The New Hampshire Credit Union League (NHCUL) is proud to announce their sponsorship of the 1,000th Wish for the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of New Hampshire. The 1,000th Wish, a two story castle which measures 24’x24’, was officially presented to Wish Child David of Epping, on Wednesday, January 25, 2012 during a celebration from Noon – 2:00 p.m. Festivities for the day included Wish Child David’s arrival via limousine and greetings from his entire 7th Grade Class from Epping Middle School. Governor John H. Lynch will be on hand to speak at the celebration, along with representatives of the NHCUL and Make-A-Wish®.

“The NHCUL is proud to serve as the sponsor of the 1,000th Wish for Make-A-Wish®. The NHCUL welcomed the opportunity to provide Wish Child David with his dream come true – a castle of his own in his back yard. Since 1996, the NHCUL has been a proud partner of Make-A-Wish®, raising a total of $1.5 million dollars to support the goals of this benevolent organization:  granting wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions,” said NHCUL Chairman, Michael L’Ecuyer. “Throughout the year, the 24 member credit unions of the NHCUL join forces to raise funds for Make-A-Wish®, through a variety of fundraising activities.  I am proud of the accomplishments made by the NHCUL for Make-A-Wish® and appreciate the support of the 490,000 New Hampshire residents who are credit union members and support and believe in the mission of credit unions,” added L’Ecuyer.

Julie P. Baron, CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of New Hampshire, thanked and praised the NHCUL for their support of Make-A-Wish® in granting the 1,000th Wish.  “To have the support of the NHCUL in granting the 1,000th Wish – the very same month our organization celebrates its 25th Anniversary – is a wonderful accomplishment and collaboration,” said Baron.  “Their support of our mission to grant the wishes of children with life threatening medical conditions has brought joy to so many children.  Their impact has reached every corner of the state – bringing hope, strength and joy into the lives of children who are facing some very grown up battles,” said Baron.

At the 11th annual Richard D. Mahoney Credit Union Charity Golf Tournament, held on June 16, 2011 at Candia Woods Golf Links, the New Hampshire Credit Union League (NHCUL) (http://www.goCU.org) announced that $150,000 had been raised for the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of New Hampshire (Make-A-Wish) for 2011.  The amount raised this year surpassed the initial goal by $5,000, and was achieved through the collaboration and collective efforts of New Hampshire’s 26 credit unions and a series of state-wide and local fundraising initiatives. 

“The task of raising more than $150,000 this year for Make-A-Wish – coupled with the 15 year fundraising total of nearly $1.5 million dollars – can be attributed to our credit unions, employees, corporate donors, and the more than 403,000 credit union members in New Hampshire who have conducted and supported fundraising initiatives throughout the year,” said Michael L’Ecuyer, NHCUL Board Chairman. “This year’s Richard D. Mahoney Credit Union Charity Golf Tournament raised $60,500, thanks to the 128 participants and 15 major tournament sponsors, with the remaining $90,000 raised by a series of numerous fundraising events,” added L’Ecuyer.

Proceeds from the NHCUL Make-A-Wish 2011Calendar Raffle contributed $18,700 to the 2011 goal, while also generating interest and support from NH Governor John H. Lynch, who hosted the October 4, 2010 calendar sales Kick-Off event at the New Hampshire State House.  “The State House Kick-Off with Governor John H. Lynch was an exciting event and key to the success of our campaign.  From Governor Lynch’s speech and acknowledgement of the contributions made by NHCUL to Make-A-Wish, to the special gift presented by Wish Children to the Governor, it was spectacular day,” added L’Ecuyer.

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An additional $19,550 was contributed to the 2011 goal though the collaboration and success of auctions at the local and state level.  The Merrimack Valley, Monadnock, and Northern chapters successfully raised more than $15,360 for Make-A-Wish with the success of their auctions.  An additional $4,190 was raised at the Annual Meeting and Convention Auction.  Another successful collaboration for the NHCUL in reaching its 2011 fundraising goal was the sales of Granite State Candy Dream Bars.  “The NHCUL raised close to $16,000 for Make-A-Wish from selling these Dream Bars.  This could not have been achieved without the support of participating credit unions as well as support from credit union members throughout the state,” said L’Ecuyer.

