Sunmark Federal Credit Union Creates Duck Pirates Video Game

New application to raise funds to benefit area food bank

LATHAM, N.Y., May 23, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Sunmark Federal Credit Union, a full-service, community chartered credit union serving those who live and work in Albany, Schenectady, Montgomery, Saratoga, Schoharie and Rensselaer counties, has created a mobile video game application as part of a year-long fundraising effort to benefit the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York.

The new mobile game, officially titled Duck Pirates, has been created by Sunmark to offer a fun and engaging way to raise funds and awareness for the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. This is the first of three versions of the game that will be used for fundraising in support of Sunmark's charitable partnership with the Food Bank.

"We feel that we have created a uniquely appealing product that will help Sunmark enhance contributions for the Food Bank while creating a revenue stream for future charity partnerships for the Credit Union," said Sunmark Federal Credit Union President and CEO Bruce M. Beaudette. "This game has broad appeal and it's our hope that it will keep funds flowing into local charities like the Food Bank which are so important for our region."

The game, patterned after Angry Birds, pits the Sunmark duck against the angry pirate monkeys. The main objective is for players to hurl projectiles at the monkeys knocking them off their perch and then capturing the treasure while obtaining the highest score.

"This type of game is certainly a first for us," said Mark Quandt, Executive Director of the Regional Food Bank. "What a unique and fun way for a company to raise funds for the Food Bank. We are very excited to be Sunmark's adopted charity this year and to partner with them on various activities to raise funds, food, and awareness to support the work of the Food Bank."

The application is free to download and encourages people to make a small donation and share the game through Facebook. All proceeds will go directly to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. The application can be used across a host of technology platforms, such as: Android and iPhone/iPad electronic devices.

Sunmark has also partnered with the Tri-City ValleyCats on a spin-off video game titled Southpaw's Double Play. Similar to the Duck Pirates game, this will be promoted throughout the 2011 season at Tri-City ValleyCats events to engage volunteerism and fundraising for the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. That application is also free to download and share, with all proceeds going to the Food Bank. You can find that game at the Tri-City ValleyCats web site and all Android and Apple app stores.

"Partnering with Sunmark and the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York on this great fundraising initiative is a home run for our organization," said Tri-City ValleyCats Vice President/General Manager Rick Murphy. "Having SouthPaw star in his very own video game is going to be a hit with our fans. We hope they download it and also make a contribution to such a great cause."

In addition to the partnership with the Tri-City ValleyCats, Sunmark is developing another version of the game with WGNA called Country Ducks. That game will be promoted at this year's Country Fest at the Altamont Fairgrounds. Sunmark is a major sponsor of the event and will use the event to continue its mission to raise funds for the food bank and create an entertaining option to fundraising and a viral component to alert more area residents of the Food Bank and its importance to the communities in which we live. The WGNA game will be launched prior to the July 9th event. For more information, go to WGNA's homepage www.wgna.com to download the game.

"We couldn't be more excited about the partnership with Sunmark Federal Credit Union," said Townsquare Media General Manager/Vice-President Robert Ausfeld.  "The Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York works to benefit those who need it the most—some of whom are WGNA listeners.  Our audience is a loyal audience and we look forward to them enjoying the game while benefiting such a worthy organization".

To learn more about Sunmark Federal Credit Union's mobile outreach initiative, visit www.sunmarkfcu.org.

About Tri City Valley Cats

The ValleyCats are entering their 10^th-season in Troy and are the only professional baseball team in New York's Capital Region. A member of the 14-team New York-Penn League, their rivals include affiliates from the Mets, Yankees and Red Sox organizations. The ValleyCats are known in the community as a destination for affordable family entertainment. For more information, log onto their web site at www.tcvalleycats.com

About WGNA

Country 107.7 WGNA FM is owned by Townsquare Media of Greenwich, Connecticut.  For the past 38 years, WGNA has entertained the Capital District with great country music.  Consistently in the top of the ratings, WGNA boasts The Sean and Richie Show and Kevin Richards—both winners of the CMA Medium Market Personality of the Year from the Country Music Association.

About the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York

The Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that collects donated food from the food industry and distributes it to over 1,000 charitable agencies feeding the hungry in 23 counties of northeastern New York. The food provided by the Regional Food Bank helps to feed over 40,000 people each week. In 2010, the organization distributed nearly 25 million pounds of food to the hungry. The Regional Food Bank is a member of Feeding America, the nation's food bank network. The organization is supported by foundations, private contributions and fundraising events. For information on services offered by the Regional Food Bank, call (518) 786-3691 or log on to http://www.regionalfoodbank.net.

About Sunmark Federal Credit Union

Sunmark Federal Credit Union^® is a full-service, community chartered credit union serving those who live, work, worship or attend school in Albany, Schenectady, Montgomery, Saratoga, Schoharie and Rensselaer counties in New York. Sunmark has assets of $400 million and serves more than 43,000 members and businesses. For more information, visit their web site at www.sunmarkfcu.org.

SOURCE Sunmark Federal Credit Union