FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. — Eglin Federal Credit Union has donated more than $50,000 to support suicide prevention through its sponsorship of Bring Hope Now’s Dragon Boat Race and Festival for the third consecutive year.
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In September, three Eglin FCU teams, Ready Oar Knot, Rowing Stones and Team Rocket, competed in the event. According to the credit union, combined sponsorships and employee-led fundraising efforts have totaled $50,865 over the past three years.
This year, employees raised $9,465. Eglin FCU said the amount was nearly $2,200 more than last year and more than double the total raised in 2023. More than $20,000 of the overall donations came from employees through initiatives such as dessert auctions and luncheons.
Bring Hope Now, Inc., founded in response to rising suicide rates in Okaloosa County and surrounding areas, said Eglin FCU was one of the first organizations to support its peer-to-peer youth programs and Hope on the Line, a curriculum for active-duty service members.
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The group launched the Dragon Boat Race and Festival to unite local organizations in raising funds and awareness for suicide prevention.
“I’ve always said, our mission five years ago to start peer-to-peer Suicide Prevention programs in every school would not have been possible without the generosity and support of Eglin Federal Credit Union and its employees,” said Bring Hope Now Executive Director Peggy Brockman.
“The passion the teams bring to the Dragon Boat Race and its cause is inspiring. Because of them, we have been able to donate over $20,000 to the Okaloosa County School District the past two years to support our CARE Crews in each school. That’s huge. We are forever grateful for having such a caring community partner like Eglin FCU.”
Ruth Fennell, AVP of Contact Center Operations at Eglin FCU, has served as a team captain for all three years.
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“This event brings our employees together around a powerful mission in suicide prevention,” Ms Fennell said.
“I’m constantly inspired by our team’s energy and generosity. The camaraderie, the excitement and the sheer fun of dragon boat racing make it a highlight of the year. But it is also about something bigger. Every team member shows up with purpose. We row for someone who needs to know they are not alone. At Eglin FCU, we row as one team. Every dollar raised is a message of hope, and every stroke is a step toward saving lives.”
Eglin FCU encourages those interested in career opportunities to visit its website for more information.
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