“The NHCUL was proud to partner with three of New Hampshire’s favorite sports/recreational parks and raised more than $5,000 for Make-A-Wish,” added L’Ecuyer.  Discount ticket sales were held for Canobie Lake Park, Water Country, and Northeast Delta Dental Stadium – home of the NH Fisher Cats baseball team.  “A special event at a Fisher Cats baseball game was successful in fundraising, while also providing Wish Children the opportunity to meet the players and throw out the first pitch.  It was a ‘win-win’ for all involved,” added L’Ecuyer.

Julie P. Baron, CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of New Hampshire, an organization that strives to grant wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions, praised the NHCUL for their contributions.  “It is the sheer joy of a wish that is the most powerful medicine of all.  Our partners – the credit unions across New Hampshire – have made that possible.  You have orchestrated the greatest return:  a child’s joyful heart,” said Baron.  The contributions made by NHCUL to Make-A-Wish represent the largest corporate donation to date, according to Baron.

New Hampshire Governor John H. Lynch launched the New Hampshire Credit Union League (NHCUL) Make-A-Wish 2011 Calendar Raffle to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of New Hampshire (Make-A-Wish), on Wednesday, October 13, 2010 at the New Hampshire State House in Concord. The official start of the campaign to promote the 2011 Calendar Raffle, which is limited to 2,500 calendars, took place on the front steps of the State House, and included a special presentation to Governor Lynch by Wish Children; brief speaking moments; and an opportunity for those present to purchase calendars. Joining Governor Lynch were representatives of the NHCUL, NH credit union employees, along with Make-A-Wish staff and Wish Children and their families.

“For the past 14 years, the NHCUL has been a proud supporter of Make-A-Wish, raising a total of $1.3 million dollars to support the goals of this benevolent organization:  granting wishes of children with life threatening medical conditions,” said NHCUL Social Responsibility Chairman, Gerald Dumoulin.  “Starting this month and throughout the year, NHCUL members are once again joining forces to raise funds for Make-A-Wish.  Fundraising in this economic climate is challenging, yet the NHCUL and its 26 member credit unions, are committed to doing everything possible to reach our annual fundraising goal of $145,000 for Make-A-Wish.  The NHCUL is grateful for the support of Governor John H. Lynch, as well as the 403,000 New Hampshire residents who are credit union members,” added Dumoulin.

Julie P. Baron, CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of New Hampshire, praised the successful collaboration between Make-A-Wish® and the NHCUL.  “The support we’ve received from the NHCUL over the past 14 years has allowed us to grant wishes and dreams to children with life-threatening medical conditions throughout New Hampshire.  We currently have 44 pending wishes, and successful fundraising events, such as the Calendar Raffle, will help us achieve our goal of making wishes come true for all of New Hampshire’s eligible children,” said Baron

The cost of the Make-A-Wish Calendar Raffle is $25 and grants 367 prize drawings, throughout the year, worth more than $19,000.00.  All sales proceeds will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of New Hampshire. To purchase a Make-A-Wish Calendar Raffle, please visit a local credit union in your community.

At the 54th annual meeting of the New Hampshire Credit Union League (NHCUL) held at the Mt. Washington Resort on June 7, 2008, Michael L’Ecuyer was re-elected by NHCUL’s nominating committee to serve a third term and voted by the Board to serve as Vice-Chairman.  During his two terms on the NHCUL Board, L’Ecuyer served as Secretary/Treasurer for two of the six years he has served.

“The NHCUL has a long history of supporting credit unions and their members.  Credit unions have a demonstrated track record of success in helping people meet their financial goals and fulfill dreams.  I look forward to supporting New Hampshire credit unions as they serve their members and communities in these challenging times,” said L’Ecuyer.

For the past seven years, L’Ecuyer has been affiliated with Manchester-based Bellwether Community Credit Union (BCCU) as President/CEO.  During his tenure as President/CEO, institutional assets at BCCU have grown from $195 million to $327 million.