Sunmark Charitable Community Foundation Names 2021 ICU Award Winners

The Sunmark Charitable Community Foundation today announced the recipients of the third annual ICU Awards. In celebration of International Credit Union Day (ICU Day), which is celebrated on the third Thursday of October and celebrates the spirit of the global credit union movement, the Sunmark Foundation honors individuals and organizations that have contributed their time, talent, or treasure to better our communities, living out the credit union philosophy of people helping people.

The three recipients of the People Helping People recognition include Our Community Cares, Inc.; Hood’s House of Hoops; and Mission Accomplished Transition services. Each organization was presented with a $2,500 donation from the Sunmark Foundation to assist them in their mission

Hood’s House of Hoops on First Street in Albany, is a family-owned business, and the dream of founder Jamil Hood Sr. Jamil’s mission is to bring unity to our communities by providing, safe, engaging athletic programs to our youth. 

 

 

Our Community Cares, Inc. was formed by Dawn Steward and a local group of concerned citizens who have stepped up to help those in need. They desired to create a central organization that responded quickly and effectively to provide financial and emotional support to residents of Columbia County, NY who are facing hardship in their life or the life of a family member.

 

Also recognized was Mission Accomplished Transition Services. Established in 2012 by Carmen Duncan, Mission Accomplished prepares rising young professionals and entrepreneurs for the workforce by providing access to industry-specific coaching, mentoring, and sponsorship.

 

Additionally, The Susan V. Siegel Community Service Leader Award - presented to an individual who has made a meaningful contribution to their community was awarded to Kelly Stevens and Food for Thought. Food for Thought is a grassroots effort providing snacks to school children struggling with food accessibility. What started as one snack, has grown to supply snacks to 22 schools in Warren, Washington, and Saratoga counties. As the recipient of the award, the Sunmark Foundation presented Kelly with a $2,500 donation.

 

Audrey Stone, Sunmark Foundation Vice President said “Every year we look forward to October and Sunmark ICU Awards. The entire foundation team is energized and committed to this program because for one day in October, we get to share some good news, highlight the hard work of our area non-profit organizations, and provide them with additional funding so they can continue the work they do to improve our communities.”