Legislative Update with Chesney

​Special “Stack the PAC” recognition and fundraising event at Summit, and a reminder to submit silent auction items as soon as possible – if you are looking for ideas, read on! 

by Chesney Garnos, Director of Political & Grassroots Affairs

Join us for the Stack the PAC recognition and fundraising event, launching Summit week.
Recently, I emphasized the pivotal role of advocacy at our association. With that focus, we are excited to commence this year's 2024 Annual Summit by honoring those who contributed to CUPAC and CULAC in 2023. The evening will feature a presentation by Trey Hawkins, Deputy Chief Advocacy Officer for Political Action at America’s Credit Unions, who will provide a 2024 federal election outlook.

This gathering is scheduled for Tuesday, May 14th, at 7:30 pm at the Grand Falls Casino venue.
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We extend an invitation to everyone who has contributed to our cause, whether through payroll deduction, direct contributions, or participation in our sweepstakes promotion at the CU Advocate level ($24 a year). For those who didn't contribute in 2023, there's still a chance! You can donate $24 at the door to join the festivities, complete with appetizers and drinks.

Last call to submit items for the Summit silent auction!
We're bringing back our silent auction and gift card raffle to support the Roger Heacock Scholarship Fund. By contributing, you help provide scholarships to credit union professionals from the Dakotas for attending the national Governmental Affairs Conference in Washington, DC, and our "Hike the Hill" event in the fall.

If you are looking for ideas on what to donate to this year’s silent auction, you can review what we currently have available HERE or check out ideas from the list below!

• Premium Beverage Servers: Bartesian cocktails; margarita machines.
• Coffee and Espresso Machines: Nespresso; Keurig; L’OR Barista System. 
• Gourmet and Leisure Baskets: Wine packages, theme gift baskets, cookware, grilling accessories.
• Inflatable Movie Screens: outdoor entertainment accessories. 
• Sports and Recreation: Golf items, event tickets, tech items. 
• Luxury Gifts: Jewelry, watches, handbags, high-end tech items from brands like Apple, Bose, Samsung.
• Gift Cards: Various gift cards/certificates to restaurants, Amazon, Visa cash cards, national chain stores. 
• Vacation and Experience Packages: Weekend getaways, spa retreats, hotel stays, tours, unique experiences.

​To properly promote these fundraisers to Summit attendees (and virtual non-attendees), we would like to publish the list of prizes ahead of the start on our ClickBid interactive site. Please submit your donation using the easy donation form below by May 6th to ensure we’re ready for the event! Here are some additional details if you're donating:

• We ask that donation items have a value of $100 or more.
• Donations can be brought directly to the event for display or given to our Advocacy Team beforehand.
•  If there are any questions or issues, please contact me directly at [email protected] or 701.250.3928.

Looking to participate in this year’s auction?

• You can participate in this year’s silent auction and gift card raffle starting at 8:20 a.m. on Wednesday, May 15, until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 16.
• Be sure to register in advance by texting DakCU to 56651 or visit https://dakcu.cbo.io.
• Donations will be listed here on ClickBid ahead of time.
• All bids will be submitted and winners notified through the ClickBid platform.
• All bidders must be located in North or South Dakota to participate.
• Bidders must be at least 21 years of age to bid on items that include alcohol.  

 
For the winners:

• You will receive an automatic notification through ClickBid if you are the high bidder.
• If you are present at the Summit, please retrieve your item(s) in person.
• If you are not at Summit, please arrange for someone from your area to pick up your item(s) or we will contact you to help deliver your donation; shipping fees may apply.

 
Again, feel free to reach out to me with any questions. I'm looking forward to seeing you at this year's Annual Summit in just a few weeks!