NOTRE DAME, IN – September 25, 2019 – Notre Dame Federal Credit Union (Notre Dame FCU) will compete against USC Credit Union (USCCU) to raise money for local charities in the seventh annual $10,000 Charity Challenge.

Inspired by the upcoming October 12 college football game between the University of Notre Dame and the University of Southern California, Notre Dame FCU and USCCU will take the age-old rivalry off the gridiron in a battle to see which credit union can generate more new checking accounts between September 23, 2019 and October 12, 2019. 

Each credit union has wagered $5,000 on the contest. The credit union who opens the most checking accounts will not only get to select the winning charity to receive $10,000 but also have bragging rights for the next year.

Defending 2019 challenge winner, Notre Dame FCU, has once again chosen the Kelly Cares Foundation. Created by Notre Dame’s Head Football Coach Brian Kelly and his wife, Paqui (a two-time breast cancer survivor), the foundation focuses on a variety of community initiatives, including breast cancer awareness and research.

If USCCU wins the challenge, they will donate the winnings to USC Good Neighbors. Since 1994, Good Neighbors has given grants to support partnerships between the university and the community. They work hard to foster collaboration between USC faculty, staff, and local nonprofits to give back to organizations that are making a difference in the community.

Notre Dame FCU President/CEO Tom Gryp said, “This friendly competition not only raises money for a worthy cause, but it also generates a lot of excitement for our partners (employees) and members.”

To learn more, visit https://www.notredamefcu.com/BeatUSC. 

Traveling Trophy/Bragging Rights Linked to Contest

As part of the competition, the two credit unions have also created a traveling trophy that celebrates the age-old rivalry. Named the “Tradition Never Graduates” trophy, it resides with the credit union of the school that won the prior year’s gridiron contest. For the past year, the trophy has been proudly displayed in the Notre Dame FCU Moreau Branch, celebrating the 24-17 victory of the Fighting Irish over Trojans in last year’s game.

About Notre Dame FCU
Notre Dame Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative. With assets exceeding $630 million and more than 57,000 member-owners worldwide, Notre Dame FCU’s dedicated partners (employees), coupled with a wide array of financial services, provide members a personalized experience through the credit union’s nine convenient branch locations, its virtual branch (Shamrock Center), and through its robust online banking platform and mobile apps. Founded in 1941, Notre Dame FCU has grown from its origins in the Administration Building at the University of Notre Dame, and today serves over 900 affiliated groups. Visit us at www.NotreDameFCU.com. Insured by NCUA.

About Kelly Cares Foundation
The Kelly Cares Foundation, now in its eleventh year, has established itself as a “Playbook for Hope.” The Foundation’s mission strengthens communities and inspires hope by investing resources to improve Health and Education. The communities touched by the Foundation are a model of educational success and wellness that provide hope and inspiration to all. 

Since its founding in 2008, the Kelly Cares Foundation has donated over $5.4 million to support causes locally, nationally and globally. Some organizations that have received contributions from the Foundation include the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, The Paqui and Brian Kelly Comprehensive Breast Center, The University of Notre Dame, Breezy Point Disaster Relief Fund, Andean Health Global, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Memorial Children’s Hospital, Boys & Girls Club, and the YMCA.

To learn more about the Kelly Cares Foundation and its initiatives, visit www.kellycaresfoundation.org(link is external).