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New Hampshire Credit Unions Raise $150,000 for Make-A-Wish Foundation of NH in 2011 - Bringing 15 Year Fundraising Total to Nearly $1.5 Million Dollars

"The task of raising more than $150,000 this year for Make-A-Wish - coupled with the 15 year fundraising total of nearly $1.5 million dollars - can be attributed to our credit unions, employees, corporate donors, and the more than 403,000 credit union members in New Hampshire who have conducted and supported fundraising initiatives throughout the year," said Michael L'Ecuyer, NHCUL Board Chairman. "This year's Richard D. Mahoney Credit Union Charity Golf Tournament raised $60,500, thanks to the 128 participants and 15 major tournament sponsors, with the remaining $90,000 raised by a series of numerous fundraising events," added L'Ecuyer.

Proceeds from the NHCUL Make-A-Wish 2011 Calendar Raffle contributed $18,700 to the 2011 goal, while also generating interest and support from NH Governor John H. Lynch, who hosted the October 4, 2010 calendar sales Kick-Off event at the New Hampshire State House. "The State House Kick-Off with Governor John H. Lynch was an exciting event and key to the success of our campaign. From Governor Lynch's speech and acknowledgement of the contributions made by NHCUL to Make-A-Wish, to the special gift presented by Wish Children to the Governor, it was spectacular day," added L'Ecuyer.

An additional $19,550 was contributed to the 2011 goal though the collaboration and success of auctions at the local and state level. The Merrimack Valley, Monadnock, and Northern chapters successfully raised more than $15,360 for Make-A-Wish with the success of their auctions. An additional $4,190 was raised at the Annual Meeting and Convention Auction. Another successful collaboration for the NHCUL in reaching its 2011 fundraising goal was the sales of Granite State Candy Dream Bars. "The NHCUL raised close to $16,000 for Make-A-Wish from selling these Dream Bars. This could not have been achieved without the support of participating credit unions as well as support from credit union members throughout the state," said L'Ecuyer.

"The NHCUL was proud to partner with three of New Hampshire's favorite sports/recreational parks and raised more than $5,000 for Make-A-Wish," added L'Ecuyer. Discount ticket sales were held for Canobie Lake Park, Water Country, and Northeast Delta Dental Stadium - home of the NH Fisher Cats baseball team. "A special event at a Fisher Cats baseball game was successful in fundraising, while also providing Wish Children the opportunity to meet the players and throw out the first pitch. It was a 'win-win' for all involved," added L'Ecuyer.

Julie P. Baron, CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Hampshire, an organization that strives to grant wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions, praised the NHCUL for their contributions. "It is the sheer joy of a wish that is the most powerful medicine of all. Our partners - the credit unions across New Hampshire - have made that possible. You have orchestrated the greatest return: a child's joyful heart," said Baron. The contributions made by NHCUL to Make-A-Wish represent the largest corporate donation to date, according to Baron.

New Hampshire Credit Union League is a trade group representing New Hampshire's 26 consumer-owned credit unions. Credit unions are not-for-profit financial cooperatives and offer a variety of consumer financial services to over 403,000 New Hampshire residents and more than 85 million Americans. For more information, visit www.goCU.org.

New Hampshire Credit Union League
Robert B. Kimmett, 800-842-1242
Senior Vice President, Public Relations and Marketing