At Cornerstone Credit Union, we are committed to supporting programs and not-for-profit organizations that make a positive impact in the communities we serve. Since 1999, the employees of CCU have invested over $112,778 through The United Way Workplace Campaign, helping to fund  Partner Agencies and programming in Stephenson, Jo Daviess and Carroll counties. In addition to what we do corporately, CCU has a dedicated Community Relations Committee, CRC, made up of staff volunteers.

Sights & Sounds Event Raffle Prize Winner

Congratulations to Brandy Hall, the winner of the $50 gift certificate to Sophie's Cafe from the Cornerstone CU raffle drawing at the Sights & Sounds event in Sterling earlier this month!

Salvation Army Angel Tree

Our Cornerstone Credit Union team were proud to spread some holiday cheer this week by donating gifts to the Salvation Army Angel Tree. Living our mission of people helping people is especially meaningful during this season, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to support local families and bring a little extra joy to children in our community.

Family Promise of Greater Beloit Donation

In response to a community need, we provided essential donations—hygiene items, cleaning supplies, and snacks—to Family Promise of Greater Beloit. We’re committed to supporting families in our area.

Holiday Tree Lighting - Nature at the Confluence

Holiday cheer lit up the night and kept our Cornerstone team warm as we celebrated at the Holiday Tree Lighting hosted by Nature at the Confluence in South Beloit on Friday. Even with the cold weather, the crowd showed up strong! We were proud to financially support the event and provide eco-friendly cups and some surprise gifts for guests.

 

 

Santa's Workshop - Sights & Sounds Event

Cold temps couldn’t cool down the holiday cheer! Our Cornerstone CU team had a great time being part of Santa’s Workshop at the Sights & Sounds Christmas Walk in Sterling Friday night.

      

  

21st Annual Sips & Treats

We were honored to be a sponsor for the Stateline Boys & Girls Club’s 21st Annual Sips & Treats event in November. Our team had a fantastic time and truly appreciated the opportunity to support such a wonderful cause.

    

11th Annual WREX Freeport Food Drive

On November 7, 2025, we were honored to host the 11th Annual WREX Freeport Food Drive at our Freeport headquarters. The event was an inspiring demonstration of generosity and community spirit as our team, Members, and neighbors came together to support the Freeport Area Church Cooperative, our local food pantry. It was a great partnership with WREX.

Thanks to everyone’s kindness, we collected over $5,400 in monetary donations and many tons of food and toiletry items to help local families in need. The day was a true reflection of our motto – “people helping people” – brought to life through compassion and action.

We’re deeply grateful to all who participated and made this year’s food drive such a success!

    

   

   

   

  


 

Taste of the Chamber 
Not only did we get a chance to be one of the décor sponsors, we had an unforgettable (and delicious!) evening sampling, sipping, and savoring our way through the Greater Beloit Area’s incredible culinary & beverage community.

Post-Secondary Night - South Beloit
We were proud to participate in the South Beloit High School's Post-Secondary Night last week! Miriam had a great time connecting with students and sharing all the benefits a credit union can offer. Thanks so much for having us. We always enjoy supporting future grads!

Taste of Fiesta - Sterling 
A great event took place in Sterling on September 13, 2025, where the Hispanic community shared their culture with music, dance, and amazing food! Cornerstone Credit Union was proud to be a sponsor for Taste of Fiesta! 

 

 

 

Family Promise of Greater Beloit Golf Outing
Team Cornerstone Credit Union had a great time on the course yesterday at the Family Promise of Greater Beloit Golf Outing! We are proud to support such a meaningful organization and their ongoing efforts to help families in our community. Thank you to the organizers and volunteers who made the day a success!

Rockton River Market 
We had a great time sponsoring Vintage Vinyl at the Rockton River Market last night! It was a fantastic evening connecting with the community, chatting with folks at our booth, and showing what the Cornerstone difference is all about. Thanks to everyone who stopped by!

 

National Night Out - South Beloit 2025

We enjoyed attending the South Beloit National Night Out last night. This is an event that brings the community together with their local police and fire departments. Cornerstone was proud to be among the local businesses that donated prizes that were awarded throughout the evening to local community members.

   



 

Rib Fest 2025

There was a good turnout for the 2025 Rockton Roscoe Rib Fest despite the rain and humidity. It's always great to have a chance to visit with members of the community - and to eat some very tasty ribs! Thank you to all who stopped by our booth. 

Nature at the Confluence

On July 24, Cornerstone Credit Union was proud to sponsor the Nature at the Confluence’s Community Fire & Drum Circle event. It was a great opportunity to connect with the community, and we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth. We truly enjoyed chatting with all of you!

A special shoutout to Juli Uram, Executive Director, and Kirstin Loehr, the instructor, for joining our very own Paul Harris at the table. Together, they helped make the event even more memorable, as captured in this great photo!

Pay It Forward Day in South Beloit

A huge thank you to M & M Dari Ripple for helping make a positive impact in the South Beloit community! We were thrilled to partner with you for our Pay It Forward event on July 25. The day was filled with delicious food, sweet treats, and, most importantly, the chance to connect and give back.

    

 

Pay It Forward Day in Sterling

We want to extend our gratitude to Sundae Funday for partnering with us for our Pay It Forward event on July 25 in Sterling! Together, we were able to create a memorable experience for everyone involved. Thank you for helping us make this event a success!

    

  


 

I Love My Credit Union Day

We had a fantastic time celebrating "I Love My Credit Union" Day at all three of our locations with a heartfelt thank you to our amazing Members. Our Members shared what they love most about Cornerstone Credit Union, and in return, we shared drink tumblers and candy as a small token of our appreciation for their trust and support. We are grateful for our Cornerstone community!

