Fostering Financial Wellness, Community and Hope
RTN GoodWorks Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, public charitable foundation that fosters financial wellness, and promotes financial literacy and community involvement. Founded in 2011, the RTN GoodWorks Foundation is a natural outgrowth of the Credit Union’s commitment to community activities and to financial literacy as a key component of financial health.
Fundraising
RTN GoodWorks Foundation is funded through fundraising events, appeals to membership and community partners.
Helping Members and Neighbors in Unexpected Times of Need: RTN Donates $4,467 to Merrimack Valley Relief Efforts
When explosions and fires from over-pressurized gas lines ripped through Lawrence, Andover and North Andover, our Credit Union jumped into action to help.
RTN GoodWorks Foundation recently donated $4,467 to the Greater Lawrence Disaster Relief Fund to support relief efforts following the September 13 gas explosions in the three communities that were hard-hit by this disaster. Funds collected in RTN Federal Credit Union branches totaled $2,233.62, with the Foundation giving a matching donation.
In addition to the monetary help, RTN Employees Community Outreach Committee organized a collection drive in RTN branches. With generous support from members and staff, RTN collected several bags of non-perishable foods, toiletries, blankets and towels, baby formula and diapers and other essentials. These items were delivered and donated to the Lawrence Senior Center in late October.
RTN is closely connected to the Andover, North Andover and Lawrence communities that were hard-hit by the gas explosions. The Credit Union has branch locations and many members who live in the area.
The Greater Lawrence Disaster Relief Fund was initiated at Essex County Community Foundation (ECCF) by Governor Charlie Baker, Lawrence Mayor Daniel Rivera, and Andover and North Andover Town Managers Andrew Flanagan and Andrew Maylor. One hundred percent of donations go to support the relief efforts.
“We are so grateful for the generous donation from the RTN GoodWorks Foundation and RTN members,” says Crystal Bates, ECCF’s director of development and communications. “It’s another extraordinary example of people coming together to help those in need during a time of crisis.”
RTN GoodWorks Foundation Golf Tournament 2018
Thanks to all our sponsors and golfers who helped make the 2018 RTN GoodWorks Foundation Golf Tournament on Monday, October 1, 2018 at Oakley Country Club a success.
The Golf Tournament proceeds will help us fund Foundation activities.
Recent highlights of the Foundation charitable endeavors include our annual Walk Home event to help Massachusetts homeless teens and families and a $2000 donation to Meadow Clubs & Youth Environmental Entrepreneurship Programs (YEEP) to sponsor a Waltham YEEP student this summer.
Giving Tuesday is Every Day at RTN (2017)
On November 28, 2017, we made a donation of $3251.62 with funds collected through RTN GoodWorks Foundation to the Greater Houston Community Foundation to help support their Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.
Every day, as a Credit Union we exist help our members manage and improve their financial lives. And, we have a social mission, with charitable giving and community service as our core values.
This translates into supporting local community projects and initiatives. A quick overview of charitable giving and community involvement in 2017 includes:
- In September, we gave $22,039 to help homeless teens and families in Danvers, Waltham and Boston. These funds were raised through our annual Walk Home 5K walk to help homeless teens and families.
- Monthly Blue Jeans Days provide RTN employees the opportunity to wear jeans to work for a charitable donation, with funds collected and donated to promote the credit union industry with legislators and governmental bodies. In addition, RTN is an active participant in Cooperative Credit Union Association collection drives and community efforts throughout the year.
- Our Employee Community Outreach Committee supports several non-profit organizations and charities in local communities through personal donations and contributions of their free time.
Charitable giving by RTN so far this year has totaled nearly $60,000. We are proud to work collaboratively with members, sponsor groups and our surrounding communities through financial support and volunteer participation in many ways, large and small. We thank you for your participation and support.
Foundation Golf Tournament Raises $30,000 for Community and Financial Education Projects
Pictured (l to r): RTN Federal Credit Union Board Members Joe Kelleher, Jack Torpey and Chair Arthur Osborn, and RTN GoodWorks Foundation Director Henry Doyle.
RTN GoodWorks Foundation raised $30,000 in proceeds from its 2017 fundraising Golf Tournament on Monday October 2, 2017 at Oakley Country Club. These funds will help support RTN GoodWorks Foundation’s community projects and financial education efforts.Beautiful October weather was the backdrop for a day of golf, followed by a program that included prize awards, raffles and a silent auction. As a Titanium Sponsor, RTN Federal Credit Union was the major supporter of this event.Highlights of the Foundation’s charitable endeavors during the past two years include its annual Walk Home event that donated more than $46,400 to help Massachusetts homeless teens and families; a donation to ABCD’s (Action for Boston Community Development, Inc.) Winter Emergency Campaign and Fuel Assistance Program; a donation to the Brigham and Women’s Hospital annual campaign; and sponsorship of several community financial education seminars.
Thanks to our sponsors, donors and golfers who help make the RTN GoodWorks Foundation 2017 Golf Tournament a great success!
Community Involvement
The Foundation’s activities are focused in communities where RTN Credit Union branches are located. The Foundation disperses funds to organizations not individuals.
RTN GoodWorks Foundation Donates $2,000 to Waltham Student
(l to r): Peter Cole, Board Chair of RTN GoodWorks Foundation and Board Member of RTN Federal Credit Union; Henry Doyle, RTN GoodWorks Foundation Director; Cooper Ferrari, Waltham High School student and YEEP summer employee; and Joan Kuhn, Board Member of RTN GoodWorks Foundation and Board Member of RTN Federal Credit Union.
