As we wrap up another amazing year, we reflect on the milestones, challenges, and achievements that shaped the Sunmark Charitable Community Foundation in 2024. With gratitude in our hearts and hope for the future, we’re proud to share how your support helped us make a meaningful impact.

 

Message from Our Leadership

“Sunmark believes deeply in the credit union philosophy of people helping people, and nothing illustrates that belief better than the consistent commitment our Foundation makes to the communities we serve. For us, it’s about much more than cutting checks and making donations. It’s about showing up, volunteering, and being an accessible and reliable partner for the organizations and non-profits doing important work in our communities.”

- Amber Cooleen, CMO at Sunmark Credit Union and President of the Sunmark Charitable Community Foundation.

 

By the Numbers: 2024 at a Glance

• $103,000 invested to further the missions of local non-profit organizations
• 10 Summer of Kindness Projects Completed
• 10 “Leap of Kindness Day” visits to local non-profits
• $2,600 raised from member and staff donations for Special Olympics New York
• 500 Volunteer Hours
• 30+ Sunmark staff members participated in 5.18 Day, supporting the United Way of the Greater Capital Region.

 

Stories of Impact

 

 

Special Olympics New York: In 2024, through member and staff donations, we raised $2,800. With over $50,000 donated since 2017, the Sunmark Foundation continues to support the Special Olympics year-round by participating in different events throughout the year like the Polar Plunge and our annual Office Games.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ICU Day Awards: In celebration of International Credit Union (ICU) Day, the Sunmark Foundation awarded $20,000 in donations to honor individuals and organizations that better our communities and live out the credit union philosophy of people helping people. The People Helping People award was given to The Mr. Mo Project, Kelly’s Angels and LifeSong, and the Susan V. Siegel Community Service Leader Award was given to Virginia Eagan of Young Parents United.

 

 

 

 

Charity Golf Classic: The 24^th annual golf classic raised more than $65,000 to benefit the Sunmark Foundation and was supported by nearly 100 golfers and 54 corporate sponsors.

"Year after year, the unwavering support of our sponsors and golfers allows us to host this event, which amplifies our efforts to empower nonprofit organizations." – Amber Cooleen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summer of Kindness: In its fourth year and to honor the Foundation’s 10^th anniversary, the Sunmark Kindness Crew invited local children to “deposit kindness” by submitting ideas on how they would spread kindness in their communities and helped bring 10 of those Kindness Projects to life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Giving Tuesday: The Sunmark Foundation split its $10,000 donation into 10 separate $1,000 contributions to benefit 10 different community organizations.

“We have been hands-on and worked closely with each of the organizations we are making donations to on Giving Tuesday, and we have no doubt that the funds will help them make a positive impact in their communities.” – Audrey Stone, Vice President of the Sunmark Charitable Community Foundation

 

 

A Heartfelt Thank You

None of this would have been possible without our incredible donors, partners, and volunteers. Your generosity fuels our mission and allows us to create lasting change. Together, we’re making a difference, one step at a time. Here’s to another impactful year ahead!

 

Ways to Get Involved

To learn more about the Sunmark Charitable Community Foundation and ways you can help us make an impact in the community, visit https://sunmark.org/foundation