In 2019, Members 1st Credit Union partnered with the Honey Run Covered Bridge Association (HRCBA) to aid in the efforts to rebuild the Honey Run Covered Bridge. Lost in the Camp Fire in Chico, CA in 2018, the Honey Run Covered Bridge has been a historical landmark to Chico natives since 1886. After its formation in 1965, the HRCBA has been the caretaker of the Honey Run Covered Bridge and adjoining park for more than 50 years.

After expanding its charter to include Butte and Glenn Counties during its merger with STAR Community Credit Union in 2016, Members 1st added an image of the Honey Run Covered Bridge to its current debit card offerings highlighting Northern California landmarks including the Sundial Bridge, Shasta Dam, and Mount Shasta. “I’d been to the bridge with friends and family many times; I’ve watched families get married inside it and locals fish beneath it.” said Josh Markle, Vice President Marketing with Members 1st. “We knew we had to help to restore this historical landmark.”

In 2019, Members 1st and the HRCBA launched a public drawing and special donation challenge. The public drawing consisted of an opportunity to win one of four 24” x 36” framed canvas prints of the Honey Run Covered Bridge. Discounted and donated services were provided by local Chico businesses Tre Creative (photography), LRT Graphics (printing), and Chico Paper Company (framing). Members 1st covered all expenses and developed an ecommerce page for the HRCBA to administer online ticket purchases.

A special donation challenge was presented by Members 1st where a $25 donation was made to the HRCBA for every checking account opened with a Honey Run Covered Bridge debit card. In addition, paper posters were made available at the Members 1st Chico branch on Salem Street in exchange for any minimum donation.

Upon completion of the drawing, $1,352.88 was received by the HRCBA toward the rebuilding of the bridge. Winners James O. of Gridley, Debbie R. of Colfax, Kathleen G. of Forest Ranch, and Kami K. of Los Angeles received one of four framed canvas prints of the Honey Run Covered Bridge. An additional $3,100 was donated by Members 1st for the 124 checking accounts opened with a Honey Run Covered Bridge debit card during the donation challenge. A total of $4,452.88 was contributed by Members 1st to the HRCBA.

“I’m warmed to see our local community rally together to support the reconstruction, and I’m happy we can play our part,” said Teri Davis, Members 1st CEO. Members 1st plans to continue supporting the reconstruction efforts of the bridge. For ongoing updates, volunteer opportunities, and gifting, follow the Honey Run Covered Bridge Association at http://www.hrcoveredbridge.org.

About Members 1st Credit Union
Members 1st Credit Union is a locally owned cooperative dedicated to improving the lives of our communities. Members 1st has five branch locations in Redding, Anderson, and Chico. Membership is available to anyone who lives, works, worships, owns land, or owns a business within Butte, Glenn, Shasta, and Tehama counties. For more information, visit one of our convenient branches, call (530) 222-6060, or visit m1cu.org.

Branch Locations
1380 Hilltop Road
Redding, CA 96003

1260 Pine Street
Redding, CA 96001

5020 Rhonda Road, Ste. H
Anderson, CA 96007

550 Salem Street
Chico, CA 95928

969 East Avenue
Chico, CA 95926

Contact
Josh Markle
jmarkle@m1cu.org
(530) 222-6060 x359