GARDINER — Gardiner Federal Credit Union is one of three finalists for this year’s President’s Choice Award by the Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce.
The staff was surprised Oct. 31 by a visit from Katie Doherty, president of the KV Chamber of Commerce, along with KV Chamber board member Eric Jermyn, who told them of the award.
This year’s Kenney Awards are Friday, Jan. 25, at the Augusta Civic Center. Attendees will be able to text their vote for the winner during the event.
The staff has no idea who nominated them or what was said that made them a contender, said a news release from the credit union.
“They can only guess it has a lot to do with all they do in Gardiner and surrounding communities.,” the release said.
The Gardiner FCU has been in existence since 1953, and moved to a new building on Brunswick Avenue in 2015, its only location. In the early years, GFCU was housed in Shirley Withee’s kitchen and in Elaine Somerville’s garage, moving to Old Brunswick Road in the mid-1990s.
After merging with Riverview FCU in 2008, the credit union outgrew its old location and began planning its move and expansion to its current location.
Gardiner FCU’s team wishes to thank whoever nominated them and the panel who decided to make them a finalist for the President’s Choice Award. Most of all they wish to thank their everyday supporters, their credit union members and community members who have tirelessly supported the credit union and its many fund-raising activities.
The staff knows that without the members, there would be no credit union. They treat the members like family, and the members reciprocate.
Some of Gardiner FCU’s community activities include:
* Dozens of fundraisers throughout the year that raise tens of thousands of dollars each year for Ending Hunger. The money is donated to area food pantries and agencies supplying meals to families with food insecurities.
* Annual fundraising for Special Olympics of Maine, and providing volunteers for Special Olympics events throughout the year.
* Hosting an annual Red Cross blood drive and participating in and donating to other area blood drives.
* Sponsorship of area events including The Wall That Heals, Wreaths Across America, Johnson Hall Free Waterfront Concert Series and Capital Campaign, Gardiner Farmer’s Market, Gardiner Main Street, the Riverfest fireworks at Riverfest, downtown Easter celebration, local sports teams sponsorships, and more.
* Staff and board members volunteer thousands of hours a year, serving on boards such as Animal Rescue of the Kennebec, community events, Gardiner Public Library, committees like Gardiner Main Street and Johnson Hall; Gardiner and Augusta Rotary Clubs; ringing bells for the Salvation Army and more.
* Provides six college scholarships each year.
* Offers financial education at no cost to the community through classes at local schools, Junior Achievement and Jobs for Maine Grads as well as free workshops at the credit union and by participation in Financial Fitness Fairs sponsored by Maine Credit Union League.
For more information about Gardiner FCU, visit gardinerfcu.org
