US Federal Credit Union kicked off its charity effort for the 2006 Combined Federal Campaign with a spoof of the popular game show, "Deal or No Deal."
The $700-million CU's version, "Meal or No Meal," gave employees chances to win a free all-staff lunch in exchange for helping the CU exceed its donation goal of $12,500.
Hosted by skinned-wig wearing Howie MartKell, a.k.a. Marty Kelly, VP of Marketing at US Federal, showcased various ways to donate by asking marketing team members to open numbered pizza boxes.
Like the television show with its sinister banker, this event included the benevolent Credit Union Guy a.k.a. David Tolle, director of operations at US Federal. But, instead of having a glass office high above the crowd, Credit Union Guy sat behind a shower curtain, phoning in added incentives for employee participation.
Kelly said that among the month-long fundraising events were a kick-off breakfast, jeans day, and USFCU matching donations. In addition, the CU launched another game show homage by encouraging staff to play "The Match Game," where contestants must pair various employees with little-known facts of their past.
The Combined Federal Campaign is a national effort among federal organizations allowing their employees to make charitable contributions via payroll deduction. Participants can select from hundreds of endorsed charities of regional, national, or international scope.
Kelly said US Federal routinely collects between $10,000 and $15,000 from its employees annually. This year's take: $18,632.31, a personal best for the CU. It was donated to Children's Miracle Network.
