Westerra Credit Union's Baseball Initiative Donates $43,600 to Colorado Education Through 'Walks for Education' Program

Westerra Credit Union concluded its 2025 'Westerra Walks for Education' program with $43,600 in donations to local educational initiatives, creating a unique funding mechanism that tied athletic performance directly to classroom support. The innovative program, launched at the start of the Major League Baseball season, pledged $200 to local classrooms every time the Colorado Rockies reached first base on a walk at Coors Field. By September 21, 2025, the Rockies had accumulated 218 walks at their home stadium, triggering the full donation amount through Westerra's School Grant Program.

The initiative represents Westerra's broader commitment to educators and its ongoing partnership with the Rockies organization. During Teacher Appreciation Week at the beginning of the season, the credit union celebrated Julie Weathers, a teacher with 27 years of experience, who was selected by community members as an all-star educator and threw the ceremonial first pitch at Coors Field. This recognition of veteran educators highlights the program's dual focus on both financial support and public acknowledgment of teaching professionals.

Nicole Andrushko, VP of Marketing at Westerra, emphasized the organization's local focus, stating, 'At Westerra, every decision is made right here in Colorado by people who understand our community. Supporting educators isn't just a priority for us – it's part of our DNA.' This community-centered approach demonstrates how financial institutions can maintain meaningful local connections while operating at scale.

Westerra's connection to education runs deep, having been founded by eight schoolteachers in 1934. The credit union has maintained this educational focus throughout its history, contributing more than $500,000 annually to regional education foundations and school districts since 2010. The organization serves over 110,000 members across eight branches in the Denver area and surrounding communities. Those interested in learning more about Westerra's programs for teachers can visit https://www.westerracu.com/4-teachers.

Westerra was recently recognized as one of only three credit unions in Newsweek's 'Best Regional Banks and Credit Unions' for 2024, reflecting its commitment to building a modern financial community where everyone belongs. The 'Walks for Education' program exemplifies how corporate-community partnerships can create innovative funding models that benefit educational institutions while engaging broader community participation through popular local events and organizations.