For the past five years, Pima Federal Credit Union has sponsored a golf tournament to raise money for teachers in the Tucson area. The annual Pima Federal Golf Classic is held in partnership with Tucson Values Teachers, an organization focused on supporting and retaining our K-12 teachers.

After the Golf Classic took place at the Golf Club at Dove Mountain last month, they raised a total of $50,000 which was donated to TVT's annual Tucson Supplies Teachers supply drive. The money in this drive will be distributed in the form of $50 gift cards for teachers who register on their website. This opportunity only lasts between now and the end of August.

Tucson Values Teachers is currently working on fundraising to match that $50,000 from Pima Federal, and as of July 20 they raised about $10,000.

“Tucson Supplies Teachers is about supporting and showing gratitude for educators," Katie Rogerson, Chief Operating Officer for TVT, said. "Many teachers spend upwards of $500 their own money on school supplies each year. Thanks to the commitment of Pima Federal Credit Union and other community partners we are able to help teachers purchase classroom tools for student success."

TVT also has a partnership with OfficeMax and Office Depot to allow teachers to get special discounts on supplies, which can stretch their $50 gift card to nearly $75 worth of supplies.

Pima Federal was founded by a group of 16 teachers in 1951, who pooled together $84 in deposits and to create their own non-profit banking system.

Rogerson said as a credit union founded by teachers, Pima Federal acknowledges the important role of teachers in the success of not only students, but also our future.