South Carolina Federal Announces Scholarship Competition

CU Insight

South Carolina Federal Credit Union announces its second annual scholarship competition, awarding a total of $7,500 to three deserving students to use for their college education. 

First prize is $4,000, second is $2,500 and third is $1,000. The online application will be available through Young & Free South Carolina, powered by South Carolina Federal Credit Union, atYoungFreeSC.com/scholarship. 

Applicants must submit an application, transcript, letter of recommendation and written or video-taped essay response.  Students are encouraged to share their extracurricular activities and community service involvement through the application and essay. 

Students planning to attend college during the fall 2012 semester are encouraged to apply by March 15, 2012. Submitted applications will be reviewed by the credit union’s scholarship committee, and winners will be selected based on academic performance, school and community involvement, recommendations from school and community leaders and financial need.

Scholarship winners will be announced by April 30, 2012. For official rules visit YoungFreeSC.com.

+ Original article

Beardmaggedon celebrates wit and whiskers

City Paper | By Ryan Overhiser

Well, it’s 2012, and the world will soon end. In the wake of our impending doom, Darryl LaPlante wants to squeeze in as much laughter as he can. And so, powered by the South Carolina Federal Credit Union’s Young and Free S.C., he organized BEARDmageddon.

The event, part of the Charleston Comedy Festival’s second night, is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Thurs. Jan. 19 at Theatre 99. The event will include improv from Theatre 99 mainstay The Have Nots! for a few hours of short-form, family-friendly comedy.

In regards to where the name BEARDmageddon came from – well, it is a testament of LaPlante’s passionate devotion toward facial hair. “It’s a tribute to the beards that made it through No Shave November,” he says, adding, “while also remembering the fallen beards.”

BEARDmageddon will include a Best Beard Competition, honoring the brave souls who, like LaPlante, refuse to remove their whiskers. In addition to bearded brethren battling it out, prize giveaways will also take place throughout the night including items like T-shirts and sunglasses.

While beards will be plentiful, laughter is the main focus of BEARDmageddon. According to LaPlante, there should be no shortage. “Anytime I’ve been to Theatre 99, I haven’t left without my side hurting, and I expect this to be no different,” he says. For more information, visit charlestoncomedyfestival.com.

+ Original article

S.C. Lowcountry Food Drive

Credit Union Times

Young & Free South Carolina, a program from the $1.3 billion South Carolina Federal Credit Union in North Charleston, partnered with 15 high schools to collect 29,266 pounds of much-needed food for the Lowcountry Food Bank.

The winning schools – Ashley Ridge High School and Academic Magnet High School – collected seven and six pounds per student, respectively – and each received a $1,000 prize from the credit union.  Young & Free SC “spokester” Darryl LaPlante is shown here presenting Ashley Ridge students with their cash prize during the awards party at Lowcountry Food Bank.

+ Original article

Two Ashley Ridge High School Students Win Limo Party and $500

CUinsight

(N. CHARLESTON, S.C.) – November 29, 2011 – Two Ashley Ridge High School students won a limo party and a $500 gift card from Young & Free South Carolina, powered by South Carolina Federal Credit Union, for being the Thursday Night Lights Last Fans Standing.

The winning students, Evan Huiet and Courtney Michael of Ashley Ridge High School, discovered they were winners during a surprise reveal at the school on November 22. They were led to think they were in trouble, only to walk outside to see a stretch Hummer limo and Young & Free SC representatives awaiting them. (The video of the Last Fans Standing reveal is available on YoungFreeSC.com.)

“Surprising the students and having their principal in on the entire presentation was great! The students were shocked and grateful to have won the grand prize,” said Young & Free SC Spokester Darryl LaPlante.

As the Social Media Sponsor of Thursday Night Lights, Young & Free SC hosted the Last Fans Standing Contest, which encouraged students to get their photo taken at the game of the week and then tag themselves on the Young & Free SC Facebook page. Three photos each week were selected and then a public vote determined a finalist from each week’s game. The public vote determined the grand prize winner. 

Thursday Night Lights was an opportunity for local high school football teams to compete live on the MyTV Charleston/Fox Network. The games began August 25 and ran for ten weeks, with the last game being held November 3. 

