Miracle At Kennesaw State Awarded $8,500 From Georgia's Own

KENNESAW, GA — As the final act of kindness in its yearlong 85th anniversary celebration, Georgia’s Own Credit Union pledged an $8,500 donation to one local nonprofit. Following the #GeorgiasOwnNPO social campaign that empowered the community to both nominate the finalists and vote for their favorite organization, Miracle at Kennesaw State University was declared the winner, garnering 28 percent of over 6,000 total votes cast over a four-day period. Highlighted by the annual Dance Marathon event, Miracle at Kennesaw State University raises money year-round for sick and injured kids at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

“We are incredibly grateful for this opportunity and the support from members of our community,” said Emma Cikovic, fundraising chair for Miracle at Kennesaw State University. “Our fundraising this year is going directly to the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, so we are thrilled to add such a sizable gift to the ongoing efforts of our students.”

In late 2018, Georgia’s Own brainstormed ways to make a significant impact on the community while celebrating its 85th anniversary, ultimately settling on an ambitious, yearlong initiative dedicated to serving the public good. The journey began with a bang in mid-January, as Georgia’s Own reached out to TSA workers during the government shutdown and held a free gas drive to help alleviate the financial strain of missing paychecks for over a month, ultimately pumping 8.5 gallons of gas for more than 400 TSA officers over the afternoon of Jan. 25.

“While we have always been passionate about serving the public good in unique and unexpected ways, the scale of ‘85 Acts of Kindness’ gave us the opportunity to truly put that ethos on display for all to see,” said Dave Preter, CEO of Georgia’s Own Credit Union. “This campaign may be over, but our commitment to giving back to our members and the communities we serve is only just beginning.”

Following the TSA gas drive, other highlights of the campaign included giving 85 members the chance to meet Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan; handing out 850 popsicles in Woodruff Park on Tax Day; recognizing five teachers with $850 in school supplies during Teacher Appreciation Week; bringing local baseball star Dansby Swanson and 85 pizzas to Green Acres Elementary School in Smyrna during back-to-school week; hosting a patient party with Atlanta Hawks legend Dominique Wilkins at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta; building 85 bikes for military kids on Veterans Day and many more.

A full list detailing each of the “85 Acts of Kindness” can be found by visiting https://www.georgiasown.org/85-acts-of-kindness/.