L-R: Jim Crowley, SWBC; John Willard, Camino CU; Chris Gunnare, The Members Group; Matt Flynn, The Members Group; Jim Updike, Honda FCU; Don Gensler, CUNA Mutual; Tim Sidley, WesCorp; and Todd Lane, California Center CU

RECORD DOLLARS RAISED FROM YACHT RACE
CU Crew Raises More Than $8,300 for RMJ Foundation
updated 05/15/09 1:09 PM

A crew of California credit union members and vendors raised a record $8,301.25 for the Richard Myles Johnson (RMJ) Foundation—the state foundation for credit unions in California and Nevada—via its participation in the 62nd annual Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race.

“It’s wonderful to be able to do something so fun that helps such a worthwhile cause as financial literacy at the same time,” said Jim Updike, Honda Federal Credit Union CEO, RMJ Foundation board member, and skipper of the crew. “I would like to thank all this year’s generous contributors.”

The rest of the crew making the 125-mile trek from Newport Beach, CA to Ensenada, Mexico the weekend of April 24 were: Todd Lane, California Center CU; John Willard, Camino CU; Don Gensler, CUNA Mutual Group; Chris Gunnare, Matt Flynn, and Brian Scott, The Members Group; and Tim Sidley, WesCorp. The team covered all racing expenses to ensure 100 percent of the funds raised would go toward the RMJ Foundation. The crew finished at 8:27 a.m. Saturday, April 25—one of its fastest finishes.

“We, once again, appreciate the support Jim and his crew have provided in helping the Foundation fund quality financial education programs throughout California and Nevada,” said Carl Stewart, RMJ Foundation board chairman and CEO of Water and Power Credit Union in Los Angeles, CA.

“In this tough economic year, it’s wonderful that we were able to exceed last year’s fundraising, and bring in more than $8,000 to support credit unions in their youth financial education efforts,” said Tena Lozano, RMJ Foundation executive director.

This was the eighth consecutive year the crew participated in the annual race. And, like it has for the past few years, the group sought contributions to support the RMJ Foundation. So far, the group has raised more than $61,000 for the Foundation and other charitable causes; including more than $7,000 last year for RMJ.

The Richard Myles Johnson Foundation is dedicated to providing community service grants to support credit union efforts in spreading the financial literacy message to young people. The Foundation also provides scholarships for credit union volunteers and staff to attend seminars and conferences to further their educational and professional development. It is funded through donations from credit unions, League chapters, corporations providing credit union services, and individuals. More information is available at its website at www.rmjfoundation.org.

The skipper at the helm--Honda FCU CEO Jim Updike.

A view of marine life