As a way of honoring the credit union philosophy of ‘People Helping People,’ Allegacy Federal Credit Union set out this year to surprise and recognize unsung heroes in our community. Someone who embodies the belief of doing right through that philosophy and who demonstrates what it means to be their best everyday through the people they so graciously serve.
“We contacted our partners at Hospice & Palliative CareCenter and asked for a story,” said Cathy Pace, president and chief executive officer of Allegacy Federal Credit Union. “Who makes a huge difference? Who is always the first to step up? Who gives so much and expects nothing in return? Who do patients and families ask for by name?”
Skip Tussey, one of almost 600 volunteers at Hospice & Palliative Care Center, was the answer to every one of those questions.
“No is not a word in his vocabulary, especially when it comes to helping people,” said Kasey Wilkie, inpatient volunteer coordinator, Hospice & Palliative CareCenter. “He will do whatever he can to help anybody. I just make a phone call or send out an email and he responds back and he’s doing it.”
Wilkie said Tussey never misses an opportunity to put a smile on someone’s face, or drive a patient all over town to fulfill a bucket list item, or even collect mounds of donations to give a patient or child in need.
Tussey, a retired business owner, has a heart for Hospice because of the care his mother received there in the final chapter of her life. “She had some of the finest days of her life at Hospice,” he said. “It’s very unique and a wonderful experience here, and from that day forward, I said if I get the opportunity when I retire I will do some volunteer work with Hospice.”
Tussey was surprised with his award during a recent ceremony at the Hospice & Palliative CareCenter campus. Weeks earlier, under the guise of creating a volunteer recruitment video for Hospice, Allegacy was able to capture Skip’s story, his passion for volunteerism and hear from Hospice representatives about the impact he makes on patients, family members and employees at Hospice.
During the tear-filled presentation, Allegacy recognized Tussey, surrounded by his family and friends, for being his best for the good of others and for making such a tremendous impression on so many lives. Allegacy presented a certificate and a gift of $500 to Hospice in Tussey’s name. However, in true love and generosity, Tussey asked to dedicate the award in memory of a beloved family friend, Lauren Knight, who passed away just days before the award was announced.
Part of that video and the surprise award presentation can be seen here.
About Allegacy
Allegacy is one of the largest credit unions in North Carolina, with members throughout the world. Founded in 1967 in Winston-Salem, Allegacy has a broad membership base open to anyone in our community. Current members also include the employees, retirees and families of over 600 companies throughout the country. Allegacy offers virtually all personal and business financial services. Allegacy Financial Centers are concentrated in the Triad area with 14 convenient locations and eight high school student-run credit unions in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School system. For more information, visit AllegacyFCU.org.
