MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. (4/24/15)--Clearview FCU wanted to make its members feel special in celebrating the 10th anniversary of its community charter. So not only did the Moon Township, Pa.-based credit union return $1 million to its membership, it used some of the money to surprise individual members with gifts.

Part of the $1 million went toward a "thank you" patronage dividend to members. The remainder went toward gifts that in some cases made members' dreams come true.



For example, member Lisa Zoller received a trip to Paris. "I can't believe Clearview would do this!" Zoller said. "I've always wanted to go to Paris, but I never imagined it would finally happen."

"We recognize that our members have a choice when it comes to selecting their financial institution, and we appreciate that they have chosen Clearview," said Mark Brennan, Clearview president/CEO. "This is one small way we can show them our appreciation and thank them for their membership and loyalty."

Some of the gift highlights include:

• Jairus Moore was presented with a donation to the New Brighton Fire Station, where Moore is a volunteer fighter. Moore, a country music fan, was also given tickets to 11 country music concerts this summer, along with a $1,000 gift card to Best Buy;

• Ed Ames, a Korean War veteran and lifelong Pittsburgh Pirates fan, will get to throw out the first pitch at a Pirates game this summer. Clearview has also reserved a suite at PNC Park for Ames, his family and friends;

• Shannon Taylor, a 33-year-old who is fighting multiple sclerosis (MS), was presented a donation for her MS walk. A loyal Pittsburgh Steelers fan, Taylor was also given tickets to training camp and an upcoming Steelers game;

• More than 600 members were surprised with envelopes containing $50 cash; and

• Clearview presented 20 different members with a $2,500 loan payment.

Other gifts included a $1,000 gift card for home improvements, big-screen TVs, a guitar, $500 Amazon gift cards, iPads, and $250 and $500 Barnes & Noble gift cards.

Clearview also is planning to treat 40 members and their guests to a Pittsburgh Pirates game this summer.