March 26, 2026 -
South Burlington, VT - Vermont Federal Foundation, the nonprofit arm of Vermont Federal Credit Union, has successfully reached its $60,000 fundraising goal through the organization’s inaugural charitable raffle, an initiative designed to support efforts addressing food insecurity in Vermont, while offering a meaningful prize to one raffle participant.
The $60,000 raised will be divided evenly, with $20,000 awarded to each of the following:
- Vermont Foodbank: Vermont’s largest hunger-relief organization, supporting more than 300 food shelves, meal sites, senior centers, schools, and hospitals statewide.
- Vermont Federal Foundation: The 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of Vermont Federal Credit Union, dedicated to strengthening Vermont communities through support of sustainability, food security, affordable and stable housing, and other impact-driven initiatives.
- One Raffle Winner: One lucky individual selected at random from all raffle participants.
Stacia Cheney, a resident of Essex Junction, Vermont, was randomly selected from a large pool of participants as the raffle winner, with 3,000 raffle tickets sold.
The raffle exceeded expectations, raising nearly 75% of its $60,000 goal in just over one month. Participants also had the option to donate directly to the cause in lieu of purchasing a raffle ticket, resulting in over $1,200 in additional donations.
“We are incredibly grateful to our members and the broader Vermont community for embracing this first-ever charitable raffle,” said Maribeth Spellman, Board Chair of Vermont Federal Foundation. “This initiative demonstrated the power of collective giving and provided a new, engaging way for people to support critical needs across our state.”
“The funds raised through this raffle will translate directly into meals for neighbors in Vermont who need them most,” said John Sayles, CEO of Vermont Foodbank. “Creative partnerships like this allow Vermont Foodbank to put nourishing food on the tables of families and seniors and helps ensure no one in Vermont has to choose between food and other basic necessities.”
For more information about the raffle and Vermont Federal Foundation, visit vermontfederal.org.
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About Vermont Federal Foundation:
The Vermont Federal Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, serves as the charitable affiliate of Vermont Federal Credit Union. Dedicated to giving back to the community, the Foundation supports local organizations and initiatives that improve the lives of Vermonters. Guided by a commitment to meaningful impact, the Vermont Federal Foundation focuses its efforts on four key pillars: Sustainability, Building Strong Communities, Food Security, and Affordable & Stable Housing. Through its work, the Foundation encourages community involvement and collaboration, helping individuals and families across Vermont pursue their aspirations and achieve greater well-being.
About Vermont Foodbank:
Vermont Foodbank is the state’s largest hunger-relief organization and only food bank, providing nourishing food through a network of more than 300 community partners including food shelves, meal sites, senior centers, after-school programs, schools, and hospitals. Vermont Foodbank, a member of Feeding America, provides over 14 million pounds of food annually to people throughout Vermont.
