Sunmark Begins 2011 Partnership With Regional Food Bank

Sunmark Federal Credit Union to Partner with Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York for Fundraising Efforts

Partnership will be utilized to raise awareness for the Food Bank and engage volunteerism locally

LATHAM, N.Y. – – Sunmark Federal Credit Union, a full-service, community chartered credit union serving those who live and work in Albany, Schenectady, Montgomery, Saratoga, Schoharie and Rensselaer counties, will partner with the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York to raise awareness and increase fundraising in its efforts to serve people of the Capital District.

The partnership, effective immediately, will raise money, awareness and food for the Regional Food Bank utilizing Sunmark Federal Credit Union branches as locations where its 40,000 members can drop off food donations, make monetary contributions, and learn more about the Food Bank.  Sunmark will also promote the Food Bank and conduct food drives at a number of Sunmark-sponsored events throughout 2011 including: Country Fest, Troy Night Out and Tri-City ValleyCats games throughout the summer.

“The Regional Food Bank is an excellent organization that consistently steps up to address the difficult issue of hunger in our area,” said Sunmark Federal Credit Union President and CEO Bruce M. Beaudette. “I’ve supported the work of the Regional Food Bank for years and I’m delighted that Sunmark has an opportunity to play an important role in helping them achieve their goals for 2011.”

This partnership is an expansion of Sunmark’s on-going Members Helping Members program. The program, officially launched in 2008, created a network between Sunmark’s members and businesses to foster cooperation in dealing with local economic and energy issues facing residents of the Capital Region. The Regional Food Bank partnership expands this program to support the Capital Region’s nonprofit sector as the Credit Union endeavors to help members and residents of the region.

“We are very excited to partner with Sunmark Federal Credit Union to raise food, funds, and awareness for the Regional Food Bank throughout 2011,” said Mark Quandt, Executive Director of the Regional Food Bank.  “Sunmark’s support will make a huge difference in all efforts to feed the growing number of hungry people in our communities this year.”

As part of this year-long initiative, the Regional Food Bank will also receive the funds from the 2011 Sunmark Golf Classic being held on August 19^th at the Van Patten Golf Course in Clifton Park.  Approximately 230 Sunmark Federal Credit Union business partners and employees will participate in this year’s golf tournament along with local residents who wish to support the Food Bank. For more information on the 2011 Sunmark Golf Classic and sponsorship opportunities, log onto www.sunmarkfcu.org/golf or call the event’s organizer, Rich Meddaugh, at (518) 382-2597 ext. 3129 or email rmeddaugh@sunmarkfcu.org.

About Sunmark Federal Credit Union

Sunmark Federal Credit Union^® is a full-service, community chartered credit union serving those who live, work, worship or attend school in Albany, Schenectady, Montgomery, Saratoga, Schoharie and Rensselaer counties in New York. Sunmark has assets of $400 million and serves more than 43,000 members and businesses. For more information, visit their web site at www.sunmarkfcu.org.