METRO EAST CHAPTER OF CREDIT UNIONS
CHARITY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
January 23, 2007

The first meeting of the CHARITY COMMITTEE of the METRO EAST CHAPTER OF CREDIT UNIONS was called to order by Executive Committee Member Gail Hernalsteen at 8:35 AM on January 23, 2007 at Motor City Co-op Credit Union, Clinton Township, MI.

INTRODUCTIONS:
Gail Hernalsteen welcomed all committee members.  A roster was completed and introductions were made by all present.  Members present:  Becky Reini (CFCU), Kathy Figgs (CFCU), Tony Zahringer (SHCCU), Crystal Gracz (CMCCU), Sally Gibson (MSGCU), Barb Pitlik (LeoXIIIKCF), Debra Marra (METRO), Karen Myers (RFCU), Shirley Dolecki (MCCCU), Magda Bessenecker (MSGCU), Dennis Moriarty (UNITY), Gail Hernalsteen (MCCCU).

PURPOSE:
To involve all Metro East Chapter credit unions in common charities which will benefit the charities and strengthen the Credit Union name.

PAST CHARITY SPONSORSHIP:
Gail Hernalsteen reported that several Metro East Chapter credit unions have sponsored March of Dimes and Children’s Miracle Network.  In 2006, 15 credit unions in the Metro East Chapter were involved in March of Dimes/WalkAmerica.

CHARITY SUGGESTIONS:
Several credit unions reported sponsoring Gleaners Community Food Bank.  Gail Hernalsteen reported that Children’s Miracle Network is the Michigan Credit Union League sponsored charity.  Debra Marra reported that Metro Credit Union sponsors Tools for Schools which provides backpacks and school supplies for children in need.  Crystal Gracz reported that Central Macomb Credit Union sponsors Phone Home for the Holidays which provides phone cards for military personnel based overseas

2007 CHARITIES:
February charity is Gleaners Community Food Bank, chaired by Shirley Dolecki. 
March-April charity is March of Dimes/WalkAmerica chaired by Becky Reini.
May-June charity is Children’s Miracle Network chaired by Sally Gibson.
July-September charity is Tools for Schools co-chaired by Debra Marra and Karen Myers.
October-December is Phone Home for the Holidays chaired by Crystal Gracz.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS:
Crystal Gracz was elected President.  Shirley Dolecki was elected Secretary.  Kathy Figgs was elected Treasurer.  Magda Bessenecker was elected Public Relations.

NEXT MEETING:
February 27, 2007 at Motor City Co-op Credit Union.

ADJOURNMENT:
Meeting was adjourned at 9:50 AM.

_________________________________   _________________________________
Crystal Gracz, Chairperson                           Shirley Dolecki, Secretary