Community First Credit Union - Appleton Wisconsin

In 2001, the Women's Fund for the Fox Valley Region shared its plan to host a premier fundraising event, welcoming over 1,000 local businesswomen, community leaders, female philanthropists, and nonprofit partners of all ages, income levels, and interests to celebrate, empower, and advocate for the well-being of local women and girls. A firm believer in the power of women supporting women, Community First Credit Union - Appleton Wisconsin was quick to voice its support, sponsoring the event in its inaugural year, and each year since. Aptly titled “Grow with Us,” the 24th Annual Women’s Fund Luncheon featured stories from several women who have harnessed their full potential to overcome, survive, and dismantle the obstacles and expectations that have stifled women and girls for generations. Their growth, and the growth of many like them, offers a reminder of the life-changing transformations possible when we create pathways for women and girls to thrive. It has been a privilege helping to nurture the seeds of progress sown by the Women’s Fund year after year, and we look forward to growing together with purpose, passion, and unity as we cultivate a future filled with possibilities. ? When women come together, incredible things happen.

Kelly Faust-Kubale can breathe a little easier this semester, thanks to being awarded a $500 Community First-sponsored scholarship just last Spring through the FVTC Foundation. Between the stress – and financial obligations – that accompany being a mother, full-time employee, and student, the reprieve from a semester’s worth of course fees and textbook expenses means she’ll have one less thing to worry about as she heads back to class this fall. Faust-Kubale is one of many students juggling family and career while trying to pursue their education. Partnering with Fox Valley Technical College, we’re proud to join several organizations throughout the Fox Cities that are helping to lighten the load for these students and their families. Last spring, the FVTC Foundation awarded 417 scholarships from 786 applications received. Applications for Fall FVTC Foundation scholarships are being accepted starting today, September 3 through Tuesday, September 24. If you or someone you know is attending FVTC and could use some financial support, we encourage you to apply. Read Faust-Kubale’s story and learn more about scholarship eligibility and requirements at https://bit.ly/4cO7tKQ

We would like to welcome Karrie Drobnick to the Community First Credit Union team as Chief Strategy & Experience Officer! As an accomplished and visionary consultant, strategist, and credit union executive, she will be instrumental in fostering our continued growth, upholding our reputation for operational excellence, and deepening member and employee engagement. https://bit.ly/3AFzp6t #TeamCFCU #OperationalExcellence #EmployeeEngagement

Join us in congratulating Mary K. Lornson, CCE on this well-deserved recognition! She is truly an inspiration, and we are grateful to have her warmth and generosity on our leadership team.

Every year, #ILoveMyCreditUnion Day celebrates the spirit of the cooperative by encouraging members and employees to share what they love about being part of a credit union. From empowering our members with money-saving products and services to building lifelong relationships, serving our communities, and contributing to a supportive culture – the credit union difference is woven into everything we do. So, when we hear how that difference has positively impacted our members' lives, there is no greater reward. Have a story you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you: https://bit.ly/3WmOb9b Not a member yet? Join us and discover all there is to love: https://bit.ly/3Sqy35p #ilovemycreditunion #jointhemovement #credituniondifference

Without a doubt, the magic of the Community First Fox Cities Marathon presented by Miron Construction comes alive when our participants show up at the start line. But turning curb and concrete into a premier, weekend-long event is the culmination of months of behind-the-scenes planning and the work of thousands of unsung heroes brought together by shared passion and purpose – a group otherwise known as?volunteers. From water distribution, to course set-up and clean-up, food tents, directing traffic, face painting and so much more, the role of the volunteer is about creating a memorable experience for each participant – one that truly demonstrates our “why.” With less than 65 days to go until race weekend, we invite you to volunteer alongside the Community First Credit Union - Appleton Wisconsin team and experience the magic of helping our participants achieve their goals. Register today: bit.ly/3Lrpdk2 #whatmovesyou #makeanimpact #jointheexcitement

Tomorrow, June 15th, is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Older generations throughout the United States lose an estimated $2.6 billion or more annually due to elder financial abuse and exploitation*. It's a heartbreaking reality, but with the right vigilance and education, it's also avoidable. What can we do to protect our friends and loved ones? Here are some practical steps to honor our elders with the care they deserve: https://bit.ly/3xjX9M1 #WEAAD #ElderAbusePrevention #elderjustice *USC Center for Elder Justice

We are overjoyed to watch the Grow with St. Joe’s capital campaign come to life! An invaluable fixture in our community, St. Joseph Food Program, Inc. has served food-insecure individuals and families for the past 40+ years. As their distribution model evolves to meet the growing need, this renovation will ensure continued access to nutritional support for those economically distressed within our local communities. It was an honor to have St. Joe’s Board President – and our very own Building Project Manager – Jeff Schweitzer participate in the groundbreaking ceremony last week, and we are thrilled to join several area businesses in sponsoring St. Joe’s next chapter. Interested in joining the cause? Read more about opportunities to contribute and participate in this exciting project: bit.ly/3VzAvbH ?

“We’re in such a moment.” The spotlight is shining bright on the vision, deep collaboration and momentum that’s a signature of our region’s success. The Leaps, Leaders and Legacies 2024 New North Summit brought it all home. With the backdrop of June 6th D-Day commemorations, the arc of time, and ultimate commitment gave context to the winning Leroy Butler style ‘leaps’ of today shared by the presenters thoughout the day. As the Platinum sponsor of this event, Community First Credit Union - Appleton Wisconsin couldn’t be prouder of the momentum that’s building in our backyard. (We’re counting down too for the NFL Draft ‘25!) Need a moment (or more) of joy and inspiration? Check out all the amazing innovations happening in the New North, Inc.: https://bit.ly/3x6sv8Q #wisconsin #credituniondifference #greatplacetolive #greatplacetowork #NFL

A few days have passed since the American Cancer Society's Sole Burner 5k 2024, but we’re still feeling the inspiring energy of race day. The “Hill of Hope,” which requires race participants to trek a steep incline just moments before reaching the finish, is lined with tribute signs honoring, celebrating, and remembering loved ones who have battled cancer. It also features the course's greatest volume of spectators and (literal) cheerleaders to support participants through the most exhausting, challenging, and occasionally painful part of the race. It's a breathtaking metaphor considering the work the American Cancer Society has done to take a disease once steeped in fear and denial, and offer hope for survival. Together, the Community First Credit Union - Appleton Wisconsin team raised over $1,300 toward the American Cancer Society’s ongoing efforts to fund cancer research and provide comprehensive support to patients battling the disease. The highlight, however, was the opportunity to spend a beautiful, sunny morning running and walking alongside cancer survivors, like honorary survivor Anne Sowers, and in memory of those who have lost their cancer battle. We crossed the finish tired, weak, and breathless – but full of enormous hope. Join the fight against cancer at cancer.org #honoringsurvivors #endcancer #cancerresearch ?? : Lori Fahrenholz, Dan Powers