United Federal Credit Union will once again go to bat for the crew at GateWay Services in the annual Play for GateWay Softball Tournament. In fact…even before anyone steps up to the plate, United Federal has already hit a home run for the team by renewing a commitment they have made every year in the 30-year history of the tourney.
Reality is that the United Federal Credit Union platinum-level sponsorship holds the distinction of being the only such sponsorship in the 30-year history of the wacky and fun event held each year at Plannger's Field in Benton Charter Township. UFCU officials recently presented GateWay with their $5,000 donation as they renewed their sponsorship once again.
Tim Smith is Executive Director at GateWay. He thanked United Federal for the commitment on behalf of the organization's program participants, staff, and board of directors. He says, "Because we are a non-profit organization, we operate on a very thin margin, so the support we get from United is truly a gift. Their commitment to making the community strong makes a real difference to organizations like GateWay."
GateWay is a private, non-profit, rehabilitation organization that provides habilitation and rehabilitation services to people with disabilities, disadvantages and special needs. GateWay helps people of all ages achieve their potential through therapeutic services, vocational opportunities, training,community life skills and other supports.
The 12-game softball tournament is GateWay's main fundraiser each year, with proceeds used to pay for the installation of an elevator at GateWay headquarters on Empire Avenue in Benton Harbor.
Zach Book is Branch Manager for UFCU in Berrien Springs. He says, "The funds raised during the softball tournament are instrumental in helping GateWay offer the support they provide in our community." He adds, "We are proud to play a part in fulfilling their mission."
The tournament takes place on July 29 through 31st at Plannger's Field in Benton Township. It will feature corporate teams from all across Southwest Michigan, including a team from United Federal. The games provide fun for the entire family, and are completely unpredictable because anything goes — for the right price. For a few extra donation dollars, umpires can be bribed to bend the rules and opposing players can be forced to run the bases wearing props like diving fins and hula skirts, or use alternate batting equipment like plastic rakes and tiki torches.
United Federal Credit Union has served members dating back to 1949 by helping them build a sound financial future. They boast more than 140,000 member/owners world wide while managing assets in excess of $2-billion. Corporate offices are located in Southtown St. Joseph with additional branches in Arkansas, Indiana, North Carolina, Nevada, Ohio and elsewhere in Michigan.
