CU Message Highlighted At Hula Bowl

The credit union brand was broadcast coast to coast as never before during college football's nationally televised all star game here-"The Hula Bowl brought to you by America's Credit Unions."

CUNA's credit union brand was etched into the middle of the field, imprinted during television commercials and stamped on the jerseys of half the 100 participating college players who were sponsored by their local credit unions.

CUNA lobbyist Gary Kohn, who organized the credit union sponsorship, gushed with enthusiasm about the multi-year sponsorship as he headed to a reception for past winners of the Heisman Trophy, awarded college's best player every year.

"The issue isn't the money that we helped raise," Kohn told The Credit Union Journal from Maui. "The issue is that credit unions have demonstrated their pride in their local athletes and their communities."

Organizers of the annual game are crediting the credit union participation with saving the debt-ridden event. In a little over a month since striking the deal, credit unions kicked in more than $300,000 through sponsorships. Each sponsoring credit union or credit union organization (CO-OP Network) had its logo displayed on a patch on its player's uniform and received an autographed jersey to display at the credit union.

Officials said the game, which was won by the East team 20-13, was a big success with its highest attendance ever, more than 12,000.

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