LANSING, Mich. — Veterans furthering their education at Lansing Community College and Baker College now have access to an additional $6,000 donated to the two schools by LAFCU and Lansing Lugnuts.
Each school received $3,000 at a private ceremony at LCC’s Veteran’s Memorial, Wednesday, Nov. 6. The funds comprise a donation by LAFCU and thousands of $1 donations by Lansing Lugnuts fans who participated in an in-park promotion before LAFCU Fireworks Spectaculars.
“We are awed by the support of Lansing Lugnuts and their fans,
” said Kelli Ellsworth Etchison, LAFCU chief marketing officer. “The ball park, with its icons of American culture – baseball, hot dogs and fireworks, was the perfect venue to recognize the role our military heroes play in defense of our democracy and freedoms.”
The scholarship fund was borne out of the LAFCU Community Champions program that honored veterans at Lansing Lugnuts games. The in-park promotion “LAFCU Launch” allowed fans to donate a minimum of $1 to the fund every time they launched a tennis ball onto the field for a chance to win a gift card.
“It’s good to work with a strong partner such as LAFCU that cares about the community,” said Nick Grueser, Lansing Lugnuts president. “And our fans, as always, came through in honoring our veterans.”
Andrew Cosgrove, director of LCC Office of Veteran and Military Affairs, said, “This donation will be of great help to our military-connected students who sometimes need financial assistance when VA benefits are delayed, when they don’t have enough benefits to finish their degree, or to purchase books or other school supplies.”
Christy Cooper, Baker College military education officer, said, “We are humbled by the generosity of LAFCU and the thousands of Lansing Lugnuts fans for our student veterans. These funds will help provide peace of mind to students facing unexpected financial obstacles.”
Education is one of the priorities of LAFCU’s community service program. This stems from the belief that an educated community is a strong, vibrant, engaged community. Ellsworth Etchison noted the donations to LCC and Baker College are an example of this. They will enable many veterans to achieve their education goals, which will ultimately strengthen their families and communities.
About LAFCU
Chartered in 1936, LAFCU is a not-for-profit financial cooperative open for membership to anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Michigan and to businesses and other entities located in Michigan. The credit union serves more than 65,000 members and holds nearly $750 million in assets. LAFCU offers a comprehensive range of financial products and services as well as an expanding complement of financial technology solutions. Members enjoy benefits such as low fees, low interest rates on loans, high yields on savings, discounts, knowledgeable employees and nationwide access to fee-free ATMs and ITMs. A recipient of the national Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service Award for credit unions, LAFCU enriches the communities it serves by supporting many organizations and causes. To learn more about LAFCU, call 800.748.0228 or visit www.lafcu.com.
About the Lansing Lugnuts
The Lansing Lugnuts, Class-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, 'Go Nuts' as they enter their 25th season in Michigan's Capital City. Featured in USA Today and on CNN for their successes, the Lugnuts make their home at the newly renovated Cooley Law School Stadium. Built in 1996, Cooley Law School Stadium continues to be a key component in revitalizing Lansing's downtown while providing fun, affordable, family entertainment to fans in Mid-Michigan and beyond. Find them online at www.lansinglugnuts.com.