TAMPA, FL, January 2022: GTE is dedicated to prioritizing people over profits by giving back through several different initiatives throughout the year. In 2021, GTE Financial raised and donated $506,000 to non-profits, organizations, and programs within the Tampa Bay community. GTE’s efforts helped students pay for college, assisted families in need during the holidays, and supported local charities to continue doing the great work they do in the community.
“Philanthropy is woven into the DNA of our organization and our people,” comments President and CEO of GTE Financial, Brian Best. “Throughout the year, both our employees and members rally around our philanthropic efforts, giving them a strong sense of pride by knowing they are making a difference in the community. It makes me incredibly proud to lead an organization that truly lives up to the credit union philosophy of ‘people helping people. We are thrilled to see our impact in 2021 and cannot wait to build upon last year’s impact in 2022.”
GTE Financial focuses on several initiatives throughout the year to raise funds for organizations within the Tampa Bay community. These include their monthly charities, which are entirely employee-led, grants from the GTE Foundation, charitable sponsorships, scholarship programs, and their holiday-focused “Make Hope Real” campaign. Employees don’t just give with their wallets; they donate their time as well, racking up over 1,200 volunteer hours in 2021. Of the $506,000, $122,000 was raised for GTE Financial’s monthly charities. These funds were raised for 12 local charities, including the Boys and Girls Club of Tampa Bay, the American Heart Association, and Feeding Tampa Bay. Additionally, members contributed to the credit union’s philanthropic efforts through GTE’s Future Change program by rounding their change up to the nearest dollar through the GTE Future Change App.
In 2022, GTE will continue supporting the Tampa Bay community through its several annual philanthropic initiatives. This year, some charities slated for assistance include Tighten the Drag Foundation, Southeastern Guide Dogs, Police Athletic League, and Metro Inclusive Health. Additionally, GTE Financial’s annual scholarship program, another of GTE’s yearly initiatives, also begins accepting member candidates on February 1, 2022.
To learn more about GTE’s impact on the community, visit gtefinancial.org/charities.
About GTE Financial
GTE Financial is a not-for-profit financial cooperative with more than $2 billion in assets and 23 Community Financial Centers located throughout West Central Florida. Chartered in 1935, GTE Financial is locally owned and operated in the Tampa Bay area, serving more than 230,000 individuals and businesses. More information on GTE Financial can be found at gtefinancial.org.
For more information, interviews, or media requests, please call (813) 644-7443 or email Savannah Cruz at pr@bkncreative.com.
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