Over 400 Oklahoma Community CU Members, volunteers and employees gathered for The Bash, a night of family fun. The annual Member appreciation event was held on Oklahoma State’s Campus at the Wes Watkins Center.
Members enjoyed Hello Catering’s wide variety of foods that ranged from meatloaf bites, to mini corns dogs and chicken tenders to some excellent meatballs. The sides included mashed potatoes, green beans and of course mac ’n cheese for the kids. Desserts and drinks topped off the menu.
Shake, Rattle & Roll provided music, lighting and a free photo booth for Member’s family pics. The highlight of the evening was the Cash Cube where Members and their guests and children could enter into the cube for 30 seconds and grab as much cash from in the air as they could. One Member stated: “I had so much fun in the Cash Cube. When I got home I found a bonus $1.00 bill in my shoe.”
For the short program, Penny Holt welcomed the crowd and introduced the CU’s Chairman of the Board, Lyle Eastman. Mr. Eastman acknowledged all board members and supervisory committee members and thanked them for their volunteer service for the year. Mr. Eastman was elated that so many Members are getting involved in the Credit Union and helping it to grow.
Daniel Thrasher, President/CEO, rounded out the program with a quick overview of the credit union’s goals, mission and future plans. Mr. Thrasher recognized employees & volunteers celebrating years of service in 2021 and 2022, including a 25 Year Award to Wilma Wehr-Hiatt, and 10-year recognitions to Brittney Federko, Robert Clemens and Ruth Summers. Employees who had received a quarterly service recognition award were announced, and Jordyn Adler was recognized as the 2021 Employee of the Year!
The West Branch construction progress was revealed with pictures and to cap it all off, the Credit Union introduced a new foundation. OK Community Cares was launched. This new foundation will allow the Credit Union to grow in its ability to help those non-profit organizations and service agencies with their outreach to residents in Oklahoma Community Credit Union’s geographic footprint.
The OK Community Cares Foundation will be accepting applications for grants soon and more information will come as the details get finalized for the grant process and eligibility. Stay tuned by checking okcommunitycu.com for updates.
Those that stuck around for the 6 pm – 8 pm event, were listening for their name to be called to win a CU at the Bash T-shirt. Candy bars were handed out and finally those Members & guests that stayed until 7:45 pm were eligible to win door prizes that included: a 43” TV, a Power washer, A backyard cooler on wheels, family yard cards, a cordless screwdriver set and much more.
“We see this Member Appreciation event, The Bash, as a great place to give out our door prizes and to recognize our employees for their years of service and award,” stated Penny Holt, VP of Marketing. “It’s a perfect time to allow Members & their guests to visit with our Board of Directors, Volunteers and Staff. The collaboration of these parties is a great step in helping the credit union grow.”
Perhaps in 2023 the Annual Meeting will become a business-style meeting and the door prizes, and awards and Credit Union updates will come at the Bash. “It’s a thought we are considering,” said Holt.
“I see the Bash becoming our annual event where our employees and Members can spend time together and catch up,” stated Daniel Thrasher, according to our tenured employees, this Bash of over 400 people was our biggest CU event held ever. I am proud of our staff of only 38 people for putting this event on. And I’m elated that our Members showed up in droves to support their credit union, Oklahoma Community Credit Union.