MLSD benefits from Gesa Credit Union donation

RICHLAND — The Moses Lake School District received a $24,747 donation Friday from Gesa Credit Union, according to an announcement from Gesa.

The donation was part of $380,000 raised through Gesa’s Affinity Debit Card program, according to the announcement, and 26 school districts besides Moses Lake were also beneficiaries. The donations were announced at a celebration at the Tagaris Tasting Room and Taverna in Richland on Friday evening.

Funds raised through the Affinity Debit Card program support partner schools by enhancing academic programs, meeting technology needs, and funding extracurricular activities and athletics, according to the announcement. Every time a participating card is swiped, Gesa makes a donation to that school. Since 2015, Gesa, which is based in Richland and has a branch in Moses Lake, has raised more than $1.8 million for local schools through the program.

“At Gesa, we believe in the power of education to transform lives and communities. That’s why we are immensely proud to support our local schools through our Affinity Debit Card program,” Brandon Allison, assistant vice president of training, education and community outreach at Gesa Credit Union, wrote in the announcement. “We are especially thankful for our members, as their participation has made this our most successful year yet in terms of contributions. Their continued support enables us to create opportunities and make a lasting impact on the lives of students and educators across Washington.”

The other districts receiving funds through the Affinity Debit Program were:

• Naches Valley School District: $1,758

• St. Patrick Catholic School: $4,237

• Everett Community College Foundation: $5,000

• Heritage University: $5,000

• Highline College Foundation: $5,000

• Eastmont School District: $7,000

• Wenatchee School District: $7,000

• Foundation for Edmonds School District: $10,000

• Renton School District: $20,000

• Tacoma Public Schools: $20,000

• Tri-Cities Prep Catholic High School: $1,000

• Tri-Tech Skills Center: $3,000

• Columbia School District: $3,538

• Liberty Christian School: $4,560

• Prosser School District: $5,000

• West Valley School District: $5,000

• Kiona-Benton City School District: $5,587

• Delta High School: $5,692

• Finley School District: $6,342

• College Place School District: $8,082

• Yakima School District: $9,158

• Walla Walla Public Schools: $10,886

• Columbia Basin College Foundation: $17,500

• Richland School District: $58,123

• Kennewick School District: $60,309

• Pasco School District: $66,609