First Alliance CU Employee Wins Charity Tournament, Donates $7,400

First Alliance Credit Union is excited to announce that Cindy Kapadia, Employee Experience Specialist at First Alliance Credit Union, was named the champion of the 4^th Annual Intera Capital Partners Benefit Bass Fishing Tournament on Lake Minnetonka. This event brought together both seasoned anglers and newcomers for a fun and competitive day on the water.

Intera Capital Partners has been hosting their annual tournament since 2016 and in 2022 they made the event a benefit fundraiser. This year’s tournament was a wonderful success, with 37 participants and featuring professional fishing guides who helped provide a friendly, competitive atmosphere for everyone. Each participant donated $200, which was pooled and donated to the charity selected by the tournament champion.

Cindy Kapadia Reels in a Win for a Good Cause

Along with the grand prize donation, the tournament also featured awards for the biggest bass and biggest catch.

Cindy’s win was earned with an impressive catch of three bass, totaling 52 inches in length, along with second place for the biggest bass caught, measuring 18.5 inches. Despite this being just her second time fishing on a boat, Cindy’s determination and passion led her to victory.

As the champion, Cindy selected the Ronald McDonald House located in Rochester Minnesota, as the recipient of the $7,400 grand prize donation. This donation will go toward providing crucial support to families with seriously ill children, ensuring they have a safe and comfortable place to stay during their medical treatment.

“It was such a surprise to win, especially given how new I am to boat fishing,” Cindy shared. “But the best part of this experience was being able to donate the grand prize to Ronald McDonald House, an organization that supported me and my family when I was undergoing scoliosis surgery as a child. Knowing that the funds will help families who are going through such challenging times makes the win even more meaningful.”

Ronald McDonald House Chosen as Charity Recipient

Cindy’s personal connection to Ronald McDonald House added a heartfelt layer to the tournament’s mission, making her win resonate far beyond the awards ceremony. Her story exemplifies how a simple day of fishing can turn into something profoundly meaningful for an entire community. That spirit of giving back is exactly what Intera Capital Partners set out to foster through this event.

“We are thrilled to see Cindy’s love for fishing and her dedication to giving back come together through our tournament,” said James Roberts, Founder and President of Intera Capital Partners. “Supporting charities like the Ronald McDonald House is what makes this event so special. Our community’s generosity is truly inspiring, and we are proud to partner in making such a meaningful impact.”

Why This Win Matters to the Community

Thanks to the collaboration between Intera Capital Partners, First Alliance Credit Union, and compassionate individuals like Cindy, the impact of this year’s tournament will be felt well beyond the lake, reaching families in need of comfort and care.

“We are deeply grateful for Cindy’s generosity and the support from the Intera Capital Partners community,” said Angela Christensen, Development Director at Ronald McDonald House of Rochester. “This donation will directly benefit families who need a place to stay near their children’s hospitals. It’s acts of kindness like this that allow us to continue our mission of keeping families close when they need it most.”

A Credit Union that Leads with Heart

Cindy’s heartfelt contribution not only touched the lives of the families served by Ronald McDonald House, it also reflected the core values of First Alliance Credit Union, where community impact is a driving force behind everything they do.

“We are incredibly proud of Cindy’s victory in the tournament,” said Brent Rempe, CEO of First Alliance Credit Union. “Her passion for making a difference in the community shines through in everything she does, both at First Alliance Credit Union and beyond. This event is another example of how our credit union embraces giving back to those in need.”

Together, First Alliance Credit Union and Intera Capital Partners continue to prove that when mission-driven organizations unite, they can create ripple effects of generosity that reach far beyond the shoreline.

Stories like Cindy’s remind us that every act of kindness can ripple through a community. Whether you're curious about how First Alliance Credit Union supports local causes or simply have a question—we’re here to help, listen, and guide.

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