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United Federal Kicks In $5K for Big Brothers Big Sisters

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Children in the region facing adversity just got a nice boost from the team at United Federal Credit Union thanks to a major donation to the Big Brothers Big Sisters Southern Lake Michigan Region.

As the nation’s largest donor- and volunteer-supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers, referred to as“Bigs,” and children, called “Littles,” aged 5 through young adulthood in communities across the country.

United’s donation will help fund programs to support the Big Brothers Big Sisters—Southern Lake Michigan Region’s mission of providing children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.

It will also support Big Brothers Big Sisters’ fundraising effort, The Big Event, which is scheduled for October 15th. Each year, the event helps raise a significant portion of the organization’s annual budget through community sponsorships, ticket sales, auction items, and more.

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Bill Carnegie, Regional Chief Executive Officer, says, “Big Brothers Big Sisters is proud of our partnership with United Federal Credit Union,” and adds, “Our mentoring program for at-risk youth depends on support of local businesses and due to the generosity of United, hundreds of local children have been able to realize their potential and help our community advance. We are especially thankful for this latest investment from United during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

United Federal Mortgage Advisor Pam Ender has volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters for 20 years. She has helped with numerous fundraisers throughout the years and has formed lasting relationships with many “Littles” and “Bigs.”

Ender says, “I have been so proud to represent United Federal Credit Union since they have a desire to financially help out Big Brothers Big Sisters, as well as encourage employees to get involved.” She adds, “It shows that we are both sincere and serious about the Michiana community, and that we believe in this organization and what they stand for. Children are our future and they could be future members or employees.”

For Ender, the connection with Big Brothers and Big Sisters is personal and goes back many years to the time when her late nephew was a Little, and continues today with three of her grandchildren having served as mentors and volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Ender tells us, “Over the years, I have seen so many matches and to see the sparkle in these young kids’ eyes is so special,” adding, “Volunteering is a very humbling activity. I am just one person, but when you add many more to the volunteer effort, you see the positive impact of what can be achieved with a team of good people.”

For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters—Southern Lake Michigan Region, you can visit online at this link: https://becomeabig.com/

Ender promises, “You will not regret getting involved,” and concludes, “Why not consider being a Big? Right now, there are about 60 unmatched children in our area. There are a number of other volunteer opportunities open too, so reach out to Big Brothers and Big Sisters to see what they’re all about.”

United Federal Credit Union has served its members since 1949 by helping them to build a sound financial future, and consists of more than 177,000 member/owners worldwide, managing assets in excess of $3 billion. Its corporate offices and main branch are in St. Joseph,  with additional branches elsewhere in Michigan as well as in Arkansas, Indiana, Nevada, North Carolina, and Ohio.

Shown in the photo accompanying this story on Moody on the Market, as provided by United Federal, are (from L to R): Kara Wood, Chief Development Officer—Big Brothers Big Sisters; Bill Carnegie, Regional Chief Executive Officer—Big Brothers Big Sisters; Carla Fazio-King, Regional Market Development Manager—United Federal Credit Union; Erica Young, Director of Mortgage Sales—United Federal Credit Union; Pam Ender, Mortgage Advisor—United Federal Credit Union.