+ Original article

Are You The Last Fans Standing?

CU Insight

Thursday Night Lights is an opportunity for local high school football teams to compete live on the MyTV Charleston/Fox Network.  The games began August 25 and will run for ten weeks, with the last game being held November 3. 

Young & Free South Carolina, a program powered by South Carolina Federal Credit Union, especially for the 25 and under crowd, will participate as the Social Media Sponsor of the event. 

As the Social Media Sponsor, Young & Free SC is hosting the Last Fans Standing Contest, which encourages students to get their photo taken at the game of the week and then tag themselves on the Young & Free SC Facebook page.  Three photos each week will be selected and then a public vote will select a finalist from each week’s game.  The winning fans will win a Limo party and $500 gift card.  More details about the Last Fans Standing Contest are available at YoungFreeSC.com.

Spokester Darryl LaPlante will also broadcast live during the games, engaging the viewers at home to participate in a variety of social media channels.  South Carolina Federal employees will be on hand at each game to excite the crowd with giveaways.

For more information and the Official Rules of the Last Fans Standing Contest, visit YoungFreeSC.com.

+ Original article

Helping Out Highlights

Charleston Regional Business Journal

Young & Free South Carolina, powered by South Carolina Federal Credit Union, has partnered with Water Missions International to donate a clean water purification system to Musubi, Uganda.

Two other organizations — Water for Africa and Hands4others— also partnered with Water Missions International to provide safe water. As a result, these organizations and Young & Free South Carolina have contributed $31,000 to Water Missions International. 

+ Original article

Young & Free SC Contributes $16,000 to Water Missions International

CU Insight

Young & Free South Carolina, powered by South Carolina Federal Credit Union, has partnered with Water Missions International to donate a clean water purification system to Musubi, Uganda, located on Lake Victoria in Africa.

Young & Free South Carolina sponsored the Change for Change campaign during March and April to bring awareness to the global water crisis that kills more than 5,500 people every day and to raise money for Water Missions International.

The Change for Change campaign raised $16,000 through community donations, art show fundraiser, text message campaign and South Carolina Federal Credit Union branch fundraisers. 

Two other organizations—Water for Africa (an affiliate of Water for Life, International) and Hands4others (H4O)—also partnered with Water Missions International to provide safe water to a community on Lake Victoria.  As a result, these organizations and Young & Free SC have contributed $31,000 to Water Missions International.  This total amount will provide a sustainable water system to the community of Musubi in Uganda.

"This campaign will make transformational change in the lives of 3,000 Africans living in Musubi, Uganda,” said Molly Greene, Water Missions International co-founder.  “In the United States, we take safe water for granted and can turn on the tap anywhere and drink.  The people we serve around the world have no taps, much less the blessing of safe water.  Together, we are providing "liquid hope!”

The community of Musubi is a rural fishing village located on Lake Victoria with a population of 3,000.  The primary school in Musubi serves 1,200 students.  Currently, the people of Musubi walk 5 kilometers to retrieve water.  This new water system will be installed this summer.  Photos and video of the progress will be available at www.youngfreesc.com/changeforchange.

Photo Caption:  Water Missions International staff and volunteers accept a check for $16,153.90 from the Young & Free SC staff.

+ Original article 

Young & Free South Carolina to Host Art Show Fundraiser

CU Insight

Young & Free South Carolina, powered by South Carolina Federal Credit Union, has partnered with Water Missions International to donate a clean water purification system to a community on Lake Victoria in Africa.  The campaign is called Change for Change and it targets the 25 and under crowd through several fundraising initiatives.  

To date, the campaign has raised $13,000.  The final fundraiser is the Change for Change Art Show.

When: Thursday, May 5, 2011, from 7:30 p.m. to midnight

Where: The Music Farm, 32 Ann Street, Charleston

Who: Everyone is welcome to join the Young & Free South Carolina Team and participating local artists—admission is free!

How: Artists of different genres have donated their work to be sold at a reasonable price.  All proceeds will go to the Change for Change campaign.  Live music will be provided by Meet the Sky, Heyrocco and JeffET.

