On Tuesday, Dec. 20, Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) and Kasasa, an award-winning financial technology and marketing provider, announced the winner of the local “These Are My People” contest. Brittanie Ramirez of Lawrence, Mass. won $2,500 to help support human connection with her favorite people.
“I was so surprised when I received the call that I won that I didn’t believe that it was true,” said Ramirez. “This money gives me the opportunity to give back to Beyond Soccer, an organization that I was part of growing up here in Lawrence and where I work now as a Coach Mentor. Thanks to this contest, the 8- and 9-year-old girls that I coach will be able to have a great Christmas party this year, and I’ll be able to give them all gift cards so they can buy their own equipment.”
Kasasa’s “These Are My People” contest took place from November 7th through December 7th and provided entrants with the opportunity to share personal stories and how the prize money would help them connect with their loved ones.
Inspirational stories flooded in from entrants across the greater Merrimack Valley and South Shore regions on how winning would impact their lives this holiday season. MVCU’s local contest was part of a nationwide contest that included more than 150 community financial institutions across the country, with some offering cash prizes to their local community members. Additionally, Kasasa is awarding one grand prize winner with $25,000 and two runner ups with $10,000. In total, Kasasa and participating community banks and credit unions awarded over $150,000 in cash prizes.
“The holiday season is about love and sharing it with those we call our people,” said Gabe Krajicek, CEO of Kasasa. “This contest celebrated the incredible, loving individuals that create the fabric of their community. It’s this same network that our community financial institution partners across the country play such a vital part in - helping people stand strong in their financial world so they can stand strong for those they love the most.”
Kasasa partners exclusively with community financial institutions — the only place consumers can find their innovative banking solutions. Kasasa serves hundreds of community financial institutions nationwide, representing over 3 million consumer bank accounts across 3,400+ branches in all 50 states. Since 2003, Kasasa financial institutions have given back nearly $3 billion in rewards to Kasasa account holders.
Photo caption: MVCU Senior Vice President of Marketing Yean-Ai Long presents a check to Brittanie Ramirez of Lawrence.