While Bay Federal has a strong history of making a difference in the community over the past 60 years, a formal program for community support organization and tracking stretches back to 2002, when President and CEO Carrie Birkhofer challenged employees to 100% involvement.
The program is now run by 10 employee volunteers who comprise a Community Support Steering Committee with guidance from key leaders within Bay Federal. They vet organizations and plan the Credit Union’s involvement in the community.
The committee arranged fundraisers for Santa Cruz County’s Big Brothers Big Sisters, Meals on Wheels, and Second Harvest Food Bank, among others. They also coordinated participation in local events, such as the Pajaro Valley Women’s Shelter Mother’s Day Walk/Run, United Way’s Stuff the Bus, and the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life events in three cities.
“A running streak of 100% community engagement from our team members over 15 years is more than I could have dreamed of,” Birkhofer said. “As we celebrate our 60th anniversary this year, I am confident we can keep up our momentum and contribute even more to the local non-profits who do so much for our community.”
The community support program tracks participation based on a points system that offers one point for in-person support and 1/3 point for monetary support.
Photo: Bay Federal Credit Union’s River Street Branch donated these stuffed animals to CASA of Santa Cruz County for abused and neglected children as part of a Credit Union-wide effort in February 2016.