Pitching In: Kirtland Credit Union awards $10K in scholarships to local students

Journal staff report, Albuquerque Journal, N.M.
·3 min read

Aug. 15—Blue Cross and Blue Shield gives over $750K to local nonprofits

Health insurer Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico has given $750,000 to three dozen nonprofits across the state, according to a news release.

The money given through the Blue Impact grant program is for nonprofits focused on economic opportunity and stability, nutrition, neighborhood and local assets, locally defined health solutions and optimal health outcomes.

Awardees, in part, include ABQ Faithworks Collaborative, HopeWorks, Rio Grande Community Development Project, United Way of North Central New Mexico, New Mexico Foundation for Dental Health Research and Education and Special Olympics New Mexico.

"Social and economic factors have a profound impact on achieving and maintaining good health," Janice Torrez, BCBSNM president, said in a statement. "Through our Blue Impact initiative, we're working with organizations across the state to provide New Mexicans with greater access to the essential resources and support they need to live healthier lives."

Blake's donates non-perishable foods to local food banks

Local burger chain Blake's Lotaburger, in tandem with JustServe.org and Jiffy Lube, has donated 8,000 pounds of non-perishable foods to local food banks.

The donations took place in late July at Isotopes Park and the food was delivered to the Roadrunner Food Bank, HopeWorks and Silver Horizons last week, according to a news release.

"The Blake's Lotaburger LOTA Heart Team worked closely with JustServe.org, Jiffy Lube and the Albuquerque Isotopes to generate 8,000 pounds of non-perishable food items to help ease food insecurity in the state," Brian Rule, president of Blake's Lotaburger, said in a statement.

Kirtland Credit Union awards $10,000 in scholarships

Kirtland Credit Union last week awarded $10,000 to four students as part of its annual scholarship program, the company announced in a news release. Each student received $2,500 for the upcoming fall semester.

"One of Kirtland Credit Union's Core Values is the community and aligns to the credit union initiative of 'people helping people,'" KCU President and CEO Matt Rarden said in a statement. "An integral part of the community is our youth; we must invest in them as they are our future. We are honored to support these four New Mexico high school graduates by easing some of the financial burdens of higher education. These scholarships will positively impact their careers and future in the communities where they live and work."

This year's scholarship winners include Benjamin Henrique, who will attend the University of New Mexico this fall; Drew Squires, who will attend Brigham Young University-Idaho; Nicole Sierra Banega, who will attend Grand Canyon University; and Rebekah Freeman, who will attend Arizona Christian University.

According to the release, applicants for the scholarship program must be members or sponsored by a Kirtland Credit Union member. Applicants also need to be accepted into a two- or four-year college or university and pitch a nonprofit idea that the credit union can support.