FORT KENT (July 13, 2018) – Sixty pounds of hot dogs, 394 hamburgers, 117 pounds of potato and macaroni salad, and 558 bottles of cold beverages is what it takes to feed just over 400 people.
Acadia Federal Credit Union, a member-owned financial institution with branches throughout northern Aroostook County and eastern Maine, organized a free picnic, held at the Lion’s Pavilion at Fort Kent’s Riverside Park on Sunday, June 24.
The picnic was held in tandem with their annual meeting and featured fun, family-friendly events. Acadia welcomed hundreds of their members, plus friends from the community, while taking the opportunity to present $29,719 to representatives from area food pantries and food assistance programs.
Festivities began with the Acadia FCU business meeting, where President/CEO David Desjardins delivered the credit union’s financial report. Sixteen randomly-drawn members were awarded cash prizes and one lucky attendee won the grand prize, an outdoor bistro set valued at $230. Guests were also treated to a free picnic lunch, popcorn, prizes, gifts, face-painting, and entertainment. Brenda Dubay of Madawaska won $436 as part of a 50/50 raffle to benefit the 2018 Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger fundraising efforts.
“It’s a great feeling to see larger and larger crowds of families coming to our annual meeting each year,” said Luis Sanclemente, Vice President of Acadia FCU. “We have a great time celebrating Acadia and the amazing staff that we are all so proud of. This celebration is a great testament to our overall success.”
As the meeting closed, Desjardins presented donation checks to representatives from area food pantries and food assistance programs.
“It is extremely satisfying to present on behalf of the staff and members, nearly $30,000 to our local food pantries and hunger organizations,” said Desjardins. “It is a great feeling to impact our local communities in such a profound way.”
Acadia FCU staff members work yearlong to raise funds for the campaign. Representatives on behalf of First Assembly of God Food Pantry, St. John Vianney Parish Food Pantry, Aroostook Area Agency on Aging / Meals on Wheels program, Ashland Food Pantry, and Notre Dame du Mont Carmel Food Pantry were on-hand to receive checks at the annual meeting, while representatives from Our Lady of the Valley, MSAD 33 Take Home Program, Greater Fort Kent Ecumenical Food Pantry, Seeds of Hope Food Pantry, Bangor Area Homeless Shelter, Brewer Area Food Pantry, The Salvation Army of Bangor, and Manna Ministries Food Pantry received checks off-site.
Acadia FCU plans to host a similar event in the summer of 2019. Fundraising for the 2018 Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger is well underway.
Miss those picnics, my husband and I always loved them, seeing so many family and friends together, plus you guys always do a great job, even though we have been down in Biddeford for nine years now you are still our credit union, we have been members for I don’t remember how many years, great job by all
Thank you so much! We love that you’re still a member, even though you have left the area. We love hearing stories like this. Thanks, Deborah!
What are the plans for activities for your Bangor area credit union?
Hi Ray,
We’re currently planning on having a big grand opening celebration at the end of September. There was much to be done before and now the Stillwater building is undergoing some renovations. After things have been buttoned up, we’ll be able to celebrate. More information will come early September. 🙂 Alison Voisine, Marketing Manager