America First CU Partnership Supports Local Athletics and Make-A-Wish
November 8, 2021
RENO, Nev. – November 8, 2021 – America First Credit Union (AFCU) continues its record of growing sports partnerships to build its brand with its latest long-term deal with University Nevada Reno (UNR) Athletics Wolf Pack Sports Properties.
As part of this multiyear partnership, AFCU will provide valuable resources to the community by providing a priority entrance to men’s basketball at Lawlor Events Center, a 12,000-seat, multipurpose arena; as well as a donation drive for every men’s basketball free throw made by UNR during home games throughout the regular season and championships to benefit “Swish for a Wish.” The credit union expects to raise $10,000 for Make-A-Wish® Northeastern & Central California and Northern Nevada, which will be donated at the end of the year.
Furthermore, AFCU will receive sponsorship assets each year for football, men’s basketball (which begins Nov. 9), women’s volleyball, and softball, allowing the credit union to connect with vital constituencies such as employees, members and prospects.
For AFCU cardholders who are Wolf Pack fans, the collaboration includes a UNR Athletics Picture Perfect card design, as well as high visibility signage in the football stadium and basketball arena.
“Northern Nevadans support UNR in a tremendous way and this allows us to connect with a passion point of the community,” said AFCU president and CEO Thayne Shaffer, who was born in Elko and grew up in Sparks, Lovelock, Fernley, Lovelock, Wells and Carlin. “Through this partnership, we are able to help children with life-threatening medical illnesses get their wishes granted while simultaneously providing perks for our members. We are overjoyed to be able to build a presence in Reno and make connections with the local community.”
“We are thrilled to partner with America First Credit Union, and look forward to all of the great benefits this partnership will bring to our Wolf Pack community,” said UNR director of athletics Doug Knuth. “This partnership will greatly benefit our great fans and community, and continue to build the bright future of Nevada Athletics.”
The deal began in September when the Wolf Pack began playing home games at Mackay Stadium, which has a 30,000-seat capacity, for the 2021 college football season. This expands AFCU’s brand footprint in Nevada, having previously partnered with the Las Vegas Raiders, Vegas Golden Knights, Las Vegas Aviators, Las Vegas Lights FC, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Athletics Department.
ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION
Proudly celebrating 82 years of servicing members and a long-standing history, America First Credit Union has become one of the largest, most stable and most progressive credit unions in the country, and has remained a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution. Today, America First has 120 locations, and is the eighth largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $16 billion, and the fifth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1.2 million members.
ABOUT MAKE-A-WISH®
Make-A-Wish® creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses and is on a quest to bring every eligible local child’s wish to life. Research has shown that a wish is an integral part of a child’s treatment journey. For more information about Make-A-Wish, visit wish.org/canv.