BETTENDORF, IOWA –  Ascentra Credit Union is known for paying it forward in the region, and wants to celebrate the upcoming International Pay it Forward Day on April 28 in a way that inspires others to pay it forward themselves.

Throughout the past few weeks, the Ascentra team has been busy surprising shoppers, teachers, students, and organizations from Clinton to the Quad Cities and down to Muscatine.  These special moments were captured in a video set to release on April 28 on Ascentra’s social media platforms including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. 

It all began in Davenport, Iowa at Project Renewal, a small non-profit afterschool program that provides a positive presence for children and families.  The students that attend this program were treated to a few surprises including a pizza party and a visit from Ascentra’s mascot Jumpin’ George. 

Jumpin’ George was also on hand to surprise Ms. Toledo and her first graders with much needed supplies at Lincoln-Irving Elementary School in Moline, Illinois.  In Bettendorf, Iowa, customers at a local coffee shop felt a little jolt when the Ascentra team paid for their orders, and unsuspecting shoppers at a grocery store in neighboring Davenport, Iowa received a helping hand when the team paid for their groceries.  

“For us, it’s not just about writing a check,” said Alvaro Macias, Ascentra AVP of Community Development.  “It is about engaging everyone in our community; it’s about uplifting others.”

Inspiration for these altruistic gestures came from the popular music video “God’s Plan” from Grammy award-winning artist Drake, in which he gives away all of the money that was budgeted for his video. 

“While we had a modest budget for the project, we made the most of it and had a positive impact on the organizations and people we encountered,” said Jennifer Naeve, Ascentra Chief Marketing Officer. “We hope that others are inspired as well and will pay it forward themselves.”

Just as the Ascentra team behind the video was moved to act and share with the world their commitment to the community, their goal is to spark that same sense of community and compassion for others in the region and beyond. 

In addition to releasing the video on April 28, Ascentra is encouraging people to share how they are paying it forward by using the hashtags #Ascentra and #PayItForward. 

About Ascentra:                                                                            

Founded in 1950, Ascentra Credit Union, is Iowa's premier credit union with more than $420 million in assets and 10 branches serving the communities of Bettendorf, Clinton, Davenport, Le Claire, Muscatine, Iowa and Moline, Ill.  Learn more about Ascentra Credit Union at ascentra.org.  Follow Ascentra on Facebook, Twitter @ascentra, Instagram @ascentracu and on YouTube.