People’s Credit Union rolled out the Gully Youth Savings Account, and it’s basically financial literacy meets adorable mascot merch.
The account is the latest chapter in People’s nearly 20-year partnership with the Newport Gulls, the local collegiate summer baseball team. Named after the team’s beloved mascot, this isn’t your typical boring savings account that sits there collecting dust and maybe 0.02% interest. The Gully account features tiered interest rates that actually reward kids for consistent saving—think of it as leveling up in a video game, but with real money.
The cherry on top? Every kid who opens an account gets their own co-branded plush Gully toy. Plus, they’ll unlock future discounts and promotions. It’s like a loyalty program, but one that teaches eight-year-olds about compound interest instead of coffee addiction.
When Good Ideas Come from the Front Lines
What makes this story even better is where the idea came from. Sean Daly, Head of People’s Credit Union, explained that the concept wasn’t hatched in some boardroom strategy session. “The Gully Youth Savings Account gives kids a fun, tangible way to start building good habits early,” Daly said. “What I appreciate most about this is that the idea came directly from Leandra Mello, one of our Member Service Representatives, during a breakfast with the team. That’s exactly the kind of culture we’re building at People’s, where the best ideas can come from anywhere.”
Now that’s how you run an organization.
A Partnership That Goes the Distance
Chuck Paiva, Founder, Director, and President of the Newport Gulls, is equally enthusiastic about the collaboration. After eighteen years of working together on initiatives like the Mascot Program and FANatic About Reading Night, this new savings account felt like a natural next step.
“This Gully Youth Savings Account partnership was a no-brainer in the eyes of our organization as it only further deepens both the Gulls’ and People’s Credit Union’s commitment to putting the priorities of our neighbors first,” Paiva noted. With the team’s 25th Anniversary Season coming up in 2026, the timing couldn’t be better for launching something that benefits local families.
More Than Just Banking
The credit union isn’t stopping with the savings account, either. This summer, People’s will again sponsor the Gulls’ FANatic About Reading Program, which promotes literacy among elementary school students on Aquidneck Island. They’re hosting FANatic About Reading Night at Cardines Field in Newport on July 22nd to celebrate students’ reading achievements.
Because apparently, teaching kids to read and save money is all in a day’s work when you’re actually committed to your community. Who knew financial services could be this wholesome?
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