This summer, RTN GoodWorks Foundation has donated $2,000 to the Waltham Youth Environmental Entrepreneurship Program (YEEP) to sponsor a Waltham High School student’s YEEP summer employment.
Cooper Ferrari, a rising sophomore, has had a summer job since July 2 funded by the Foundation at Waltham YEEP Program. In his role as co-chair of Marketing and Sales for the YEEP summer business, Cooper has developed programs to increase plant sales.
In addition, as part of this summer job experience Cooper is participating in the Waltham Partnership for Youth’s summer internship program. Participating students have attended two-hour workshops every week, including one presented by RTN Federal Credit Union, to get coaching about personal finances and professional conduct in a work environment.
YEEP is an experiential environmental enrichment and employment program run by Meadowscaping for Biodiversity. Teens aged 15 to 18 earn an hourly salary while the opportunity to build a service business where they provide landscaping with perennial native plants.
The Foundation’s activities and community giving are focused in communities where RTN Credit Union branches are located, including its corporate headquarters in Waltham. The Foundation disperses funds to organizations not individuals. We are pleased to support this innovative program for local youth in Waltham and help shape the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Walk Home 2018
Pictured (left to right) are: Viana Lucchesi, RTN Assistant Vice President of Human Resources; Joan Kuhn, Board Member of RTN GoodWorks Foundation; Robyn Frost, Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless Executive Director; Sarita Ledani, RTN Vice President for Business Development and Executive Director, RTN GoodWorks Foundation; Ann-Marie Gordon, RTN Vice President of Operations; Ann Kane, RTN Mortgage Closer; and Nicole James, RTN Senior Vice President of Retail Services and Treasurer, RTN GoodWorks Foundation.
RTN Federal Credit Union and RTN GoodWorks Foundation presented a check for $21,000 to the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless on Monday, September 17. The funds are proceeds raised from Walk Home 2018, which took place in June.
Walk Home, the Credit Union’s signature fundraising event, brings together RTN members and staff, along with community residents, local and state dignitaries and politicians, and business sponsors. 5K Walk events were held simultaneously in Danvers, Dorchester, and Waltham.
Thanks to all the walkers, volunteers and staff who participated in RTN Federal Credit Union’s 8th annual Walk Home for the Homeless on June 10. The 5K Walk events took place simultaneously in three locations — Danvers Rail Trail, Dorchester Park and Waltham Common. Each Walk began with an Opening Program featuring remarks from local officials, and senior executives from the Credit Union and the Coalition.
Walk Home funds are collected through the RTN GoodWorks Foundation and donated to help homeless teens and families in Danvers, Dorchester and Waltham, and support the work of the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless. RTN has raised close to $180,000 since the inception of Walk Home in 2011.
Thanks to our sponsors and supporters of Walk Home 2018
Gold Sponsors
Enterprise Car Sales
RTN Federal Credit Union
RTN GoodWorks Foundation
Signarama of Somerville
S.P. Butler Construction
Silver Sponsors
CUNA Mutual Group
Hanscom Federal Credit Union
RTN Financial & Retirement Group
Bronze Sponsors
Better Values. Better Banking. Massachusetts Credit Unions.
BMB Associates, Inc.
David A. Keefe & Associates, LLC
New England Baptist Hospital
Robert Half
RTN Realty Advisors
Arrow Sponsors
Bathcrest of Boston
Emily Specialty Products
Moody and Regan Printers
Nova Biomedical
The Print House
Rotary Club of Waltham, MA
Waltham Chamber of Commerce
Attorney Eric J. Weinstein
Supporters
Cedar Grove Gardens
Chateau Restaurant
Cherry Street Market
FastSigns of Waltham
Lowell Spinners
Polar Beverages
TL Massage Therapy
Community Partners
Boys & Girls Club/Waltham
City of Waltham
Danvers Rail Trail
Discover Waltham
Dorchester Park Association
Town of Danvers
Watch CDC
Financial Education
The work of the Foundation reflects a belief that with access to financial education, there can be a real difference in people’s lives and they can become financially independent.
During the year, RTN GoodWorks Foundation sponsors financial seminars in branch or community settings.
RTN GoodWorks Foundation Hosts Financial Seminar at Waltham Boys and Girls Club
Local youth enjoyed a free financial seminar held on March 29 at the Waltham Boys & Girls Club, sponsored by RTN GoodWorks Foundation and RTN Federal Credit Union.
Seventeen young people, ages 13 to 17, attended the Basics of Money Management class presented by the College Planning Team from The College Planning Collaborative. The seminar introduced financial concepts including how to save and spend money, and setting financial goals. The informal format covered conversation and learning about money-related topics and attitudes. The students enjoyed pizza as part of the evening’s event.
“We are excited to partner with RTN to provide valuable educational opportunities to our young people,” says Jules LeBlanc, Associate Program Director at Waltham Boys & Girls Club. “Our youth are gaining concrete skills and knowledge to take charge of their financial futures, which will enable them to reach their full potential to be successful after graduation. We are extremely grateful for RTN’s support of our community’s youth.”
Part of RTN GoodWorks Foundation’s mission is to make financial literacy tools accessible to more people. Founded in 2011, the RTN GoodWorks Foundation is a natural outgrowth of our Credit Union’s commitment to financial literacy and community activities as key components of financial health efforts.
We invite you to join us at upcoming scheduled seminars in RTN branches and look for future Foundation-sponsored seminars in the community.