MAXX 2019: Northwest Credit Union Foundation Celebrates Donors at Appreciation Breakfast

Posted by Ben Shuey on September 27, 2019

It’s an annual MAXX tradition – each year, on the second morning of the convention, over 100 credit union professionals gather around platefuls of bacon and eggs and talk about the impact their credit unions are making in their communities in partnership with the Northwest Credit Union Foundation. It’s an opportune moment to recognize all the great work, while also fueling up for a busy second convention day.

This year will be no exception. The Foundation will welcome breakfast attendees on the morning of Oct. 16, from 7:30 to 8:15 a.m. If you have already signed up for MAXX but still need to register for the Foundation Breakfast, email Kaitlin Ramos and she will save you a seat at the table.

The NWCUF Donor Appreciation Breakfast is a time for acknowledgement and gratitude for all that credit unions do to better the lives of their members and communities. Credit union donations are what make it possible for the Foundation to focus on its three pillars – Economic Development, Asset Building, and Cooperative Development – and the priorities within those pillars.

Those generous donations have had a significant impact, including:

• Awarding more than $600,000 in grants to credit unions to support the implementation of workforce housing solutions.
• Assisting in the financial education of more than 3,500 students through the Foundation’s Bite of Reality Financial Reality Fairs, hosted by 23 credit unions.
• Leveraging $75,000 to help 70 college students save more than $25,000 through the Foundation’s 3:1 Matched Education Savings Account (MESA) program since 2017.
• Awarding $315,000 in scholarships to 380 credit union professionals in 2018 and 2019.

“Without our credit unions, the Foundation’s work wouldn’t be possible. That’s why we love celebrating them each year, at the Donor Appreciation Breakfast,” said Foundation Executive Director, Sharee Adkins. “Having so many likeminded, community-focused credit union professionals together at one event is truly inspiring, and we look forward to celebrating, as well as thanking them, again this year.”

Last year, breakfast attendees got an up-close look at the Foundation’s Bite of Reality app. Groups of credit union professionals gathered and experienced the app and the Financial Reality Fair exercise together.

This year, in between bacon and bagels, attendees will participate in a little friendly competition. They’ll put their expertise to use during a workforce housing activity, where they’ll examine demographics of communities across the Northwest and come up with creative housing solutions that best fit that community’s needs.

Members of the team with the best plan will each win $500 in Foundation scholarship funds each, which they can use toward either professional development or for entry into a future Northwest Credit Union Association event. The scholarships and Breakfast are generously sponsored by Glia Technology, Inc., a video and chat service provider that works with credit unions to enhance their members’ banking experiences.

Credit unions across the region are already making significant impacts in the housing space, and recently the Foundation opened a new round of workforce housing grants. Applications for grants will be accepted until Oct. 25.

“We’re really looking forward to seeing what creative ideas our credit unions come up with during the breakfast, as they are truly the boots-on-the-ground experts who understand these issues that so many in the Northwest are grappling with,” Adkins said.

For those who have yet to sign up for MAXX, make sure to check off the “Northwest Credit Union Foundation Bacon, Bagels, and Booze Breakfast” registration box when registering. If you’ve already registered but forgot to sign up for the Breakfast, contact Kaitlin Ramos.

It’s $20 to attend the breakfast, which is a direct donation to the Foundation and automatic membership to become a Friend of the Foundation member. If you are interested in supporting the work of the Foundation through a one-time, monthly, or yearly contribution you can do so here. MAXX 2019 will be held in Spokane from Oct. 15 to 17. There’s still time to register online.

Posted in Foundation.