RAIN auction raises $2,000 for those in need

More than 100 members of the Kitsap County Association of Realtors gathered in December for the annual RAIN Fund luncheon and auction.

Founded in 1994 with the sole purpose of providing support to Realtor and Affiliate members who need financial assistance due to catastrophic medical problems or devastating loss of family income, the RAIN (Realtor and Affiliate in Need) fund is supported by voluntary contributions by the membership.

The annual event raised more than $2,000, according to Mike Eliason, executive director of the association. In 2013, the association gave nearly $10,000 to assist members in need, he said.

Credit union raises funds for food banks

Alaska USA Federal Credit Union members contributed nearly $50,000 to support their community food banks, including one in Bremerton, during the annual Cash & Cans food drive. Credit union members and the Alaska USA Foundation teamed up and donated a total of $49,300 to food banks in three states.

The credit union’s 67 branches collected the funds, which were donated to a record 17 food banks in Alaska, Washington, and the High Desert region of California.

In addition to cash donations, Washington branches also collected 1,600 pounds of food. Washington donations benefited Hopelink and Northwest Harvest in the Greater Seattle area, Help House Food Bank in Oak Harbor and Salvation Army of Bremerton.

“The Cash & Cans drive is part of the people helping people‚ philosophy that’s key to Alaska USA and its members,” said Janell Adams, senior vice president, branch administration. “We’re proud that members stepped up again this year to help local families in need.”