Give Back Group Project Spotlight: Courage for Kiera Foundation

October 25, 2022

Courage for Kiera Foundation:

Grandparents Support Memorial Fund through Yard Sale

Cathy Chirdon and her husband Robert, of Dysart, Pennsylvania, formed a GBU Give Back Group in July 2022 to support the 5th annual Courage for Kiera Yard Sale and Bake Sale in Altoona, Pennsylvania. The Yard Sale raised $14,800, and through the Chirdon’s participation, GBU provided a$2,000 match.

Cathy and Robert’s granddaughter, Kiera, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer at nine years old. She fought bravely for 7-1/2 years and passed away in 2017. Kiera’s passion was music, and she played violin. Kiera’s friend Madi organized the yard sale to raise funds so the Courage for Kiera Foundation could provide scholarships to local high school students.

“This yard sale helps keep Kiera’s memory alive and to give the scholarships, help keep her memory alive and it means a lot to me and her family,” Cathy told WTAJ-TV in Altoona, Pennsylvania.

Cathy and Robert are part of a group of community members who hold monthly yard sales to benefit other local charities. They can raise additional funds for their causes with the GBU match as Give Back Group members.

 Dear GBU Life, 

 

Thank you so very, very much for the generous give back donations to the charities close to my heart! 


God Bless, 

Cathy Chirdon

Give Back Groups

If you are working to raise funds for an organization that impacts your local community, GBU will match the funds you raised up to $1,000 per GBU member in your group to a maximum of$5,000 per group. You can do your fundraising any way you like: in person, through a mail campaign or even via Facebook. The funds matching must be for a qualifying 501-c(3) organization that impacts your local community. The organization must have a listing on Charity Navigator.

VISIT GBUCARES.ORG/GIVE-BACK-GROUPS TO REQUEST APPROVAL FOR YOUR GIVE BACK GROUP.

May 28, 2026
Is It Time to Update Your Will?
May 21, 2026
October 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025
May 18, 2026
2025 Financial Impact Report
May 14, 2026
Practical Tips to Organize For Your Well-Being
May 11, 2026
Rest as a Form of Productivity
May 7, 2026
Each year, we set aside time to deep clean and organize our homes. But when was the last time you set aside time to organize your finances? We sat down with GBU Life Home Office agents Leah Teahl and Dominic Nicciai to learn about the benefits of an annual financial review and how you can get started.
May 4, 2026
Every child can name a teacher who made a difference: the one who stayed late to help, offered encouragement at just the right moment or made learning feel exciting. Recognizing a teacher’s dedication doesn’t require grand gestures, but it does call for intention. Thoughtful appreciation gifts, especially during Teacher Appreciation Week or year-end celebrations, offer a tangible way to express heartfelt gratitude.
April 15, 2026
Board Election GBU Financial Life’s national bylaws allow adult insured members (as defined in Article VI, Section 1 of the bylaws) the right to vote for the organization’s Board of Directors. Ballots will be mailed at the beginning of August 2026 to all eligible members. Eligible members may vote by paper ballot via mail or electronic ballot online once they receive their ballot. Cumulative voting or voting by proxy is not permitted.
January 2, 2026
We hope the holiday brought you moments of rest and joy for the year ahead, giving you time to recharge and look forward with renewed purpose.
December 18, 2025
Winter is a magical time filled with holidays and the warmth of togetherness. It’s the perfect season to start traditions that your kids will look forward to every year. Here are some creative ideas to start your family’s unique winter traditions!