More details about the art show can be found on the Young & Free SC’s Facebook page or on the Young & Free website.be sold at an affordable price. All proceeds from the donated art sale will go straight to Water Missions Intl. There will be live music from Meet the Sky and Heyrocco, drink specials, JeffET will be spinning for a couple hours, and much much more!

+ Original article

Art, music and free admission at the Change For Change Art Show

The Digitel Charleston | By joel8x

So what are you doing on Thursday night between 7:30 p.m. and midnight? Why not come see some local art and photography in a cool atmosphere? What about live music by Meet the Sky and Heyrocco – maybe you’d like to hear JeffETspin some music for you as well? What was that? You don’t have a lot of cash this week? It’s free admission!! You have no excuses – bring the kids too.

So, what is Change for Change you ask? From their press release:

For the months of March and April, Young & Free SC is working hard to raise $25,000 for Water Missions Intl – a locally based, international organization. We’re raising the money to put in a water purification system in a community in Africa.

To wrap up our fundraiser, we’re hosting an art show at theMusic Farm on Thursday, May 5th. Artists from all over, of all different genres, will be there. Artists will donate artwork to be sold at an affordable price. All proceeds from the donated art sale will go straight to Water Missions Intl.

Here’s the list of confirmed artists:

Jason Smith
Patch Whisky
Matthew Foreman
Robert Donovan
BadJon
Niamh Ellen
Proton
Kristy Bishop
Meta
Joseph Nienstedt
Tim Showers
Leigh Wells
Thomas Bosse
Christina Rodino
Justin Cammer
Jason Alan Layne
SHT!
Sarah Frierson
Christopher Murphy
Phillip Hyman
Joshua DelMas
Stephanie Stein
Vik Hart
Adolfo Hernandez
Trever Webster
Jashun Fairstudios
Jennifer Callicott

For more info on the event, Water Mission International and then some, hit up Joseph W. Nienstedt blog.

+ Original article

Young & Free South Carolina is on a Mission to Raise $25,000

CU Insight

Young & Free South Carolina, powered by South Carolina Federal Credit Union, has partnered with Water Missions International to donate a clean water purification system to a community on Lake Victoria in Africa.

One in eight people around the globe lack access to clean drinking water--killing more than 5,500 people every day.

“Empowering young people to get involved triggers awareness of the global water crisis and creates global impact for change,” said Danya Jordan, Vice President of Development, Water Missions International.  “We’re grateful that Young & Free SC is expanding awareness of this crisis and the sustainable safe water solutions Water Missions International provides.”

Throughout the month of April, the Change for Change campaign will target the 25 and under crowd through several fundraising initiatives:

• Text Campaign:  Text YFSC to 85944 to donate $10.
• Donations:  Everyone is encouraged to drop off their change using the coin machines at any South Carolina Federal Credit Union branch location, free of charge.
• Art Show:  On May 5, everyone is welcome to the Music Farm to purchase affordable art (all donated by local artists) and listen to live music, from 7:30 p.m. to midnight, free admission.
• CD Sales:  Local band, Meet the Sky, will donate all the proceeds of their cd sales in April to Change for Change.  Purchase their cd at: http://meetthesky.bandcamp.com
• Website:  Additional events and details are available at:  www.youngfreesc.com/changeforchange/.

“Having immediate access to clean water is something that most of us take for granted every day,” said Young & Free South Carolina Spokester Darryl LaPlante.  “I see this global crisis as a call to action for our generation to help make a difference.”

+ Original article

Young & Free SC wins MAC Marketing NOW Award

Marketing Association of Credit Unions

Why wait a year to recognize credit unions’ virtual, viral and electronic efforts that are happening now? That single question prompted the Marketing Association of Credit Unions to launch the MAC Marketing NOW awards.

With more credit unions creating and posting their work on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, microsites and developing smartphone apps, the competition is designed to recognize the best work happening right now in the credit union world.

There were 11 categories with hundreds of entries and South Carolina Federal Credit Union and Young & Free SC placed first in the Best Social Media Engagement Campaign Award category with its Thursday Night Lights football promotion!

+ MAC Marketing Now Awards

Let's Hear it For School Spirit!

