MIRAMAR, Fla.� Tropical Financial Credit Union is honoring Miami-Dade Police Officer Elliott Scholes as its
League of Financial Goodness Local Hero.
Over a five-week period this summer, the public was invited to nominate a local herosomeone in the tri-county area who goes above and beyond to do things for the greater good of the community.
A panel of judges sorted through nearly 450 nominations that were weighed using three main criteria: total community impact; the number of people positively affected by their actions; and the compelling nature of their stories.
Scholes, an employee of the Miami-Dade County Police Department since 1989, emerged from the pack thanks to his long history of organizing dinners for kids at the Ronald McDonald House Miami and finding homes for rescue dogs primarily German Shepherds. He was independently nominated by several friends and others who knew about his good works.
Tropical Financial held a check presentation for Scholes on October 15 International Credit Union Day.� He was presented with $2,500 in cash and a $1,000 donation to his favorite charity, Ronald McDonald House Miami.
"For over 80 years, one of Tropical Financials core values has been people helping people," said Richard Helber, president and CEO. " While were proud of our employees who help improve the financial lives of our members every day, we wanted to recognize those in our community who go above and beyond in helping others. Thats why we formed the League of Financial Goodness. When we work together, we create caring communities, which makes our community of South Florida a better place to live and work. I want to congratulate Elliott for being our League of Financial Goodness Local Hero and congratulate all of the nominees."
Scholes, a 51-year-old resident of northwest Miami-Dade County, has organized and cooked monthly dinners for children and their families at Ronald McDonald House Miami for more than eight years. His relationship with the nonprofit began when he found out one of the patients enjoyed police cars and decided to pay the boy a visit, along with a few other officers, so he could enjoy their squad cars. That initial visit led to Scholes volunteering to cook an entire Thanksgiving dinner for the House. The monthly dinners began shortly thereafter.� Each month, hes joined by a group of friends who help him cook, serve and pay for the meals.
"The Ronald McDonald House is near and dear to me," Scholes said. "The volunteers who help me are amazing. Each month, I get fellow police officers, 911 dispatchers, family members and friends to commit their time. Seeing the smiles on these kids faces makes it worthwhile for all of us."
When Scholes is not working, volunteering at Ronald McDonald House Miami or spending time with his wife and 10-year-old son, he rescues and fosters dogs throughout South Florida. Over the last five years, he has located homes for more than 35 dogs, mostly German Shepherds. He personally covers veterinary costs, extensively reviews prospective dog owners and follows up with owners to make sure the dogs are receiving proper care and attention.
"I am truly humbled and grateful to Tropical Financial and the individuals who nominated me for this honor," Scholes said.� "The ultimate reward for me is the time I get to spend with the wonderful kids at Ronald McDonald House and helping these dogs find a loving home."
One of Elliotts nominators, Vicky Artel, summed it all up this way: "If he isnt the best hero, I dont know who is."
About Tropical Financial Credit Union
Tropical Financial Credit Union is a non-profit financial institution whose deposits are federally insured. The $580 million institution serves South Florida with nine branches. People who live or work in Miami-Dade, Broward or Palm Beach Counties can join the credit union, which was founded in 1935. For more information on Tropical Financial Credit Union, visit
www.TropicalFCU.com.
Photo:� (Left to right);� Richard Helber, president/CEO, Tropical Financial Credit Union and Elliott Scholes, League of Financial Goodness Local Hero
MIRAMAR, Fla.� Tropical Financial Credit Union is honoring Miami-Dade Police Officer Elliott Scholes as its League of Financial Goodness Local Hero.
Over a five-week period this summer, the public was invited to nominate a local herosomeone in the tri-county area who goes above and beyond to do things for the greater good of the community.
A panel of judges sorted through nearly 450 nominations that were weighed using three main criteria: total community impact; the number of people positively affected by their actions; and the compelling nature of their stories.
Scholes, an employee of the Miami-Dade County Police Department since 1989, emerged from the pack thanks to his long history of organizing dinners for kids at the Ronald McDonald House Miami and finding homes for rescue dogs primarily German Shepherds. He was independently nominated by several friends and others who knew about his good works.
Tropical Financial held a check presentation for Scholes on October 15 International Credit Union Day.� He was presented with $2,500 in cash and a $1,000 donation to his favorite charity, Ronald McDonald House Miami.
"For over 80 years, one of Tropical Financials core values has been people helping people," said Richard Helber, president and CEO. " While were proud of our employees who help improve the financial lives of our members every day, we wanted to recognize those in our community who go above and beyond in helping others. Thats why we formed the League of Financial Goodness. When we work together, we create caring communities, which makes our community of South Florida a better place to live and work. I want to congratulate Elliott for being our League of Financial Goodness Local Hero and congratulate all of the nominees."
Scholes, a 51-year-old resident of northwest Miami-Dade County, has organized and cooked monthly dinners for children and their families at Ronald McDonald House Miami for more than eight years. His relationship with the nonprofit began when he found out one of the patients enjoyed police cars and decided to pay the boy a visit, along with a few other officers, so he could enjoy their squad cars. That initial visit led to Scholes volunteering to cook an entire Thanksgiving dinner for the House. The monthly dinners began shortly thereafter.� Each month, hes joined by a group of friends who help him cook, serve and pay for the meals.
"The Ronald McDonald House is near and dear to me," Scholes said. "The volunteers who help me are amazing. Each month, I get fellow police officers, 911 dispatchers, family members and friends to commit their time. Seeing the smiles on these kids faces makes it worthwhile for all of us."
When Scholes is not working, volunteering at Ronald McDonald House Miami or spending time with his wife and 10-year-old son, he rescues and fosters dogs throughout South Florida. Over the last five years, he has located homes for more than 35 dogs, mostly German Shepherds. He personally covers veterinary costs, extensively reviews prospective dog owners and follows up with owners to make sure the dogs are receiving proper care and attention.
"I am truly humbled and grateful to Tropical Financial and the individuals who nominated me for this honor," Scholes said.� "The ultimate reward for me is the time I get to spend with the wonderful kids at Ronald McDonald House and helping these dogs find a loving home."
One of Elliotts nominators, Vicky Artel, summed it all up this way: "If he isnt the best hero, I dont know who is."
About Tropical Financial Credit Union
Tropical Financial Credit Union is a non-profit financial institution whose deposits are federally insured. The $580 million institution serves South Florida with nine branches. People who live or work in Miami-Dade, Broward or Palm Beach Counties can join the credit union, which was founded in 1935. For more information on Tropical Financial Credit Union, visit www.TropicalFCU.com.
Photo:� (Left to right);� Richard Helber, president/CEO, Tropical Financial Credit Union and Elliott Scholes, League of Financial Goodness Local Hero