Ascentra's Holiday Auto Loan Promotion Raises $30,525 for Salvation Army
Ascentra Credit Union’s rebranded holiday auto loan promotion raised a record $30,525 for local Salvation Army branches in the Quad Cities, Clinton and Muscatine communities as the credit union marked its 75th anniversary in 2025.
The promotion, renamed Ride 75, ran from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31. Ascentra gave $75 in cash to borrowers and donated an additional $75 to a local charity for every qualifying new auto loan or refinance. Donations were directed to one of four Salvation Army regions based on each borrower’s selection.
During the promotion, Ascentra’s nine branches processed 405 auto loans, generating $30,375 in donations. Two members also chose to donate their $75 cash incentive, bringing the total to $30,525.
The five Quad Cities branches raised $14,400, the Moline branch raised $5,325, the Muscatine branch raised $5,700, and the two Clinton branches raised $5,100.
“At Ascentra, we believe in more than financial services; we believe in making a meaningful impact,” said Linda Andry, president and CEO of Ascentra Credit Union. “This donation reflects that commitment, and we hope these funds help expand vital programs that support individuals and families throughout our region.”
Ascentra and The Salvation Army first partnered in 2019, when the organization was selected as the beneficiary of the Ride 50 holiday auto loan promotion. The partnership continued for five additional promotions from 2021 through 2025.
“We are incredibly thankful for Ascentra Credit Union and their longstanding partnership with The Salvation Army,” said Major Lucy Gates, Quad Cities area coordinator for The Salvation Army. “Their support allows us to continue serving our neighbors in real and meaningful ways.”
Through the partnership, Ascentra has helped raise awareness of Salvation Army services through campaigns, video productions and employee volunteer efforts. “Strong partnerships create stronger communities,” Andry said. “We’re proud to stand with The Salvation Army.”
Since 2019, Ascentra’s holiday auto loan promotions have generated more than $133,000 to support The Salvation Army and its initiatives. In 2024, in recognition of the partnership, The Salvation Army presented Ascentra with a framed certificate during a lunch reception at the credit union’s home office.
Photo Caption:
Members of Ascentra’s executive team present corps officers from The Salvation Army with a check representing the donations generated through its annual Ride 75 auto loan promotion. Pictured left to right are; Shelly Ridgeway, EVP and COO, Ascentra Credit Union; Rachel Forman, Marketing Specialist, Ascentra Credit Union; Jennifer Naeve, SVP and CMO, Ascentra Credit Union; Matt Bennett, Digital Marketing Specialist, Ascentra Credit Union; Gary Alden, Board Chair, The Salvation Army, Quad Cities Area; Susan Sharp, Director of Ministry & Operations, Salvation Army 360 Life Center, Clinton; Aaron Conner, SVP of Operations, Ascentra Credit Union; Kelle Larned, Program and Operations Director, The Salvation Army, Quad Cities Area; Matthew DeBisschop, SVP Human Resources and Government Affairs, Ascentra Credit Union; Major Lucille Gates, Quad Cities Area Coordinator, The Salvation Army, Quad Cities Area; Jason Thomas, Board Vice Chair, The Salvation Army, Quad Cities Area; Abigail Murphy, Development and Volunteer Manager, The Salvation Army, Quad Cities Area; Barry Shaw, Community Partner Director, Ascentra Credit Union; Linda Andry, President and CEO, Ascentra Credit Union; Beth Grabin, Chief Financial Officer, Ascentra Credit Union.