• HCFCU Raises Over $17,000 for American Cancer Society and Celebrates the ''Power of Pink''

    October 28, 2021




    Real Men Wear Pink Ambassador - Tim Ashcraft, Honokaa & Kohala Branch Manager, HCFCU;
    Sarah Luchenbill, Associate Director, American Cancer Society;
    McKenna Ventura, Marketing Coordinator, HCFCU;
    Real Men Wear Pink Ambassador - Tyson Klask, Hilo Branch Manager, HCFCU.

    The pandemic could not stop Hawaii Island residents from donating to Relay For Life and the American Cancer Society’s mission to advance cancer research and innovation. Thanks to the generosity of supporters, Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU) raised $17,018 — surpassing its goal during Relay For Life events in 2021.

    “Cancer is personal. Everyone knows someone who has been diagnosed with the incurable disease,” said Tricia Buskirk, President & CEO of HCFCU. “Every year, we strive to honor those lost to cancer and cancer survivors, and our members and employees show their commitment to finding a cure through their fundraising efforts. We are honored to help the cause in any way we can.”

    Each HCFCU branch sold ribbons, cookbooks (“Healthy Lifestyle” and “Easy Does It”), and luminaria. Staff members also wore Relay for Life shirts every Friday in August to raise awareness.

    This year’s Relay for Life theme was “Passport of Hope.” Events were held in Hilo and Kona, in July and August, respectively, and included the hallmark Luminaria event— which transformed into a drive-thru this year to comply with COVID-19 guidelines. The Luminaria served as a tribute to those who lost their lives to cancer, those battling the disease, and offered hope in the search for a cure.

    Born out of the fundraiser’s pandemic transformation, a highlight of this year’s Luminaria was the trunk show competition that challenged competitors — including HCFCU employees from its Hilo, Kailua-Kona, Kealakekua, and Kohala & Honokaa branches — to create displays showcasing an international destination of their choice.

    “Although this year’s Relay for Life events had to be adjusted due to COVID restrictions, our employees demonstrated incredible creativity, taking us from Japan, Paris, the Philippines, and even to the ʻninth island,’ Las Vegas,” said Buskirk. “Their passion for this event demonstrates their commitment to fighting cancer and supporting the American Cancer Society.” Photos of their displays are available for download here.

    HCFCU is a not-for-profit, federally insured financial institution owned by more than 45,000 members. HCFCU’s branches are located in Hilo, Honokaa, Kailua-Kona, Kaloko, Kealakekua, and Kohala. Additionally, HCFCU has Student Credit Unions in Hilo, Kealakehe, Kohala and Konawaena high schools.

    In addition to financial services from checking and savings, HCFCU provides serviceminded financial professionals to help facilitate mortgage, land, construction, small business, educational, personal and auto loans; drive-up tellers; credit and debit cards with rewards; online and mobile banking; investment services; and youth programs. HCFCU also supports numerous Hawaii Island non-profit organizations and community events.

    Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union Employees Celebrate the "Power of Pink"

    From L-R: Craig Camello, Kaloko Branch Manager; Tim Ashcraft, Honokaa & Kohala Branch Manager; Chris Fonoimoana,
    Information Systems Coordinator; Ryan McGrady, Vice President of Operations; Tyson Klask, Hilo Branch Manager.
     
    October is breast cancer awareness month. To support the American Cancer Society, Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU) is once again raising green for the “Real Men Wear Pink” campaign to help prevent breast cancer in men and women.

    “We are proud to be part of this annual community tradition — raising money and awareness for an important cause,” said Tricia Buskirk, President & CEO of HCFCU. “Breast cancer affects everyone — women and men. Our community is at the heart of everything we do, and we hope that this campaign will help fight a disease that affects so many of our family, friends, and neighbors.”

    The American Cancer Society estimates 1,390 women in Hawaiʻi will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021. Across the United States, an estimated 2,650 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year.

    Five men from various HCFCU branches and departments are participating in “Real Men Wear Pink” this year. Our “Fab Five” are Chris Fonoimoana (Information Systems Coordinator), Craig Camello (Kaloko Branch Manager), Ryan McGrady (VP of Operations), Tim Ashcraft (Honokaa & Kohala Branch Manager), and Tyson Klask (Hilo Branch Manager). Their photos can be found here.

    “Fab Five” members are each committed to raising at least $2,500 this month and raising awareness on their social media accounts. HCFCU is also encouraging our community to support the cause. Donation information can be found at www.hicommfcu.com/RMWPink.

    In addition to supporting their colleagues, other HCFCU team members are taking part in “Rock Da Pink” by wearing pink attire to support the American Cancer Society every Wednesday in October.

    The funds raised from this initiative will support the American Cancer Society’s breast cancer initiatives, including innovative research, patient services, and education around screenings and risk reduction.