FREEPORT — Recently, Olympic champion Mark Spitz joined Maine’s credit unions at the Harraseeket Inn for the 2015 Ending Hunger Campaign results celebration luncheon. The official, record-breaking total was announced — coming in at $622,933.63 raised during the 2015 campaign — more than $70,000 greater than last year’s total, which had broken the previous record.
All four credit unions with branches in Aroostook County participated in the campaign, and three credit unions placed in the Top 25 in total funds raised, including: NorState Federal Credit Union, whose main office is in Madawaska but has branches in a number of communities in The County, at number 8; Acadia Federal Credit Union, whose main office is in Fort Kent, but also has multiple branches in The County, at 11; and University CU, with a branch in Presque Isle, was 24th.
Acadia and NorState also finished in the Top 25 in per-member contributions at seventh and 10th, respectively.
“The generosity of the more than 665,000 credit union members in Maine is extraordinary,” explained John Murphy, president and CEO of the Maine Credit Union League. “Hunger affects communities in many ways; however, credit unions use it as a chance to change lives and put forth the credit union philosophy of ‘people helping people.’
“As we celebrate the close of another year of the campaign, we are humbled by the remarkable efforts each credit union has made to make their communities a better place. Every cent raised in this campaign goes directly to helping Maine people of all ages — adults, teenagers and young children. These funds will help people who otherwise may not have had enough to eat have food and that is pretty great,” Murphy added.
The luncheon event featured an address by Spitz, who captured a then-record-setting seven gold medals at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich. Spitz, who was named by ESPN and Sports Illustrated as one of the Top 50 athletes of the 20th century and the only swimmer on the list, has been involved in multiple businesses and ventures since he retired immediately following the Olympic achievements.
Philanthropically, Spitz is active in supporting several charities including hunger and poverty through his work with The Lareus Sport for Good Foundation.
Spitz congratulated Maine’s credit unions for “having your own ‘gold medal’ performance. What you are doing to help your fellow citizens is amazing, and awe-inspiring. Though swimming is mostly an individual sport, I always felt more inspired when I was part of a team, such as the relay, and the teamwork shown through this campaign is pretty special.
“Collectively, your team has accomplished great things for Maine people, and I am proud and honored to be here today to help you celebrate. You are true champions.”
Since 1990, the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger has raised $6.5 million to help end hunger in Maine.
