Path to a Difference with Glacier Hills Credit Union

Stories by and for Glacier Hills members

Small acts of kindness, giving back to our community and continuing to add value to your Glacier Hills membership—you’ll find it all here.

Community Archives

Community: “A feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests and goals.” For over 85 years, we’ve viewed ourselves as a true community partner in this wonderful place we all call home. In fact, we refer to ourselves as “your community credit union,” and it’s an idea so important to us that we include it as part of our name.

In this section, we share with you some of our recent participation in and support of community non-profits.

Exploring West Bend one page at a time with StoryWalk

The West Bend Community Memorial Library has teamed up with Glacier Hills Credit Union to bring the innovative StoryWalk^® Project to the community this summer. Sponsored by Glacier Hills in June and July, StoryWalk allows readers young and old to enjoy books in a fun, outdoor setting. Laminated pages from children's books are installed along walking paths around Patron's Park, located just outside the library. As visitors stroll down the path, they're guided page-by-page through delightful tales.

July's featured book is The Blobfish Book, a fascinating look at the unique creatures of the deep sea. Glacier Hills is thrilled to support this creative approach to reading and exercise. StoryWalk gets kids engaged with books, while also encouraging movement and time outdoors. It's a win-win for families and a great way to make reading exciting. Glacier Hills loves partnering with the library to promote literacy and bring uplifting programs to West Bend, and we look forward to seeing smiles on kids' faces as they walk through the pages of magical stories all summer long.

Glacier Hills Credit Union awards $2,500 in scholarships to exceptional high school seniors

We are thrilled to announce that Glacier Hills Credit Union has awarded three scholarships worth $2,500 to outstanding high school seniors in our community. Our commitment to giving back to the communities we serve is a top priority, and we believe that investing in the future of our young adults is a key part of that commitment.

This year’s recipients, Natali, Elizabeth, and Anna, are exceptional individuals who embody the "people helping people" philosophy at its best. Each of them has demonstrated a strong commitment to their education and to their communities, and we are proud to support their future endeavors.

Natali, a senior at West Bend West High School, has been awarded a $1,000 membership scholarship. She will be attending UW River Falls to study pre-veterinary medicine. Elizabeth, a senior at Arrowhead Union High School, has also been awarded a $1,000 membership scholarship. She will be attending either UW-Madison or the University of Minnesota to study animal sciences and pre-veterinary. Anna, a senior at Mayville High School, has been awarded the Family $500 scholarship and will be attending UW-Oshkosh to pursue a degree in business.

We are confident that each of these students will go on to achieve great things in their academic and professional pursuits. We are honored to have played a small role in their journeys and wish them all the best as they continue to grow and contribute to our credit union community. Thanks to CEO Tami Winkler for her leadership and commitment to community outreach. And congratulations once again to Natali, Elizabeth, and Anna—we can’t wait to see all that you accomplish in the years to come!

Justin S. strikes it big with $1,000 Saver’s Sweepstakes win!

We’re thrilled to announce that one of our very own, Justin S., is now $1,000 richer thanks to his participation in the Saver’s Sweepstakes! Justin showed us that a little bit of savings each month can go a long way. By increasing his savings balance by just $25, he earned multiple entries into our sweepstakes and ended up the lucky winner. By starting a prize-linked savings account, you too can earn drawing entries and potentially win big. So, what would you do with an extra $1,000? Start saving today and find out!

We stay alert to prevent financial exploitation

Glacier Hills Credit Union is thrilled to announce that we are one of 130+ credit unions that AARP has recognized with the #BankSafe Trained Seal for the steps we have taken to help stop #FinancialExploitation. Glacier Hills is equipping our staff with the tools to spot and prevent financial exploitation of elders before money ever leaves your account.

Spreading birthday cheer with Glacier Hills.

