Jazz have tremendous respect for small businesses, the challenges they face and how integral they are to our local communities,” said Chris Barney, Utah Jazz chief revenue officer. “We are very excited about this program with America First to use our high-profile platform as an NBA team to support a small business and provide a tangible service to help boost their marketing and sales efforts.”

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 82 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, and has remained a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution. Today, America First has 119 locations, and is the seventh largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $16 billion, and the fifth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1.2 million members.

ABOUT THE UTAH JAZZ

Founded as the 18th member of the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 1974, and located in Salt Lake City since 1979, the Utah Jazz are committed to excellence as a team and in the community. On the court, the Jazz are the second-winningest team in the NBA over the last 30 years, having won nine division titles and two Western Conference championships along with 17 seasons of 50-plus wins, and are supported by one of the most passionate fan bases in all of sports. The Utah Jazz also operate the Junior Jazz program, the largest and longest-running youth basketball league in the NBA, featuring more than 60,000 players and an additional 13,000 volunteers who take part annually across six states. For more information on the Utah Jazz, visit www.utahjazz.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Nicole Cypers
America First Credit Union
801.827.8655
ncypers@americafirst.com

Kelsey Richardson
R&R Partners
801.913.9454
kelsey.richardson@rrpartners.com

Frank Zang
Utah Jazz
801-325- 2570
frank.zang@utahjazz.com

America First Credit Union and Nevada Wolf Pack Present $10K Benefiting Local Chapter of Make-A-Wish® Following Inaugural “Swish for a Wish” Fundraiser

Credit Union Extends Affinity Debit Cards by Launching First Wolf Pack Co-Branded Debit Card

 RENO, Nev. (Feb. 24, 2022) – As part of its ongoing commitment to Northern Nevada, America First Credit Union (AFCU) and the Nevada Wolf Pack presented a $10,000 check to Make-A-Wish® Northeastern & Central California and Northern Nevada to grant even more life-changing wishes to children in Northern Nevada who are battling a critical illness.

AFCU sponsored a donation drive, dubbed Swish for a Wish, as part of its multiyear partnership with Nevada Athletics Wolf Pack Sports Properties. Donations to the local Make-A-Wish chapter were made for every Nevada men’s basketball free throw made during home games throughout the regular season and championships.

The credit union, which has plans to open a new branch in Northern Nevada in the coming months, also unveiled a Nevada Wolf Pack co-branded debit card for the first time in team’s history. When members display their AFCU Wolf Pack card, they will be granted access to an exclusive arena entrance for home men’s and women’s basketball games.

“Part of our commitment to Northern Nevada is to immerse ourselves in meaningful projects that help others,” said AFCU president and CEO Thayne Shaffer, who was born in Elko and grew up in Sparks, Lovelock, Fernley, Lovelock, Wells and Carlin. “America First is pleased to do our part to help children with life-threatening medical illnesses get their wishes granted.”

“My wife Tanya and I are proud to join America First Credit Union along with the many Wolf Pack family and friends who have made pledges and donations in support of Make-A-Wish to grant more wishes in our community,” said Nevada basketball coach Steve Alford.

“We depend on community partnerships to be able to grant wishes to local wish children,” said MAW chapter president and CEO Jennifer Stolo, “and are extremely grateful for America First Credit Union and the Nevada Wolf Pack in bringing awareness and critical funds to our mission.”

Editor’s Note: For photos, CLICK HERE.

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 82 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, and has remained a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution. Today, America First has 118 locations, and is the seventh largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $16 billion, and the fifth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1.2 million members.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Nicole Cypers
America First Credit Union
801.827.8655
ncypers@americafirst.com

Jennifer López
R&R Partners
702.318.4203
jennifer.lopez@rrpartners.com