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While the first half of 2018 is, by no means, a predictor of the second half, it is certainly a reason for optimism when considering the 2018 Maine CUs’ Campaign for Ending Hunger and what the fundraising total for the year will be.
Consider the results from several fundraisers. Topping the list is the Annual Maine CU League’s Ending Hunger Convention Golf Tournament and Silent Auction setting a new fundraising record in May by raising nearly $100,000 itself, the single-largest, fundraising event in the Campaign’s history. Another strong fundraiser that saw record-setting success was Maine State CU’s Walk to End Hunger, which with strong participation from food pantries and other CUs, raised more than $50,000 for Ending Hunger. In June, Evergreen CU’s Annual Disc Golf Tournament raised approximately $10,000 for Ending Hunger.
In the coming months, a number of fundraisers for Ending Hunger are happening including the Norm Nolette Chapter Golf Tournament, with strong assistance from Tricorp FCU, in August; the Aroostook Chapter Golf Outing, also in August, with a portion of its proceeds going to Ending Hunger; Sebasticook Valley FCU’s Annual Golf Tournament on August 2 in Pittsfield; and Brewer FCU’s Disc Golf Tournament for Ending Hunger on Sunday, August 12.
In addition, the first ‘Take A Chance’ Statewide Raffle for Ending Hunger of 2018 is happening through July 20, with a package that includes two choice seats to see Taylor Swift in concert on July 28, at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, and overnight hotel accommodations at a nearby hotel. Tickets are only $10 each, and 100% of all proceeds benefit the 2018 Campaign.
“So, halfway through 2018, the fundraising totals are strong; however, there is a lot of work to do and thousands of dollars to raise if we are going to approach or surpass 2017’s record-setting total of $740,000 raised for the Campaign. What the record-setting events that have taken place provide is optimism – that 2018 is going to be another great year for ending hunger,” stated Jon Paradise, Vice President of Public Affairs and Engagement for the Maine Credit Union League.
Since 1990, the Maine CUs’ Campaign for Ending Hunger has raised more than $8 million to help end hunger in Maine. The 2017 Campaign had 100% credit union participation, and was the largest, philanthropic campaign dedicated to ending hunger by a non-hunger organization.