On Martin Luther King Day, our team went all out to assemble over 75 birthday boxes filled with everything you need for a sweet celebration, including cake mix, frosting, candles, a birthday card and a fun party favor! These boxes are headed to those in need at the Full Shelf Food Pantry and Interfaith Caregivers of Washington County, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring some joy to those who may not have a cake to celebrate with. We’re glad we helped some birthday wishes come true together!

Journey with Glacier Hills to give.

AARP’s BankSafe training combines industry knowledge and experience with a state-of-the-art online learning experience. AARP worked with more than 2,000 financial industry professionals to develop the training platform’s content and interactive scenarios. The platform is one of the few designed specifically for frontline staff, supervisors, financial advisors and compliance officers.

Users learn how to identify potential financial exploitation and take the right actions to stop it. In fact, researchers from the Virginia Tech Center for Gerontology found that employees trained with AARP BankSafe were able to save an average of 16 times more money per employee from financial exploitation than employees trained with other methods.

As part of the BankSafe program, financial organizations can apply to have AARP verify that at least 80% of their frontline staff successfully passed the BankSafe training and confirm that they have a financial-exploitation escalation reporting policy. Qualifying banks, credit unions and investment firms in good standing can apply to receive a seal from AARP, good for one year, recognizing their commitment to fighting exploitation.

Journey with Glacier Hills to give.

Every year we support the United Way Of Washington County as a Campaign Pacesetter. This season, we raised over $7,000 for agencies who benefit from The United Way. Our West Bend branch presented a check to United Way last week. Thanks go to each employee who participated in this year’s campaign—from our Jean Days, playing Bingo, and annual pledges—you all have made this possible.

Sock Drive 2022 hosted by the Volunteer Center of Washington County

A huge thank you to all who donated socks to this year’s Sock Drive! Our employees and members donated 286 pairs of socks to help keep Washington County warm! Each pair will be donated to a community member in need this winter.

Glacier Hills is proud of our community and how generous our members and employees are. When a community comes together, there is nothing we can’t do. Thank you to Volunteer Center Washington County for working their socks off on the 2022 Sock Drive.

Interfaith Caregivers of Washington County Oktoberfest 2022

Glacier Hills donated and attended the Interfaith Caregivers of Washington County Oktoberfest 2022 Event as a Silver Sponsor. Seven of our staff, including our CEO Tami Winkler, reserved a table and participated in the Oktoberfest event. The day started off with Judy’s purse auction, a silent auction, beer and wine pull, 50/50 raffles, and a costume contest.

Interfaith Caregivers of WC is a community based nonprofit organization which helps seniors maintain their independence. They proudly connect seniors with caring volunteers to assist with grocery shopping, transportation, yard work and so much more. Their volunteers are here to make the seniors’ day to day easier and more manageable. We are proud to have been able to support this amazing organization doing great work in our community.

A Standout Member Appreciation Day

Our 2^nd Annual Member Appreciation Day was a huge success! Over 500 members showed up for food and a chance to win prizes—including entering raffles and spinning a wheel to win cash, candy, tote bags and gift certificates to favorite local eateries. With such an amazing turnout, we cannot wait to see even more join us next year! We also want to thank Littles BBQ Co, Puebla’s Kitchen, and Tim’s Full Belli Deli for serving our members delicious meals.

As a Glacier Hills member, you not only get to experience fun, exclusive events like our Member Appreciation Day, you have access to incredible financial tools such as Credit Sense, our Education Center and It’s a Money Thing for your kids. If you missed our event this year, make sure you like our Facebook page to stay up to date on new giveaways, financial education videos and future events. See you next year!

2022 Walk to End Alzheimer’s 2022

Glacier Hills Credit Union walked with the community for the the 2022 Walk to End Alzheimer’s of Washington County on Saturday, September 17 at Regner Park in West Bend. There were more than 400 walkers who came out this past weekend, including fifteen of us who participated in the 2 mile walk around Regner Park. We sported our best purple in support and carried flowers representing our commitment to ending this disease.

