(Woodbury, MN – October 18, 2016) A strong showing of support enabled the Ideal CU Community Foundation to raise a record $23,291 at its seventh annual golf tournament on September 12, 2016, which is over a 25% increase from the previous year. The event, held at StoneRidge Golf Course in Stillwater, attracted 110 golfers and 46 sponsors. The foundation will use the funds to aid local education, food shelf and community initiatives.

“We are extremely grateful for the tremendous support of our vendor partners, credit union colleagues, board members and executive staff in helping to make this seventh annual event a huge success,” said Ideal Community Foundation Chairman and Ideal CU President/CEO Brian Sherrick. “Thanks to their participation, generous raffle donations and sponsorships, our endowment fund continues to grow and will enable the foundation to continue its mission to strengthen and improve the quality of life in our local communities.” A majority of the Ideal Community Foundation’s funds are raised through its annual charity golf tournament.

At the tournament dinner, participants learned about Ideal CU’s don’t text and drive awareness campaign, and heard from the parents and brother of David Riggs, a credit union employee who was killed by a distracted driver in August of 2013. Developed in David’s honor, the “Stop the Texts, Stop the Wrecks” campaign consists of 15 and 30 second TV ads, an online pledge at idealcu.com/pledge, and efforts to increase awareness through Ideal’s social media channels.

The two ads can also be found on Ideal CU’s YouTube page. David’s older brothers Mike and Matt are featured in the don’t text and drive awareness ads. By taking the pledge, drivers agree to not text while operating a vehicle, keep their eyes on the road at all times and encourage others to help end distracted driving.

Established in 2005 as the official philanthropic arm of Ideal Credit Union (formerly Postal Credit Union), the Ideal Community Foundation is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) dedicated to strengthening the quality of life in the greater Twin Cities metro area. In the past decade, the foundation has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars into early childhood development, financial literacy programs, local food shelves and food programs, veterans’ groups, affordable housing projects, Salvation Army Coats for Kids drive and many other worthy causes.

The Ideal Community Foundation focuses its support on organizations and initiatives that further its mission. It operates under the guidance of a Board of Directors, which oversees its financial management, sets policies and procedures for fundraising and grant making in accordance with its by-laws and mission. The foundation board thoughtfully reviews each request based on its ability to support its efforts and grants dollars where appropriate.

Donations to the Ideal Community Foundation are tax-deductible and funds received are reinvested into the community. Contributions can be made online at www.idealcu.com, at any Ideal Credit Union branch or by mail.   Make checks payable to:

Ideal Community Foundation
8499 Tamarack Road
Woodbury MN 55125