South Burlington, VT – March 26, 2026 – Vermont Federal Foundation, the nonprofit arm of Vermont Federal Credit Union, has successfully reached its $60,000 fundraising goal through the organization’s inaugural charitable raffle, an initiative designed to support efforts addressing food insecurity in Vermont, while offering a meaningful prize to one raffle participant.
The $60,000 raised will be divided evenly, with $20,000 awarded to each of the following:
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- Vermont Foodbank: Vermont’s largest hunger-relief organization, supporting more than 300 food shelves, meal sites, senior centers, schools, and hospitals statewide.
- Vermont Federal Foundation: The 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of Vermont Federal Credit Union, dedicated to strengthening Vermont communities through support of sustainability, food security, affordable and stable housing, and other impact-driven initiatives.
- One Raffle Winner: One lucky individual selected at random from all raffle participants.
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Stacia Cheney, a resident of Essex Junction, Vermont, was randomly selected from a large pool of participants as the raffle winner, with 3,000 raffle tickets sold.
The raffle exceeded expectations, raising nearly 75% of its $60,000 goal in just over one month. Participants also had the option to donate directly to the cause in lieu of purchasing a raffle ticket, resulting in over $1,200 in additional donations.
“We are incredibly grateful to our members and the broader Vermont community for embracing this first-ever charitable raffle,” said Maribeth Spellman, Board Chair of Vermont Federal Foundation. “This initiative demonstrated the power of collective giving and provided a new, engaging way for people to support critical needs across our state.”
“The funds raised through this raffle will translate directly into meals for neighbors in Vermont who need them most,” said John Sayles, CEO of Vermont Foodbank. “Creative partnerships like this allow Vermont Foodbank to put nourishing food on the tables of families and seniors, and helps ensure no one in Vermont has to choose between food and other basic necessities.”
For more information about the raffle and Vermont Federal Foundation, visit vermontfederal.org/foundation.