TULLAHOMA, Tenn., April 17, 2024 –Ascend Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in Middle Tennessee, announced today that it has donated an additional $20,000 to the American Red Cross to be split evenly between the Heart of Tennessee Chapter, which serves Murfreesboro and surrounding counties, and the Nashville Area Chapter. Ascend made a previous donation of $20,000 to these two Middle Tennessee Red Cross chapters in 2023.

The 2024 gift went to support the Nashville Area Chapter’s Lifesaver Luncheon, and the Heart of Tennessee Chapter’s Heroes Luncheon, where Ascend was the presenting sponsor. Both events celebrate and honor local leaders and volunteers for their acts of humanity, compassion, bravery, and service to their communities. Funds raised from the events will help the American Red Cross deliver critical services to the communities being served by each chapter.

This is also Ascend’s second donation to the Red Cross in 2024. In January, the credit union, employees, and members donated $18,740 to the American Red Cross to support relief efforts for the tornadoes that struck Middle Tennessee on December 9, 2023. The donations were comprised of $15,000 from Ascend and $3,740 from the credit union’s employees and members.

“We are pleased to once again support these two Middle Tennessee chapters of the American Red Cross,” said Ascend President and CEO Matt Jernigan. “Their events are important initiatives that help in the effort to raise funds for emergencies and life-saving services. We understand unplanned emergencies often create personal financial hardship, and our partnership with the Red Cross is an extension of our core mission to meet the financial needs of those in our community.”

“Ascend has provided long-term, meaningful support to our organization for nearly two decades,” said Joel Sullivan, regional CEO for American Red Cross. “We’d like to thank the credit union for their continued donations that assist the Red Cross toward our mission to prevent and relieve suffering with every action. Their support of these annual events helps in making the lives of Tennesseans better.”

Ascend has been a longtime supporter of American Red Cross chapters in Tennessee through employee and member fundraising campaigns, blood drives, emergency response donations, and event sponsorships. In addition, Ascend Chief Strategy Officer Leslie Copeland serves on the board of directors for the American Red Cross Heart of Tennessee chapter.

In total, Ascend has contributed more than $137,000 to local American Red Cross chapters.

About Ascend Federal Credit Union

With more than 238,000 members and more than $4.3 billion in assets, Ascend Federal Credit Union is the largest credit union in Middle Tennessee and one of the largest federally chartered credit unions in the United States. Based in Tullahoma, Tenn., the member-owned financial institution offers banking, loan, retirement and investment services from its 28 branches, more than 55,000 free ATMs worldwide, digital banking portal, and mobile app. The credit union’s mission is to serve by offering financial literacy education and giving back to its community in a variety of ways. Ascend is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration. For more information, visit ascend.org.

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