Just in time for the holiday season of giving, 10 lucky members of ORNL Federal Credit Union (ORNL FCU) had their auto loans completely paid off, and two more members were chosen to have their mortgage payments covered for an entire year. 

The randomly selected winners were personally notified by ORNL FCU President & CEO Jenny Vipperman. One auto loan payoff recipient was so stunned, he commented that he “didn’t even know what to think and called the ORNL FCU fraud department.” 

"It was a true honor to share such exciting news with our members,” said Vipperman. “Their initial surprise and cautious verification only underscored the significance of their win. Witnessing their joy and pride once they realized it was genuine was incredibly rewarding.” 

Since 2019, ORNL FCU has generously paid off auto loans for 44 members, amounting to over $850,000. This year marked the first time the credit union extended this generosity to mortgage holders, covering mortgage payments for a whole year for two members. To top it off, the credit union also provided each of the winning members with a check to cover the estimated taxes they would owe on the value of their auto payoff or mortgage payments. 

The winners couldn't contain their joy and gratitude. Many expressed their love for ORNL FCU and shared plans to use the extra cash to pay down other debts, save for retirement, plan for the future, assist with the cost of their expanding family, and tackle home repairs. "This is a lifesaver," exclaimed one of the mortgage payment winners. 

The lucky members whose auto loans were paid off include Sean K. of Knoxville; Joshua W. of Grimsley; Roberta G. of Maryville; Jason L. of Knoxville; Richard H. of Clinton; Taner H. of Clinton; Shelby H. & Lillian H. of Knoxville; Brian F. of Knoxville; Allen & Janet T. of Kingston; and Susan M. of Sevierville. The fortunate recipients of a year of mortgage payments were Tena B. of Knoxville and Pearl R. of Louisville. 

“We remain committed to providing value to our members who have made ORNL FCU their trusted financial partner,” said Randy Gorman, Chair of the ORNL FCU Board of Directors. “We are always looking for ways to give back to our membership and the auto loan payoff and mortgage payments for a year are no exception. 2024 has been an incredible year for ORNL FCU and we are excited for what’s to come in 2025.”