League Review

On the southeast coast

Young & Free South Carolina, a program managed by South Carolina Federal Credit Union, gears up for “Thursday Night Lights,” a new opportunity for local high school football teams to compete live on the MyTV Charleston/Fox Network. The games began on August 26, 2010 and run for ten weeks. Young & Free South Carolina (for people ages 18-24), will participate as the Social Media Sponsor of the event. Credit union representatives will be encouraging teens to take advantage of the uniquely designed Teen Account for people between the ages of 13-17.

As the social media sponsor, Young & Free SC spokester, Darryl LaPlante, will broadcast live during the game, engaging the viewers at home to participate in a variety of social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, and SMS messages to a dedicated number. South Carolina Federal employees will be on hand at the games to excite the crowd with give-a-ways.

The reward for liking, texting or tweeting… a brand new Apple® iPad! Prospective winners may enter as many times as they like and entry is open through October 14, 2010.

+ Original article

Fan-tastic

The Post and Courier

The high school football season got off to a rousing start Thursday night in the home stands as Bishop England hosted West Ashley High School on Daniel Island. A week ago, the BE fans and cheerleaders won the Spirit Award at the Sertoma Classic over 13 other schools.

Photo by Wade Spees

+ Original article

Darryl SC 1.0

Addict3d

Young Free South Carolina is South Carolina Federall Credit Union's ongoing effort to give the 18 to 25 crowd a voice, a head start and useful information. Darryl LaPlante is the 2010 Young Free SC Spokesperson.

With our iPhone app, you can read Darryl' blog posts, follow the conversation on Twitter, watch YouTube videos and watch episodes of the Young Free Show.

+ Original article

Credit Union Wins Diamond Award

Member 2 Member News

South Carolina Federal Credit Union was recently honored with a Diamond Award, which recognizes outstanding marketing and business development achievements in the credit union industry. The award was presented by the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) Marketing and Business Development Council.

South Carolina Federal Credit Union won for the category entitled “Single Community/PR Event.” Last year the credit union encouraged youth to participate in a battle of the bands called “Last Band Standing.” The event brought out several hundred young adults to watch and cheer during the ultimate battle of the bands at Wild Wing Café in Mount Pleasant. South Carolina Federal sponsored the event as part of its Young & Free South Carolina program (see www.youngfreesc.com) which provides financial education to young adults between the ages of 18-25.

+ Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce

Darryl on Chick FM

Chick FM

Our 2010 Young & Free SC Spokesperson Darryl LaPlante was on 98.9 Chick FM.

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+ 98.9 Chick FM website

Social-networking voters pick CU's Gen Y spokesman

CUNA News Now

South Carolina FCU's new Young & Free South Carolina spokesperson won the job by earning votes from the community at large in a social networking campaign, according to the North Charleston-based credit union.

Darryl LePlante, 22, of Goose Creek won the credit union's dream job search and became the second Young & Free South Carolina spokesperson.

Young & Free South Carolina is a Web-based effort to address the unique financial needs of young adults ages 18 to 25. At YoungFreeSC.com, the credit union will host financial tips and money management strategies relevant to Generation Y.

LePlante, a 2009 graduate of Winthrop University with a bachelor of science degree in theatre performance and a minor in business, was informed that he won the position during a surprise luncheon with family and friends.

Other finalists were Alexa Chloe Villavicencio, 22, of Goose Creek, and Danielle Delain of Cayce.

All three finalists conducted broad social networking campaigns to gain public votes at YoungFreeSC.com. LePlante had the most votes and won the job, which includes a salary, Toyota Prius, MacBook Pro, HD Video camera and an iPhone.

+ Original article

Darryl on air with 95SX's 2 Girls and a Guy

95SX FM

Our 2010 Young & Free SC Spokesperson Darryl LaPlante was on 95SX FM's 2 Girls & a Guy morning show.

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+ 95SX FM website

All three 2010 Finalits on 95SX

95SX

We had our three finalists on the radio with 95SX's Two Girls and Guy on Friday, March 19th.

Alexa Chloe Villavicencio

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Darryl LePlante

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Danielle DeLain

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+ 95SX FM website

Josh on 95SX with the week three 2010 search update

95SX FM

Josh was on 95SX FM's 2 Girls & a Guy morning show for his first weekly 2010 Young & Free SC Spokesperson search update.

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+ 95SX FM website