From Kindness to Community: UTFCU in Action - May 2025 Recap

May was bursting with color, kindness, and connection—and UT Federal Credit Union was right in the middle of it all. From planting seeds of generosity to supporting our neighbors in meaningful ways, our team had a full month of giving back, celebrating local leaders, and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with organizations making a difference.

Here's a look at the many ways we engaged with our communities this May:

Planting Kindness, One Flower at a Time

We started the month on a bright note at the Random Acts of Flowers Garden Party, an event that celebrates the organization’s mission of repurposing donated flowers into beautiful bouquets for individuals in healthcare facilities. This unforgettable evening at the beautiful Jackson Terminal combined fresh blooms, inspiring stories, and community giving—all in the spirit of lifting others up.

Shortly after, we rolled up our sleeves and got a little artsy at the Muse Knoxville Beer and Blooms event. Our team joined other supporters to paint flowerpots, share stories, and learn more about the incredible work the Muse does to blend art and STEM in ways that inspire young minds. It was hands-on fun with a purpose, and we were proud to be part of it.

Packing Confidence at Smokey's Closet and Captain's Closet

In a big show of Vol spirit, we partnered with Smokey’s Closet for their Business Clothes Drive. Donation bins placed at all UTFCU branches and our corporate office filled up quickly with business casual and professional attire.

These donations help UT students, faculty, and staff feel confident as they prepare for job interviews, presentations, and other opportunities. Smokey’s Closet provides more than just clothes—it offers dignity, personalized style guidance, and a supportive environment. Thanks to everyone who donated, our Volunteer community is looking even more Vol-unteer strong. The UTFCU Martin branch partnered with Captain's Closet at UTM to help out Captain's in need.

Showing Gratitude During Nurse Week

To honor the incredible nurses in our communities, our branches delivered sweet treats to local healthcare workers during Nurse Week. Cookies may be a small gesture, but the smiles and appreciation we saw reminded us of the big impact nurses have every day.

We continued celebrating healthcare heroes at the UTHSC NightinGala in Memphis. The event honored outstanding nurses with awards and featured entertainment by Nurse Blake. The energy was high, the stories were powerful, and we left with full hearts, inspired by those on the front lines of care.

Supporting Causes That Matter

In Blount County, we stood alongside A Place to Stay at the Together We Thrive Celebration. This impactful event recognized the ongoing fight against situational homelessness and celebrated the work being done to ensure our neighbors have a safe place to land during life’s most challenging moments.

We were equally honored to attend the Street Hope TN Rise and Restore Community Breakfast, where powerful testimonies reminded us of the importance of hope and restoration for survivors of human trafficking. It was a morning filled with connection, faith, and renewed purpose.

Running for a Cause and Cheering for Champions

We laced up our shoes for the Downtown Dash for Breast Cancer, hosted by the Blount Memorial Foundation. This inaugural race honored survivors, remembered those we’ve lost, and raised money to expand access to life-saving screening services. Early detection saves lives, and we were proud to run—and rally—for the cause.

In Martin, TN, we showed our school spirit by supporting the WHS Baseball Team on their way to the State Tournament. UTFCU was thrilled to present the team with a sponsorship check to help with their travel expenses. 

Lifting Women Leaders and Industry Voices

We were honored to attend the Conference for Women’s Leadership, where women from across the UT System gathered to network, learn, and uplift one another. We especially enjoyed hearing from keynote speaker John Fawaz, who offered insights on maximizing UT benefits and retirement planning.

Our Martin branch MLO also joined a Cornerstone Construction Workshop, deepening our local connections and expanding our knowledge of home building and lending in our communities.

Meanwhile in Knoxville, we participated in the Knoxville Mortgage Bankers Association event, where this month’s focus was on mental health and increasing engagement at both state and national levels. Supporting mental well-being in our industry is something we take seriously—and this meeting was a reminder of how far we’ve come and where we still need to go.

Remembering the Brave

To mark Memorial Day, our Emory Road branch created a photo wall to honor the lives of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. It was a quiet, heartfelt display that reminded us of the cost of liberty and the courage of our fallen heroes.

Growing Stronger, Together

May reminded us that community service is more than checking a box—it’s about showing up, giving back, and doing our part to make East Tennessee a place where everyone can thrive. Whether we were honoring nurses, cheering on students, or planting seeds of joy, one thing stayed true: UTFCU is here for our community, every step of the way.

We can’t wait to see what June brings.