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LAWRENCE, KS – April 11, 2024 – Envista Federal Credit Union proudly presented a check to the Lawrence Schools Foundation in the amount of $25,000 through their “KU Wins, Envista Gives” program. The presentation was held at the monthly school board meeting, where they helped recognize 13 CharacterStrong student leaders for showcasing positive character traits.

As part of a collaborative partnership between Envista, Kansas Athletics and the Lawrence Schools Foundation, Envista has pledged to give $125 for every Kansas Athletics win, no matter the sport. With 171 wins during the school year, a total of $21,375 was raised to help impact teachers and students from kindergarten to college.

“I have always believed that character and integrity form the foundation for virtually all positive attributes that we have as humans, and it can serve as a springboard for future success in life,” said Ron Smeltzer, president, and CEO of Envista. “We are honored to have an opportunity tonight to recognize these outstanding young students who are being acknowledged and we are proud to be a part of it.”

The CharterStrong Program is one of three essential programs supported through Envista’s giving program. Nationally recognized, the literacy program teaches students skills for life, focuses on character development, and works to model and instill core values in students starting at early age.

“One of Envista’s core values is making an impact on the communities we serve, and we take that responsibility very seriously” said Smeltzer. “When we entered into our partnership with KU Athletics in 2022, our goal was to leverage that partnership into something impactful for the Lawrence community as a whole. We are excited that with ‘KU Wins, Envista Gives,’ we can help fulfill some of the important needs that Lawrence schools have.”

Raising just shy of $25,000, Envista was inspired by the students outstanding work through the Character Strong Program and honored them with the full $25,000, the personal goal they set for their organization at the beginning of 2023. 

“This program and partnership has created an incredible impact among our students,” said Dena Johnston, executive director of the Lawrence Schools Foundation. “We are so grateful for our community partnerships that share our mission to provide resources that inspire learning, enrich teaching and enhance opportunities for all students, educators, and staff in Lawrence Public Schools.”

In addition to the CharacterStrong program, Envista’s donations also support an annual back to school shoe drive, delivering more than 300 pairs of shoes and 1200 socks to students and families in need, and the Third Grade Arts Day, in collaboration with the Kansas Lied Center, helping educate more than 300 third graders across 21 elementary schools about the dramatic arts.

About Envista Federal Credit Union

Envista Federal Credit Union helps members achieve their financial goals by providing quality products and services. Envista is a full-service financial institution established in 1957 that has approximately $540 million in total assets and serves more than 45,000 members with offices in Topeka, Lawrence, and Hutchinson. For more information visit www.envistacu.com.