Gesa Credit Union and Kennewick School District expand partnership with new fundraising program for local students
The co-branded Affinity Debit Card supports Mid-Columbia Partnership’s personalized education program and resources
RICHLAND, WA (September 11, 2024) — Gesa, a community-focused credit union, and its longtime partner, Kennewick School District, today announced the launch of a new co-branded Affinity Debit Card to support local students. With every swipe, Gesa members will raise funds for Mid-Columbia Partnership, which provides personalized education, accessible resources, and innovative classes that help each child reach their fullest potential.
“We’re excited to offer students real-world marketing experience through our partnership with Gesa Credit Union’s Affinity Card program,” said Robyn Chastain, Executive Director of Communications and Public Relations at Kennewick School District. “This program allows our community to show their pride and support for Mid-Columbia Partnership and our other high schools across the district through everyday purchases.”
This marks the fifth Affinity Debit Card that Gesa and the Kennewick School District have launched since they began collaborating in 2016. Their partnership has had an expansive impact on education locally, raising more than $60,000 for the school district in 2024 alone through Gesa’s Affinity Debit Card Program. Additionally, the two have worked together to bring Gesa’s High School Credit Union Program to three schools across the district, providing students with hands-on, real-life financial industry experience that prepares them for a successful career after graduation.
“We couldn’t be more excited to continue working alongside the Kennewick School District to support education and local schools in new and meaningful ways,” said Brandon Allison, AVP of Training, Education and Community Relations at Gesa Credit Union. “At Gesa, we believe in empowering students through impactful programs, like with our Affinity Debit Cards. We can’t wait to see how these funds will enhance Mid-Columbia Partnership’s efforts to provide students with the opportunities they need to thrive.”
Launched in 2015, to date the Affinity Debit Card Program has raised more than $1.8 million for local partner school districts and universities. The co-branded Affinity Debit Cards are available exclusively at Gesa Credit Union and are free to Gesa members with a checking account. There is no fee for members to switch their card to any of the school designs. Anyone who lives, works, or worships in Washington is eligible to become a member and support their local schools.
For more information about Gesa Credit Union, visit www.gesa.com. For a full list of Gesa’s Affinity Cards, which support K-12 schools, Colleges and Universities, Local Heroes, and more, visit www.gesa.com/product/affinity-cards/
About Gesa Credit Union
Gesa Credit Union is one of Washington’s largest credit unions, with over $5.5 billion in assets, and is nearly 290,000 members strong. Gesa is a full-service financial institution that offers a complete array of consumer, mortgage, and business products and services. Headquartered in Richland, Washington, Gesa operates 31 branches, loan centers, full-service student-operated campus branches at Washington State University, and 14 student-operated high school branches across Washington state. The Gesa Community Foundation, established in 2022, further supports Gesa’s ongoing commitment to local communities and charitable giving, which includes support for schools, Local Heroes groups, and community organizations through its Affinity Debit Card Program, as well as through its annual youth scholarships, and free financial and educational resources available to members and the general public. For more information, visit gesa.com.
