Community Connections: October at UTFCU

Throughout October, UT Federal Credit Union turned out across Tennessee—supporting causes, celebrating with neighbors, and coming together as a team. The month was full of moments that reflect our mission to improve lives, financially and beyond.

Standing with Community Partners

UTFCU was honored to take part in several events that strengthen the local nonprofit and business communities we proudly serve.

We attended the Emerald Youth Foundation Annual Legacy Dinner, an inspiring evening celebrating the organization’s ongoing mission to empower Knoxville’s youth through faith, education, and leadership.

Our team also supported the Real Good Gathering Dinner, hosted by the Real Good Kitchen Foundation in Knoxville. This annual event celebrates and strengthens the local food community by raising funds to support food entrepreneurs in starting and growing their businesses. The gathering brings people together around a shared table to enjoy dishes from local chefs—all while fueling resources, education, and access to commercial kitchen space for aspiring food business owners.

In Maryville, UTFCU attended the Blount Chamber Long Table Dinner, a beautiful community experience presented by the Blount Partnership. Set along the Maryville Greenway’s Library Bridge, the dinner featured four local chefs preparing seasonal dishes paired with wines from Empire Distributing. The evening’s theme, “bridging the best of a community,” perfectly reflected UTFCU’s belief in connection, collaboration, and celebrating what makes East Tennessee special.

Teeing Up and Sponsoring for Good

UTFCU was proud to sponsor and participate in the Pat Summitt Invitational with Tony Vitello, a golf tournament honoring the legendary Coach Pat Summitt. The event brings together community members, athletes, and supporters to raise funds for the Pat Summitt Foundation, which is dedicated to advancing research and patient care for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

Serving as a Lunch and Hole Sponsor, UTFCU was grateful for the opportunity to support this meaningful cause and help carry forward Coach Summitt’s legacy of leadership, perseverance, and service to others.

Walking, Rallying, and Raising Awareness

Team members stepped out for several walks and awareness events, showing solidarity and support for health-related causes.

UTFCU staff participated in the Out of the Darkness Walk, which raises awareness for suicide prevention and supports the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.

They joined the Epilepsy Walk, supporting individuals and families living with epilepsy while helping fund education, advocacy, and research efforts.

At the Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, employees walked to honor survivors, remember loved ones, and raise funds for the American Cancer Society’s fight against breast cancer.

And during the Breakthrough T1D Walk (formerly JDRF One Walk), the team supported groundbreaking research and advocacy efforts to improve the lives of those with type 1 diabetes.

Each event brought the community together around hope, research, and support for those affected.

Celebrating Fall Fun and Community Spirit

October also brought fall festivities and family-friendly events across UTFCU communities. This year marked the 20th Annual UT Martin Fall Festival, where our Martin branch joined in the celebration—handing out treats, connecting with families, and sharing the UTFCU spirit with students and community members alike.

In Halls, UTFCU staff from our Emory branch enjoyed the Halls Business & Professional Association’s Trunk or Treat, bringing fun and connection to one of the community’s favorite seasonal events.

Meanwhile, our team’s creativity was on full display during UTFCU’s internal Halloween Costume Contest, where employees across branches and departments joined in the fun with imaginative costumes and friendly competition.

UTFCU was also proud to support the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital Pumpkin Festival, a private event designed especially for patients and their families who are unable to participate in traditional trick-or-treating. This special day allows children to safely celebrate with games, trick-or-treating, and more on the hospital’s Family Plaza. Local businesses and partners—including Axle Logistics, Dollywood, Walmart, Altar’d State, VOLthon and Phi Mu at the University of Tennessee, Dunkin’, and others—helped make the day magical through giveaways, activities, and community care.

Wellness, Education, and Outreach

Promoting overall wellbeing was a big part of the month. We staffed a booth at the Pellissippi State Hardin Valley Wellness Fair, talking with students about how financial and physical wellness go hand-in-hand. Our team taught an Excel class with the UTK Excel Modeling Group, sharing practical financial and technical skills with students. And on National First Responders Day, branches delivered baskets of appreciation to local first responders as a small token of thanks for their service.

Internal Connection and Culture

Between community outreach and public events, UTFCU took time to connect internally. Our All UTFCU Meeting brought employees together to celebrate progress, align on goals, and strengthen the culture that powers our community work. The #PinkOut initiative saw every department and branch wearing pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, reminding us that small acts of solidarity matter.

October was a vivid reminder that showing up matters — whether we’re sponsoring a golf tournament, walking for a cause, or teaching financial skills to students. Thank you to every UTFCU team member who represented our mission with heart and energy this month.