Jamestown, ND -
"Theyre all here for me?" ��Those were Ryders first words when she arrived at the First Community CU picnic to accept her check, funds that were raised through First Community Credit Unions fitness initiative. She spent the next few hours loving the attention, even singing for those in attendance.
This spring, FCCU launched a "Healthier You" fitness program, open for all staff to participate. The 90-day challenge was to promote activity and healthy eating with staff tracking their daily miles, daily fruit and vegetable intake.
During the last 30 days of the program, staff did one final push to the end. This campaign "CHARGE to the Finish Line" raised money to support the CHARGE Syndrome Foundation and more importantly to help Ryder, the granddaughter of Jamestown financial services officer, Monica Hieb. Ryder was born with a condition called CHARGE, which is a recognizable genetic pattern of birth defects. The letters in CHARGE stand for:
C- Colombo of the eye
H- Heart defects
A- Artesia of the choanal
R- Retardation of growth and/or development
G- Genital and/or Urinary abnormalities
E- Ear abnormalities and deafness
Ryder was diagnosed with four of the six defects, which ironically spell out the word CARE, which couldnt be more fitting about her personality. Ryder is now six years old and has undergone more surgeries than any child should.
The last 30 days of the fitness initiative, Ryder joined FCCU staff by walking 16 miles. For each mile Ryder walked, FCCU donated $10 to the CHARGE Syndrome Foundation. In addition, FCCU team had a goal of 4,000 miles to receive $1,000. In the end, FCCU exceeded their goal, donating nearly $1,700 to this great cause and completing a grand total of 11,641 miles in just three months.
Ryder attended the Annual CHARGE Syndrome Foundation conference in Chicago, Illinois at the end of July and presented the check to CEO/President of the CHARGE Syndrome Foundation, David Wolfe.� The funds will be used to help with research and promotion of innovative advancements, as well as education for families of those affected and the general public. (Photo shows Jamestown Financial Services Officer, Monica Heib, with her husband Jerry and granddaughter Ryder in Chicago.)
"Anyone who has met Ryder falls in love with her contagious smile and fun personality," said, Steph Finck, who organized the fundraiser. "Were honored to support Monicas family as they deal with Ryders health challenges while becoming healthier individuals at the same time. Ryder has been an inspiration to us all!"
During its 76 year history, First Community Credit Union has grown to be North Dakotas largest Credit Union with 140 employees and 15 branches whose field of membership covers approximately one third of the state. As a credit union, FCCU is owned by its members. This is different than other financial institutions which are owned by a select group of stockholders. The Credit Union's profits are returned to the members in the form of better services, accounts, and favorable rates on savings and loans.
Jamestown, ND -
"Theyre all here for me?" ��Those were Ryders first words when she arrived at the First Community CU picnic to accept her check, funds that were raised through First Community Credit Unions fitness initiative. She spent the next few hours loving the attention, even singing for those in attendance.
This spring, FCCU launched a "Healthier You" fitness program, open for all staff to participate. The 90-day challenge was to promote activity and healthy eating with staff tracking their daily miles, daily fruit and vegetable intake.
During the last 30 days of the program, staff did one final push to the end. This campaign "CHARGE to the Finish Line" raised money to support the CHARGE Syndrome Foundation and more importantly to help Ryder, the granddaughter of Jamestown financial services officer, Monica Hieb. Ryder was born with a condition called CHARGE, which is a recognizable genetic pattern of birth defects. The letters in CHARGE stand for:
C- Colombo of the eye
H- Heart defects
A- Artesia of the choanal
R- Retardation of growth and/or development
G- Genital and/or Urinary abnormalities
E- Ear abnormalities and deafness
Ryder was diagnosed with four of the six defects, which ironically spell out the word CARE, which couldnt be more fitting about her personality. Ryder is now six years old and has undergone more surgeries than any child should.
The last 30 days of the fitness initiative, Ryder joined FCCU staff by walking 16 miles. For each mile Ryder walked, FCCU donated $10 to the CHARGE Syndrome Foundation. In addition, FCCU team had a goal of 4,000 miles to receive $1,000. In the end, FCCU exceeded their goal, donating nearly $1,700 to this great cause and completing a grand total of 11,641 miles in just three months.
Ryder attended the Annual CHARGE Syndrome Foundation conference in Chicago, Illinois at the end of July and presented the check to CEO/President of the CHARGE Syndrome Foundation, David Wolfe.� The funds will be used to help with research and promotion of innovative advancements, as well as education for families of those affected and the general public. (Photo shows Jamestown Financial Services Officer, Monica Heib, with her husband Jerry and granddaughter Ryder in Chicago.)
"Anyone who has met Ryder falls in love with her contagious smile and fun personality," said, Steph Finck, who organized the fundraiser. "Were honored to support Monicas family as they deal with Ryders health challenges while becoming healthier individuals at the same time. Ryder has been an inspiration to us all!"
During its 76 year history, First Community Credit Union has grown to be North Dakotas largest Credit Union with 140 employees and 15 branches whose field of membership covers approximately one third of the state. As a credit union, FCCU is owned by its members. This is different than other financial institutions which are owned by a select group of stockholders. The Credit Union's profits are returned to the members in the form of better services, accounts, and favorable rates on savings and loans.