The Cocoanut Grove buzzed with excitement as employees lined up for tickets, laughter echoing through the room as coworkers cheered each other on—all in the name of giving back. Bay Federal Credit Union employees had gathered for more than just an evening of fun. They were rallying to support their community.
The occasion? The Credit Union’s annual Employee Appreciation event, complete with prizes, music, and a heartfelt mission to give back to the community they love. Thanks to the generosity of Bay Federal employees, the event raised an incredible $10,000. The Credit Union matched those efforts with an additional $5,000, bringing the total donation to $15,000, split evenly between BirchBark Foundation and Pajaro Valley Arts.
But Bay Federal’s commitment to community doesn’t end with a single event. Throughout the year, employees and departments across the organization give their time, energy, and resources to causes that matter to them, from volunteering at local nonprofits to supporting schools and small businesses. The annual fundraiser is a chance to bring that spirit to life, transforming one evening of celebration into lasting impact.
This year’s chosen beneficiaries, BirchBark Foundation and Pajaro Valley Arts, were selected by employees themselves, reflecting the team’s shared values of compassion, creativity, and community care. Before the event, both organizations were invited to speak at an all-staff meeting, offering powerful glimpses into the lives they touch. That connection made the evening even more meaningful. Employees weren’t just buying tickets — they were showing up for their neighbors.
“One of the things that first drew me to Bay Federal was how deeply everyone cares about giving back,” said Trisha Bennett, VP, Enterprise Applications and Project Management Office, and Community Support Committee Chair. “It’s especially meaningful to hear firsthand stories of how our support makes a difference in people’s lives.”
BirchBark Foundation helps keep families and their beloved pets together by offering financial assistance for emergency veterinary care to low-income pet guardians in Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito counties. Their impact extends beyond the exam room, providing grief counseling and educational resources to support families through some of life’s most difficult moments.
To date, BirchBark has helped over 1,000 pets and their families, partnered with more than 34 local veterinary clinics, and dedicated over 500 hours to pet loss grief support. Bay Federal is proud to stand behind their mission to preserve the human-animal bond and ensure that no pet is lost due to financial hardship.
“Because of the generous giving of Bay Federal employees, the lives of at least 10 pets will be saved—and the hearts of their families kept whole,” said Amy Boyle, BirchBark Board of Directors. “Your kindness ensures that families won’t have to face the heartbreak of surrender or loss simply because they can’t afford emergency care. We at BirchBark Foundation are deeply thankful.”
For over 40 years, Pajaro Valley Arts has brought people together through the power of art. Based in Watsonville, Pajaro Valley Arts offers inclusive programming from youth initiatives like Teen Artes to exhibitions that showcase the work of local artists, all with the goal of making the arts accessible and reflective of the community’s rich cultural diversity.
In 2024, Pajaro Valley Arts celebrated its 40th anniversary with a landmark exhibit featuring over 130 artists, while continuing efforts to transform the historic Porter Building into a permanent community arts center. Bay Federal is proud to support Pajaro Valley Arts’ mission to inspire creativity, foster connection, and celebrate the vibrant spirit of the Pajaro Valley.
“We are deeply grateful to the team at Bay Federal for your generous support,” said Miriam Anton, Executive Director of Pajaro Valley Arts. “This contribution plays a vital role in sustaining our youth programs and advancing our mission to connect and uplift our community through the arts. With sincere thanks from all of us at Pajaro Valley Arts.”
The success of the fundraiser wouldn’t have been possible without the efforts of Bay Federal’s Community Support Committee. This employee-led group organized the fundraiser from start to finish, securing prizes, managing logistics, and creating an event that was equal parts joyful and purposeful. And when it came time to participate, employees showed up in full force, purchasing tickets and sharing in the celebration, not just for themselves, but for the greater good.
This year’s fundraiser is a reflection of what makes Bay Federal so special: the people. From the committee members who made the event shine to the employees who showed up with generosity and heart, this was more than a celebration; it was a statement of values.
Moments like this reflect the kind of workplace where people rally around a shared purpose, where giving back is woven into the culture. And while the music fades and the prizes find new homes, the impact of this evening will last far beyond the Cocoanut Grove.
To learn more or continue supporting BirchBark Foundation and Pajaro Valley Arts, visit:
birchbarkfoundation.org
pvarts.org
At Bay Federal, giving back isn’t an extra—it’s part of who we are.
About Bay Federal Credit Union:
Bay Federal Credit Union is a full-service, not-for-profit financial institution that serves over 90,000 members and 2,700 local businesses and nonprofit organizations throughout Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey counties. With more than $1.6 billion in assets, Bay Federal is the largest member-owned financial institution in the region. The organization has been proudly serving its members and the community since 1957. Bay Federal is a certified Community Development Financial Institution, with a primary mission of promoting community development alongside their financial activities. Bay Federal has an award-winning employee volunteer program in which employees donate their own money and volunteer for numerous local schools, nonprofit organizations, and community events each year.
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