The 2022 Walk is projected to raise more than $94,000! All funds raised go to support research and local services. It was a beautiful day for a walk and a great cause to support. We walk for one day to be a world without Alzheimer’s.

Thank you to the community who came out to support, including your very own community credit union.

United Way 2022 Campaign Kick-Off

Four of our staff from the West Bend branch volunteered at the United Way’s 2022 Campaign kick off event September 14, 2022! Along with 350 volunteers from local businesses and organizations, the West Bend Branch workplace team packaged 60,000 meals for pantries and programs to help people in need in across Washington County. In prior years, Glacier hills volunteered at by packing first aid kits, kids supplies, and helping with food preparation. United Way of Washington County also have invested over $200,000 in mental health initiatives to provide counseling services to at-risk youth and families.

10th Annual La Fiesta Latina

The 10th Annual La Fiesta Latina was hosted by the Casa Guadalupe Education Center with help from all local businesses and local volunteers. proceeds from this event benefited Casa’s Adult and Youth Literacy and Education programs in Washington County, as well as helped build their College Scholarship Fund provided for eligible Hispanic/Latino highschoolers and undergraduate college students that participate in the Dream to Succeed Program. They sell authentic Mexican food and drinks there, and it's a wonderful opportunity for outreach and connection with our local Latino community members.

Glacier Hills donated two raffle baskets filled with local stores and restaurants gift cards worth about $100 each of local West Bend community goods. Our very own Hispanic outreach Officer, Carmen Lee, volunteered to help run the raffle booth and is active with the Education Center throughout the year. We are so proud to have been part of another successful festival, and can’t wait for next year!

Wear Purple Day

In support of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, all three Glacier Hills branches put on the purple! From Hartford to West Bend and from our lobbies to our staff, Glacier Hills showed strong support for the cause. With purple cookies, donation bins, and even a contest amongst staff to wear the most purple, we’re doing our part to put an end to this disease.

Credit Union for Kids through CMN

Credit Union for Kids through the Children’s Miracle Network partners with credit unions to raise money for kiddos. This year we raised money during the entire month of April. To support Credit Union for Kids, we sold paper easter eggs and yellow heart links for members and staff to purchase. All proceeds went to Children’s of Wisconsin.

Volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County

In late February, the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County organized a Bowl for Kids’ Sake event. Some staff volunteered and dressed up as mermaids to show their support for the Under the Sea theme. They not only raised about $600 dollars, but also won an award for most spirited team! The BBBS community raised about $25,000 across three days.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Volunteering

In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, all three of our branches got out of the office and volunteered in various ways.

Our West Bend branch prepared and delivered lunches to home-bound individuals, created Valentine’s Day decorations for The Gardens, collected items for the Washington County Humane Society and wrote letters to veterans. Our Hartford branch collected puzzles, crosswords, books and movies for the Waterford Nursing Home, and our Fond du Lac branch visited the Humane Society to help fill dog toys with treats and peanut butter for enrichment play. They also played with adult cats and adorable kittens, of course!

We look forward to many more opportunities to serve this year!

Operation Hartford Christmas

Kudos to our Hartford branch team members who donated a whole lot of gifts to the Hartford Christmas Project. We had 131 families show up! So many members recognized us, and we all enjoyed the festive act of giving, including a plethora of bicylces, toys and gifts generously donated by our community.

Glacier Hills Holiday Food Drive

Earlier this month, the generous staff at Glacier Hills came together once again to supply those in need with food for the holidays. With the help of the community and a little friendly competition, over 1,700 food items were donated! Way to go, Glacier Hills staff! We wish everyone who participated a very happy and warm holiday season.

We're United in caring.

In the month of September, our team and credit union members (that's you!) really came through in support of United Way of Washington County to collect food and hygiene essentials for the community. Not only did we have a great turnout, we also collected an abundance of donations. We even saw some donators decorated their cars for the event. Thanks to all who came to support this amazing cause!

