Press Release
BCU Fights Against Cancer
For immediate release:
July 14, 2004
Contact: Astrid Perez
(847) 522-8723
astrid.perez@bcu.org
Vernon Hills, IL – July 14, 2004 – In 1946, 25% of cancer patients survived 5 years after diagnosis. With the help of Baxter Credit Union (BCU), and many other supporters, today’s survival rate is 60%!
Baxter Credit Union has, once again, raised thousands of dollars and contributed numerous hours in support of the American Cancer Society. During the weekend of June 5th, 16 BCU employees, plus family and friends, volunteered to walk and raise support against cancer during Relay for Life.
Relay for Life is an overnight event supporting the American Cancer Society. [In lieu of this 24-hour event,] the BCU team gathered at Mundelein High School and took turns walking or running laps around the track. The goal of each team was to keep at least one member on the track at all times.
BCU was not only successful keeping their team motivated during the event, they did a phenomenal job raising funds for the American Cancer Society. Each of the 15 BCU team members raised a minimum of $100 in support prior to the event, totaling over $5,000, which qualified BCU’s team for the “Gold” support level for the third consecutive year.
As part of their fundraising efforts, BCU sold 25 luminaries, at $5 each, in honor of, or in memory of those who have been diagnosed with cancer. Prior to the event, BCU held two other fundraisers to raise additional funds.
Furthermore, BCU made a corporate donation of $5,000. Since most of the support raised came from BCU employees, Baxter Corporation’s “Giving Together” matching donation amounted to nearly $6,000. In total, BCU contributed $16,071.71 to the American Cancer Society and the fight against cancer. BCU Team captain, Ratch O’Connell, who is one of many whose family has been directly impacted by cancer, said “My heartfelt thanks goes out to my team and co-workers whose enthusiastic participation and overwhelming generosity helped make this possible”.
With over $900 million in Assets, BCU currently serves more than 110,000 members throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. Formed in 1981, BCU is a not-for-profit, member-owned credit union offering a full range of financial products and services, in English and Spanish. Known for competitive rates, low fees, and state-of-the-art services, BCU is headquartered in Vernon Hills, Illinois. Membership is open to anyone who lives or works in Lake, McHenry, DuPage, and Kane Counties in Illinois, as well as Kenosha County in Wisconsin. BCU also serves over 70 Select Employee Groups nationwide. Call 1-800-388-7000 or visit www.BCU.org for more information.
