Tower Federal Credit Union and TowerCares Foundation Make $30,900 Donation to Johns Hopkins Children’s Center in Baltimore

Lifetime philanthropic contributions now totaling more than $750,000

[Laurel, MD] – Tower Federal Credit Union (Tower) and TowerCares Foundation proudly announce a gift of $30,900 to the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center (JHCC) in Baltimore City. The organizations have been long-term supporters of JHCC, donating a cumulative total of more than $750,000 to the hospital over the years through proceeds generated by an annual golf tournament. This year’s donation is made in lieu of proceeds typically generated through that event, which normally takes place in early June of each year but was cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 global health pandemic.

“We were deeply saddened to cancel this year’s tournament but it was a necessary decision, made out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of our golfers, staff, volunteers and other supporters,” says Richard Stafford, President and CEO of Tower Federal Credit Union. “Despite restrictions, which impacted our ability to gather in person and publicly demonstrate our support, it was critically important for us to continue our long-standing relationship with the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, whose work aligns perfectly with our philanthropic giving priority to support children in need so they may have a brighter future tomorrow.”

This year’s donation is comprised of a variety of sources, including a $10,000 contribution directly from Tower, and $10,900 raised through Tower’s annual “Have A Heart” Campaign, which encourages members to make a gift in exchange for placement of a symbolic heart with their name on it at their local Tower branch. Money raised by that campaign was doubled through CO-OP Financial Services’ Miracle Match program, a philanthropic program that encourages credit unions to create and participate in local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals’ fundraisers.

A portion of this year’s contribution is specifically earmarked to support JHCC’s Child Life Services department, which delivers services and support to critically ill children and their families. The remaining funds are “unrestricted,” meaning JHCC may allocate the funds to programs and services with the greatest needs.

“Our daily operations have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of restrictions and hospital precautions, we are unable to have volunteers or visitors and have needed to be creative in how we interact with and serve our patients and families,” said Patrice Brylske, Director of Child Life Services at JHCC. “We are so grateful for Tower’s support. Because of their gift, we are able to make sure our team is in place and prepared to support our patients emotionally and physically during this challenging time.”

Trust and loyalty are key themes that define the long-standing collaboration between the organizations.

“While it was extremely important for us to donate funds to support children in need, it was equally important to empower JHCC with the ability to choose where the majority of these funds will be allocated,” says Alvin Smith, Senior Vice President of Member Services for Tower. “The global health pandemic has uncovered a number of critical needs within our communities, and we trust JHCC will make a long-lasting difference in the areas they see fit.”

To learn more about Tower, visit towerfcu.org.