(Woodbury, MN – August 25, 2016) – Ideal Credit Union celebrated its milestone of 90 years in business in a big way in August, throwing a week-long 90th Anniversary/Community Appreciation Event at all five branches, giving away $5,000 to five lucky grand prize winners and donating $2,500 to local food shelves.

Hundreds turned out each day to take part in the celebration. Over 2,100 hot dogs were consumed over the course of the week, and five lucky members each “Cracked the Vault” for a winning of $1,000. Hugo’s winner was Marguerite Rauch, a 32-year member of Ideal Credit Union, who planned to buy furniture with her winnings. Eagan’s winner, James Rindal, a 6-year VIP+ member, had just arrived when his code proved to be the grand prize winner.

At the new Inver Grove Heights branch, Joseph Falzone, a 32-year VIP+ member, took home the $1,000. In North St. Paul, Joan Kaup, a 13-year member, told her co-workers she was going to Ideal to win $1,000 and promised to buy lunch the following day. Woodbury’s $1,000 winner was VIP+ member Joyce McCabe, who joined the credit union in 1978.

To play Crack the Vault, attendees entered a combination number into an interactive game loaded on an iPad. The game revealed a prize when the vault opened and everyone was a winner.

The Ideal Credit Union Community Foundation donated $2,500 total and presented $500 checks to local food shelf representatives at each of the credit union’s five branches during the celebration to help feed our hungry neighbors. The recipients were Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf in Hugo, The Open Door in Eagan, Neighbors, Inc., in Inver Grove Heights, the North St. Paul Emergency Food Shelf in North St. Paul, and the Christian Cupboard in Woodbury.

 “This year’s Community Appreciation event was a great way to celebrate 90 years of service to our members and our local communities, and thank them for their support and for doing business with our credit union,” said Ideal CU President/CEO Brian Sherrick. “The event also gave us an opportunity to show our commitment to giving back by making donations to local food shelves and collecting coats for kids.”

Since 2013, Ideal Credit Union has paid out over $2 million in earnings to VIP+ members to thank them for their business and loyalty. While many other financials are driven by profits, Ideal’s VIP+ program returns earnings back to its members. Members who reach VIP+ status also receive a host of additional benefits and free services throughout the year.

Founded in 1926, Ideal Credit Union is a member owned financial institution that specializes in providing excellent member service, great rates and convenience. Ideal CU offers a complete range of services, including a full suite of electronic banking products, savings, checking, loans, mortgage products and title services, exclusive VIP member payback, business services, investment services and more. Visit www.idealcu.com for details and locations.

In the photo above:

Eagan Ambassador Autumn Manni (3rd from right) joined Ideal CU board members and staff in presenting a check for $500 to The Open Door food shelf during the Eagan 90th Anniversary/Community Appreciation celebration on August 16. Manni was sponsored by Ideal CU and crowned at the July 4th Eagan Funfest.