     

  

 

   

Stateline Boys & Girls Clubs Donation

On behalf of Cornerstone’s Community Relations Committee, Abi and Mel were happy to present a $1,000 donation check to Stateline Boys and Girls Club’s (SBGC) CEO Mark Rand and Director of Operations Meghan Moffit Minter. Also pictured are club members. The SBGC is a valued community partner making a difference in the Stateline area, providing programs to help local youth develop into confident, capable, responsible adults. https://statelinebgc.org

YWCA Women of Achievement Luncheon

Cornerstone CU team members Melissa Rippy and Iridian Hernandez attended the YWCA Women of Achievement luncheon in Sterling, IL, honoring women nominated in our community that make a difference!

South Beloit Public Library - Guest Readers

Cornerstone CU team members Melodie Cruz and Miriam Martinez Garcia recently had the opportunity to be guest readers for Youth Savings Month at the South Beloit Public Library. They read books on saving money and helped the kids create their own piggy banks. Plus, each child went home with a goody bag! Such a fun and meaningful event to be a part of!

  

Sights and Sounds - Sterling

Sterling Branch was at Santa's Workshop, helping children make ornaments at the Annual Sights and Sounds Christmas Event on December 6, 2024.

South Beloit Community Action

On behalf of Cornerstone Credit Union's Community Relations Committee, Mel C and Abi V presented a check to Community Action's Executive Director, Marc Perry.  They have several programs available to create pathways out of poverty. 

South Beloit High School: Post-Secondary Career Night

Miriam Martinez Garcia, Cornersone's Bilingual Member Service Representative, spoke to South Beloit High School students about different careers that the credit union can offer and gave away cool swag!

Alan Wenzel Recognition

In recognition of Alan's 20 years of dedicated service and selfless contributions to the Cornerstone Credit Union, the Board of Directors honors you upon your retirement as a Credit Union Committee Volunteer.

We thank you for your service as a Credit Union Committee Volunteer, serving on the Supervisory Committee from 2004 - 2024.  Supervisory Chairperson from 2006 - 2015.

Pictured: Scott Arnold, David Hoffert, Alan Wenzel and Jim Coons

Women of Achievement 
CCU's very own Melissa Rippy and Barb Ainsworth attended the Women of Achievement luncheon in Sterling. Barb came out as the evening winner with 4 Cubs tickets in the Catalina Suite for a raffle! 

Randy Church Recognition
In recognition of Randy’s six years of dedicated service and selfless contributions to the Cornerstone Credit Union, the Board of Directors honors you upon your retirement as a Credit Union Director.

We thank you for your tenure as a Credit Union Board of Director 2013 – 2024, serving as Supervisory Committee Chair 2022 – 2024, Supervisory Committee Member 2018 - 2024, Facilities Committee 2019 - 2021, two years on Scholarship Committee, and One on ALIM Committee.

2024 Annual Meeting
Meeting held at Freeport Brand on 3/16/2024. 

 

Stateline Boys & Girls Club Donation

On behalf of Cornerstone’s Community Relations Committee, South Beloit Branch Manager, Melodie Cruz, and Human Resource Manager, Juli Johnson, were happy to present a $2,500 donation check to @Stateline Boys and Girls Club’s (SBGC) CEO, Mark Rand. The SBGC is a valued community partner making a difference in the Stateline area, providing programs to help local youth develop into confident, capable, responsible adults. https://statelinebgc.org

Stateline Chamber Awards Gala

Melodie and Abi were proud to represent Cornerstone Credit Union as the dessert sponsor at the Stateline Chamber Awards Gala this year.

               

Family Promise of Beloit Donations

CCU's staff and members were able to respond to a need of one of our non-profit sponsors, Family Promise of Beloit. Our team was happy to help supply the diapers and bathroom supplies needed! A big thank you to Melodie and Lupita for representing the Cornerstone Team.

Stateline Boys and Girls Club - Champion of Youth Award

South Beloit Branch Manager, Mel Cruz was awarded the Champion of Youth Award for her passion, hard work and dedication while serving on the Board of Stateline Boys and Girls Club. 

Christmas Sights & Sounds

Jami Castaneda was the winner of Christmas Sights & Sounds drawing.  She won a gift certificate from Golden Key.  Congratulations!

Sterling Christmas Walk

CCU Sterling Branch participated in Santa's Workshop at the downtown Christmas Walk on December 1, 2023. Our Christmas Elves helped children color ornaments and everyone got to take home a goody bag. 

 

Nature of Confluence - Annual Tree Lighting Event

CCU South Beloit Branch had the opportunity to sponsor Nature of Confluence - Annual Tree Lighting" Event.  Thank you South Beloit Branch for helping brighten up the Holidays!

 

Salvation Army Angel Tree 2023

Thank you to our members and staff for helping to fulfill the wishes of local children during this Christmas season. Every tag on our Salvation Army Angel Tree was realized, allowing children in need to experience the joy of a gift on Christmas morning. Happy Holidays to all!

 

Meals and Wheels of Beloit

Cornerstone Credit Union's Employees Paul H and Julia B presented a check to Meals and Wheels of Beloit.
Pictured: "D", Volunteer Coordinator, Ellen Weigand, Executive Director and Amy Mumm, Program Manager. 

9th Annual WREX Food Drive.

Cornerstone CU had the opportunity to host the 9th annual Freeport Food Drive.  Thank you to WREX and the FACC for letting us open our Branch to the community to pack our facility with non-perishable food items.  The amount of items donated was overwhelming and big shout out to Freeport for making it happen.