Unexpected Gift Given To Chester County’s Crime Victim Center

WEST CHESTER, PA —Benchmark Federal Credit Union surprised the Crime Victims’ Center of Chester County Friday with a $2,022 check to support the nonprofit’s mission of providing service to victims of sexual violence and other crimes.

“Benchmark surprised us,” said Christine Zaccarelli, CEO of the center based in West Chester. “Not only did they commit to being a community partner again in 2023 but they also named us as the beneficiary of their Casual Fridays. We are so grateful for their support.”

The credit union employees donated money to the cause each time they work jeans to work on Casual Fridays. The company then matched the funds raised by the employees.

This year's marked the 11th consecutive year that employees supported a nonprofit in need.

“This is really a testament to the initiative, kindness and caring of our Benchmark employees, since they organize the donation every year and ensure that this tradition continues,” Daniel J. Machon, Jr., President and CEO of Benchmark Federal Credit Union.

Benchmark also sponsored the nonprofit's Race Against Violence and Fourth Annual BBQ 911.

The center was selected because of the organization’s ongoing efforts to provide counseling, advocacy, resources and education to victims of crime in Chester County.

Major services include a 24-hour hotline for sexual assault victims at 610-692-7273 and victims of other crimes at 610-692-7420.

The Crime Victims’ Center will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2023 and relies on donations.