Take one beloved state fair, add a credit union with a heart, mix in some community spirit, and watch thousands of donations roll in for families who need them most.
That’s exactly what happened when Telhio Credit Union showed up to the 2026 Ohio State Fair with more than just a booth and some branded swag. They orchestrated a donation drive that collected over 7,000 items for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio—proving that sometimes the best partnerships happen when corn dogs and community service share the same zip code.
Free Fair Tickets With a Purpose
The magic started back in July, when Telhio branches across the region made their members an offer: bring in items from the Ronald McDonald House wish list, and score free admission vouchers to the Ohio State Fair in return. It’s the kind of win-win that actually lives up to the name.
The response? More than 5,500 items dropped off at branches throughout the month. We’re talking canned goods, paper products, condiments—the everyday essentials that keep the Ronald McDonald House running and families comfortable during some of the toughest moments of their lives.
Then came August 7, designated as Telhio’s Day at the Fair. Credit union employees set up shop at the gate and collected another 1,500 items from fairgoers. Add it all together, and you’ve got north of 7,000 donations heading to families staying at the Columbus Ronald McDonald House.
More Than a One-Time Thing
This wasn’t some flashy one-off publicity stunt. Telhio has been partnering with the Ronald McDonald House for years, making this annual fair collaboration as traditional as butter sculptures and Ferris wheel rides.
“This longstanding commitment to the Ronald McDonald House is deeply meaningful to us,” said Nick Biratsis, Vice President of Marketing at Telhio. “Spending the day at the fair connecting with the community, while also furthering the mission of RMHC, is an experience we look forward to every year.”
For the charity on the receiving end, that consistency matters. Dee Anders, CEO and Executive Director of RMHC of Central Ohio, put it simply: “We greatly appreciate Telhio Credit Union and their continuous support of the Ronald McDonald House. They have been a reliable partner for years now, helping us keep families close when children need health care.”
When kids need medical care, the last thing families should worry about is where they’ll sleep or what they’ll eat. Thanks to partnerships like this one, they don’t have to. And honestly, that’s worth way more than any prize from the midway.