Here’s what happens when you get 240+ people from Iowa’s credit union and business world in the same room: good things.
Really good things. Like $109,000 worth of good things.
That’s exactly what went down at the Iowa Credit Union Foundation‘s annual Benefit Night Fundraiser during the Iowa Credit Union Convention. And every single dollar raised is heading straight to programs that help Iowans build stronger financial futures.
“Each year, Benefit Night reminds us that meaningful change happens when generosity meets purpose,” said Ena Babic Barnes, ICUF Executive Director. Translation? This isn’t just a fancy fundraiser where people throw money at a cause and call it a day. The impact ripples out across the entire state.
“The support of our sponsors, donors and attendees extends far beyond a single evening,” Babic Barnes continued. “It creates opportunities, builds resilience and helps the Iowa Credit Union Foundation continue serving communities across our state. We are deeply grateful for every person who makes this work possible.”
More Than Just a Night of Fundraising
The evening wasn’t all checkbooks and donation forms. Babic Barnes teamed up with Board Chair Jordan Hensley and Vice Chair Julie Willse to shine a spotlight on ICUF’s wins from the past year and celebrate the folks who actually live out that classic credit union motto: “people helping people.”
The highlight? The 2026 ICUF Community Impact Award presentation. This isn’t your standard participation trophy—it goes to leaders who roll up their sleeves and dedicate real time, talent, and resources to making their communities better. Think advancing charitable causes, creating opportunities, and genuinely changing lives.
Meet This Year’s Community Impact Award Winner
This year’s honoree was Alvaro Macias, Vice President of Community Development at Ascentra Credit Union in Bettendorf. His work focuses on creating opportunities that lift up individuals, families, and entire communities—basically the textbook definition of what credit unions are all about.
“Being part of ICUF’s leadership has given me the opportunity to see the many meaningful ways credit unions and their members make a difference in communities across Iowa,” Hensley said. “Alvaro reflects that spirit through his dedication to others and their willingness to give his time and talents to make a lasting impact.”
In other words, Macias isn’t just talking the talk. He’s out there doing the work, making the difference, and proving that when financial institutions actually care about people over profits, everyone wins.