Walk to End Alzheimers 2021

A huge thank you to all who partipated in the Walk to End Alzheimers on Saturday, September 18, 2021. A number of our team members took part, including Director of Member Services Caroline, who sat on the organizing committee; Kerry as Team Captain; and walkers Ronni, Carmen, Nicole, Christine and our VP of Marketing, Travis. Many of our family and friends also participated.

It was an emotional program and event for a very worthwhile cause that we are so proud to help sponsor on behalf of the credit union.

One of our staffers, Courtney Baumann, was part of another team, along with her family, and she had this to say: “I was part of a team walking in honor of my Grandma. She was diagnosed 14 years ago. It’s heartbreaking that she is still physically here with us and you can tell she is still in there somewhere, but on the outside she’s not the same person we all remember her to be. This is such a tough disease, how it takes family members from us; hopefully we are one step closer to finding a treatment or cure. A big thank you to all those who participated and showed your support. ❤”

Regner Park Beach House Restoration Project

At over 85 years old, the Regner Park Beach House is not only a cherished piece of West Bend’s history, but it also serves many functions for the beach pond, splash pad and ice rink. Glacier Hills is proud to have donated to support the restoration of this historic building in order to keep it in use for our community for years to come!

Bubba Memorial Open

The Bubba Memorial Open is a golf outing where money raised goes to "Veteran Honor Flights" and "Support The Troops," a local organization that raises money and sends needed items to troops overseas. Glacier Hills donated a grill pan, grill brush, grill spatula and tongs, BBQ sauce, seasonings, grill lighter, along with 130 plastic bags and pens.

Fiesta Latina

Casa Guadalupe celebrated their annual Fiesta Latina Saturday, May 22nd, and Glacier Hills was proud and excited to be there to support this wonderful organization. The weather was perfect and the company was even better, as we were able to gather to celebrate the successes and triumphs amid the challenges of the past year.

Full Shelf Food Pantry

During the month of April, Glacier Hills employees in our West Bend, Hartford and Fond du Lac branches joined forces to collect food, providing a much-welcomed donation, for the Full Shelf Food Pantry in West Bend. Full Shelf Food Pantry provides food and grocery items to over 500 low income families, delivering over one million pounds of grocery items annually throughout the Washington County area.

Casa Guadalupe

Through education and social services, Casa Guadalupe Education Center empowers low-income, native-born and Spanish-speaking Latino families to live independent, successful lives. This is a non-profit that is near and dear to our hearts. We’ve been involved with them for a number of years, and during this time, we’ve seen Casa Guadalupe make a real difference in our community.

Jackson Area Youth Baseball

It’s that time of year again, and we say, “batter up!” Jackson Area Youth Baseball provides an environment for players to develop good citizenship, discipline, teamwork and physical well-being. By championing virtues, like character, confidence, effort and attitude, the league promotes development of superior citizens and exceptional athletes. Plus, they have a lot of fun in the process!

The Threshold Inc.

For nearly 59 years, the Threshold has helped people reach their full potential. The different programs they’ve developed are as varied as the over 670 folks they serve every year. We love this non-profit because they share our strong belief that providing respectful service to each person during every stage of their life dignifies and enriches that person’s life.

Boy and Girls Club of Washington County

The Boys and Girls Club of Washington County website proclaims, “Great futures start here.” Their mission to enable all young people to realize their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens is such a noble (and necessary) one. We do believe that it does indeed “take a village,” and this non-profit’s mission is one we’re proud to get behind.

Hartford Parks & Recreation Department

We’re big fans of both baseball and the youth baseball programs offered throughout our community. The Summer Baseball/Softball/T-ball Program offered by Hartford Parks & Recreation Department is another one we support. Here, kids learn all the fundamentals—from fielding to hitting and the rules of the game in between. Pass the hotdogs. It’s going to be an entertaining summer!

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