Recognizing Community Champions Who Make Their Mark
Every October, Sunmark celebrates International Credit Union Day by honoring organizations and individuals who live out the people helping people philosophy through community service across New York.
Three Award Categories:
- People Helping People Award - $5,000 to three organizations with missions that align with people helping people.
- Susan V. Siegel Community Service Leader Award - $2,500 to one individual's charity of choice for meaningful community contributions.
- It's Cool to be Kind Student Award - $2,500 to one student's (18 or younger) charity of choice for community service and kindness.
2025 ICU Day Award Recipients
2025 Susan V. Siegel Community Service Leader Award
Seth Harris is this year's Susan V. Siegel Service Leader Award recipient. He is being recognized for his outstanding contributions to education and community initiatives. Including his help with creating a sustainable StoryWalk, in which children can walk along a hiking trail and stop at kiosks along the way to read childrens’ picture books. He’s worked tirelessly through organizations to provide unique and wholesome opportunities for children in his community. Some of the organizations Seth has worked with are the Glens Fall Symphony, YMCA Camp Chingachgook, Lake George Land Conservancy, and Lake George Association.2025 It's Cool to be Kind Student Leadership Award
Shreya Sharath is this year's It's Cool to be Kind Student Leadership Award recipient. A student at Shaker High School, Shreya is passionate about helping others and creating positive change. She is the founder of GleeBoxx, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering others and spreading joy through thoughtful care packages for those in need. Guided by compassion and creativity, Shreya’s mission is simple, to make a difference and bring a smile to someone’s face.2025 People Helping People Awards
People helping people is the credit union philosophy. This year's awards recognize organizations whose missions align with this philosophy and who have made their mark on their community. Typically, awarded to three recipients a year, there were so many outstanding community organizations, that the team was torn, and chose four.
The Caring Closet
The Caring Closet provides free personal hygiene products to students and families to help remove barriers to education, confidence, and well-being. Operated entirely by volunteers and funded through community donations, the organization discreetly supplies essentials throughout the Guilderland Central School District.Operation At Ease
Operation At Ease helps veterans and first responders train their own service dogs to assist with the lasting effects of post-traumatic stress. Through small group classes focused on obedience, task training, and real-life application, the program empowers participants with confidence, advocacy skills, and lifelong behavioral support.MendbyMe
MendbyMe repurposes donated clothing and goods into free pop-up shops that provide essential resources to those in need while promoting sustainability and dignity.Inclusive Saratoga
A nonprofit dedicated to disability inclusivity, Inclusive Saratoga partners with local organizations and businesses to create accessible spaces and experiences where people of all abilities can fully participate and thrive.
Past ICU Day Award Recipients
Celebrating organizations and individuals who have made their mark in our communities through the credit union philosophy of people helping people.People Helping People: The Mr. Mo Project, Kelly's Angels Inc., and Lifesong Inc.
Susan V. Siegel Leader: Ginni Eagan (Young Parents United)
People Helping People: Bring on the Spectrum, Mom Starts Here, and Perfect Ten. Susan V. Siegel Leader: David Gordon (Boys and Girls Club). It's Cool to be Kind: Debron Eley (NAACP Youth Council).
People Helping People: Night Out For You Inc., Black Diamonds Academic Success Inc., and Safe Inc. of Schenectady. Susan V. Siegel Leader: Cheryl Hage Perez. It's Cool to be Kind: Ella Schoenborn.
People Helping People: Hood's House of Hoops, Our Community Cares, and Mission Accomplished. Susan V. Siegel Community Service Leader: Kelly Stevens (Food for Thought).
People Helping People: St. Catherine's Center for Children, Albany Pride Hockey Association, and Unity House of Troy. Susan V. Siegel Leader: Jeremy Wernick (Hatsgiving).
People Helping People: Red Cross of Northeastern NY, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area, and Women's Employment and Resource Center. Susan V. Siegel Leader: Renee Fahy (Street Soldiers).
