FREDONIA - The Inner Lakes Federal Credit Union recently hosted several events to raise money for the American Cancer Society, raising more than $1,500.
Inner Lakes FCU was approached by the American Cancer Society earlier in the year about participation in the Making Strides against Breast Cancer walk in Jamestown.
"As much as our credit union is involved in our community, we were more than happy to join the cause," said Sorena Gilkinson, team leader and Fredonia branch supervisor. "What began as forming a team as a way to give back to the community shortly became propelled by something more. Our staff soon found out that Christine, a recent hire of ours, was about to be put through the paces of chemo for newly discovered breast cancer. This gruesome discovery ignited a large-scale, community involved fundraiser, as well as deciding our team-name for the walk, "Christine's Crusaders"
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From left are Sorena Gilkinson and Christine Phelka from Inner Lakes Federal Credit Union presenting Mike Porpiglia with a check to the American Cancer Society.
Staff members created custom pink shirts with the team name and logo, wearing the shirts the day of the walk as well as Wednesday throughout October for a donation.
"We felt that wearing these shirts during the work-week would allow our staff members and members to make that connection with the cause, especially since it was hitting home" Gilkinson said. "It also allowed our members to see that our fundraising efforts would benefit our local area rather than be sent out of the county".
The bank's four locations sold all 500 pink ribbon bracelets and dozens of ribbon cards it ordered. In addition to the pink shirt donations, the bank hosted a bake sale in its Westfield, Fredonia and Stow offices.
"We have such wonderful people throughout the credit union and community and we are still in awe of how willing these people are to help," Gilkinson said. "We would say that our month-long fundraising efforts made huge strides in raising awareness for breast cancer."
Not only did we have 30 people on our team, we raised and donated a total of $2,177.69 (between in-house and on-line donations), to the local chapter of the American Cancer Society. "Our community rallied together and as a team, we are doing wonderful things" says Gilkinson "and we are looking to make the event bigger next year".
Recently, credit union officials presented Mike Porpiglia of the American Cancer Society with the proceeds from its fundraisers, totaling $1,602.69.