You may already know that credit unions and banks are not the same, but did you know that even among credit unions, America’s Credit Union (ACU) stands apart?
ACU is a not-for-profit financial cooperative, which means that it isn’t beholden to outside stockholders. In fact, the credit union’s earnings are distributed to its members. Members even have the right to vote on the credit union’s policies.
It should come as no surprise then that in addition to sharing its profits with its members, that ACU also puts a focus on contributing to its community and giving back. As a matter of fact, ACU was created in 1954 to serve the families of Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Today America’s Credit Union provides assistance to the men, women and children of the military.
One important way ACU gives back is by raising funds with its annual Turkey Shoot and Holiday Support Golf Tournament. In 2017, the tournament was in its 17th year and took place on November 3. The tournament originated to provide support for Santa’s Castle and was then expanded to include the JBLM Holiday Food Basket program. Today, all proceeds from the tournament continue to go directly to JBLM soldiers and their families via three nonprofits – Santa’s Castle, the JBLM Holiday Assistance Program, and the Madigan Foundation of JBLM.
In 2017, surprise weather met the tournament – snow.
“I was so excited to see the snow at this year’s Turkey Shoot and I shared with the participants how I feel, that this is just a small taste of what our soldiers go through to protect us. I am proud that even in the ugly weather, we were able to set a new record in the amount raised,” said President and CEO of America’s Credit Union, Kenneth Leonard.
The tournament draws players from near and far, including plenty of local businesses who want to contribute to giving back to their community and their local troops.
“My main reason for attending the ACU Turkey Shoot Golf Tournament—even during a snow storm—is that it supports our troops during the holidays as I don’t have a direct connection to the bases,” says Thane Bryenton, owner of Evergreen Valley Lavender Farm, a local business.
Some of the biggest sponsors for this year’s tournament were Titus Will Chevrolet of Parkland, Lamar Advertising, Ichiban Lawn Services and Southwest Business Corporation.
Bryenton continues, “It’s also a great time to get together and network with friends and meet businesses in these two counties. Although I’ve only played in the last four, I know Ken has done this for some 15 years and raised well over half a million dollars. I just love hearing the good that comes out of this tournament. Besides that, the food is always great and the prizes are even better. All in all, it’s a win-win-win.”
“I enjoyed being part of the ACU Turkey shoot, even in the cold and rain,” shares Andrew Barkis, owner of Hometown Property Management. “This was my ninth year participating in this great event. Incredible to see it growing every year and raising more money for the great charities on JBLM.”
For more information about America’s Credit Union, visit their website or give them a call at 253-964-3113 or 866-968-7128. For more information about the annual Turkey Shoot, visit the event’s webpage. The 2018 event is already scheduled for November 2.
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