Checks totaling $382,183 were awarded to Northwoods non-profit groups from the CoVantage Cares Foundation. The funds were collected as donations from CoVantage Credit Union members, staff and community members who responded to the foundation’s 2019 Giving Tuesday campaign.

Mick Fiocchi, left, executive director of NAMI Northern Lakes, and Pat Marquart, right, president of the NAMI board of directors, accepts a check for $5,917.18 from CoVantage Rhinelander branch manager Sammi Houle. (submitted photo)

Giving Tuesday, which falls after Black Friday, is nationally recognized for charitable giving. The date was selected by the foundation as an opportune time to kick off a fundraising effort in support of local organizations that help individuals and families in need.

Branch staff in the credit union’s locations selected a non-profit group in their community to be the recipient of funds raised. Contributions generated during the two-week effort were matched up to $150,000 by the foundation.

Area charities selected to receive funding from the fourth annual Giving Tuesday initiative and their sponsoring CoVantage branches include Midwest Indian Mission, Inc./New Hope Shelter & Transitional Housing (Crandon); National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Northern Lakes (Rhinelander) and United Way of Langlade County (Antigo).