Beyond the Finish Line: A Merger Reshapes Local Giving

WINSTON-SALEM, NC – June 15, 2026 – The air at Forsyth Country Day School on Saturday was thick with a vibrant haze of colored cornstarch and the palpable energy of 186 runners pushing toward a finish line. The fourth annual Flying Colors Charity 5K was, by all accounts, a resounding success. It was a day of personal bests, family fun, and communal celebration. Yet, beneath the cheerful chaos and clouds of粉, a poignant reality settled: this was the final lap. The event, which raised an astounding $30,000, far exceeding its goal, was not just a race but a farewell to its organizer, the PACU Foundation.

Since its inception in 2020, the foundation, the charitable arm of Piedmont Advantage Credit Union (PACU), has been a vital source of support for financially vulnerable families across North Carolina's Triad and Charlotte regions. Now, as its parent credit union prepares for a strategic merger with the larger Truliant Federal Credit Union, the PACU Foundation is winding down its operations. Its closure marks the end of a short but deeply impactful chapter in local philanthropy, prompting a wider examination of how community support endures when the corporate structures that house it are fundamentally transformed.

A Legacy of Impact in a Few Short Years

Born from a desire to formalize and expand upon the credit union philosophy of "people helping people," the PACU Foundation quickly established itself as a critical community partner. In just a few years, it gifted more than $142,000 to local charities focused on financial literacy, emergency aid, and essential services—organizations like Financial Pathways of the Piedmont and Community Link that provide a direct lifeline to residents facing hardship.

The foundation was powered by a dedicated team of volunteers, primarily credit union employees who devoted their time and passion to the cause. "Every year, I am in awe of how much joy and goodwill this event brings," said Megan Brooks, the PACU Foundation's fundraising chair and a key organizer of the Flying Colors run. "While the morning was filled with exercise and excitement, the spirit of community and the shared purpose of helping those in need drove every heart racing through the course. I am so proud that we were able to close this chapter with such a great event."

This sentiment of pride mixed with nostalgia was echoed by the foundation's leadership. The mission was always clear: to address the root causes and immediate crises of financial instability. The final 5K, which saw Jared Bahena of Lexington, N.C., cross the finish line as the overall winner with a time of 23:06, was a testament to that mission's resonance within the community. It was a physical manifestation of the collective effort that had defined the foundation from the start.

The Ripple Effect of a Strategic Merger

The decision to dissolve the PACU Foundation is not a retreat from its mission but a direct consequence of a larger strategic shift in the financial landscape. The pending merger between Piedmont Advantage Credit Union and Truliant Federal Credit Union reflects a significant trend of consolidation within the industry. For smaller institutions like PACU, with its $400 million in assets, merging with a larger entity like Truliant—which will create a combined institution with approximately $6 billion in assets—is a proactive measure to ensure long-term sustainability.

In an increasingly competitive environment dominated by large national banks and agile fintech startups, such mergers offer a path to greater scale, enhanced technological capabilities, and expanded services for members. Executives have framed the partnership as one grounded in shared values, with PACU President & CEO Dion Williams calling it a "proactive, strategic decision" to "deliver more to our members, employees, and communities." This consolidation is seen as essential for preserving the member-focused credit union model for decades to come.

However, these corporate maneuvers inevitably have ripple effects. When an institution like PACU is absorbed, its affiliated entities, including its charitable foundation, face an uncertain future. The winding down of the PACU Foundation illustrates the delicate interplay between corporate structure and community impact. While the merger promises greater financial strength, it also closes a specific, localized channel of philanthropic support that many small charities had come to rely on.

The Future of Philanthropy Under a New Banner

As one door closes, another often opens. The question for the Triad and Charlotte communities is what form that new opening will take. The answer appears to lie with the acquiring entity. Truliant Federal Credit Union brings not only its significant asset base but also its own established philanthropic arm, the Truliant Foundation. Established in 2023, the Truliant Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization with a mission that closely mirrors that of its PACU counterpart, focusing on community development, economic mobility, financial wellness, and youth education.

With a broader regional footprint, the Truliant Foundation is positioned to continue, and potentially expand, the community-focused work initiated by PACU. The merger announcement included assurances that the combined entity would leverage the Truliant Foundation's work to serve a larger population across the Carolinas and Virginia. This suggests a transition rather than a termination of philanthropic commitment. The spirit of the PACU Foundation's work is expected to be integrated into this larger, more robust structure, ensuring that the legacy of giving continues.

This transition speaks to the evolving nature of corporate social responsibility. Impact is not solely dependent on a specific name or structure but on the persistent will of an organization and its people. The challenge for the newly merged credit union will be to build trust and demonstrate that its expanded philanthropic efforts will remain deeply connected to the local needs previously served by the PACU Foundation.

A Final Flourish of Partnership

The record-breaking success of the final Flying Colors 5K was fueled by more than just community spirit; it was a powerful example of collaborative partnership. A major factor in the day's financial triumph was a significant contribution from Elan Credit Card, which presented the PACU Foundation with a $10,000 check at the event. This was in addition to a separate $10,000 grant from Elan's Charitable Giving program, bringing its total contribution to $20,000 for the foundation's final year.

"This recognition affirms the purpose of our Foundation and the value of meaningful collaborations," said Jean Golden-Rumer, President of the PACU Foundation. "We are grateful for Elan's commitment to helping credit unions turn values into action for the communities we serve." Elan's program, which has donated over $2.5 million since 2022, empowers its financial institution partners to direct funds where they are needed most, acting as a force multiplier for local giving.

As the color powder settles and the foundation prepares to formally cease operations, the prevailing sentiment is one of gratitude. The organization's final public statements were not of sorrow, but of thanks to the donors, volunteers, and community members who believed in its mission. It's a reminder that while organizational charts and corporate names may change, the human impulse to support one another remains the most valuable asset of all. As Jean Golden-Rumer reflected on the journey's end, her words captured the enduring legacy of the foundation's work.

"I am truly honored to have been part of the PACU Foundation's journey, treasuring the memories and relationships formed with donors, volunteers, and local charities," she said. "Although this may be the Foundation's conclusion, I am proud of the positive impact our efforts have had on the communities PACU supports. Thank you to all the donors and volunteers who dedicated themselves to enhancing the lives of colleagues, neighbors, and community members."