HILLSBOROUGH: Scouts, YMCA cash in on credit card

By Gene Robbins, Managing Editor
   Money from the township’s credit card program has paid off for the local YMCA and Cub Scout Pack 389.
   The two groups received grant money from the Hillsborough Rewards Visa credit card program currently used by 200 individuals. While generating redeemable “points” for users, a portion of fees comes back to the township to be distributed to youth, nonprofit and senior citizen groups.
   The Hillsborough Family YMCA received $1,000 to help buy a defibrillator, and the Cub Scouts got $500 for a portable audio system to use at meetings, presentations and special events.
   This is the first award of grant money following the revival of the credit card program a couple of years ago, said Deputy Mayor Carl Suraci. The program is run through Affinity Federal Credit Union. To learn how to acquire a card, anyone may go to www.affinityfcu.org/Hillsborough or by call800-325-0808.
   Dennis McCarthy and his son Trevor, of Cub Scout Pack 389, came to pose with a ceremonial check at Tuesday night’s Township Committee meeting. Mr. McCarthy said his wife, Janet Weber-McCarthy, took a busman’s holiday to help write the grant application. She is a professional grants writer.
   YMCA Executive Director Valerie Giacopelli said the defibrillator will be the second one ready for duty at the YMCA.
   ”This is a great opportunity to have funds come right back into our community,” said Mr. Suraci.