Giving back in a roundabout way.
Opening its first of three Tri-Cities locations, STCU makes multiple gifts to community projects.
november 30, 2018
In conjunction with the opening of the STCU Southridge Financial and Home Loan Center, the credit union has announced a partnership with the City of Kennewick and Cobalt Designworks to install a playful sculpture and landscaping in the Hildebrand/Zintel roundabout.
Called "Blossoming Joy," the aluminum-and-steel sculpture will feature the silhouette of a family (at nearly twice life-size) celebrating at the base of a floral arrangement that will stand 25 feet tall and 17 feet in diameter. The three flower blossoms will be bright primary colors.
“This will transform an ordinary roundabout into something unique and special, highlighting the work of two Northwest artists,” said Terry Walsh, executive director of employee and community relations for the City of Kennewick.
Walsh noted that the city encourages landscaping with public art, native plants, and local materials to conserve water. “The art becomes not only a great addition from an aesthetic standpoint, but it also aligns with our sustainability program,” she said.
Cobalt Designworks was formed in 2007 by husband-wife team, Dave Frei and Jennifer Corio. Designed and constructed in a studio in southwestern Washington, the sculptures have been commissioned by many West Coast communities.
The sculpture installation and landscaping work will be completed in spring 2019 at the roundabout that provides access to the new STCU credit union location and other businesses in the Southridge and Canyon Lakes area.
Gifts to three organizations.
The day after announcing the “Blossoming Joy” project, STCU CEO and President Ezra Eckhardt celebrated "Giving Tuesday" by surprising three community organizations with $25,000 checks.
- Columbia Basin College, for its student emergency fund.
- Boys & Girls Club of Benton-Franklin Counties for its Music and Arts Center. The MAC serves as a community hub, offering high-quality education for youth with a strong interest in the arts and technology.
- Chaplaincy Healthcare’s Cork’s Place, which provides a safe, supportive environment with grief counselors and other support for children (ages 3-17) who are coping with loss.
About STCU
Founded in 1934 by Spokane schoolteachers, STCU has grown to 190,000 members and more than $2.9 billion in total assets. The not-for-profit financial cooperative has 23 branch locations, including the newly opened Southridge Financial and Home Loan Center at 4704 W. Hildebrand Blvd. in Kennewick. Our Queensgate and Pasco locations will open in 2019.