Greater Nevada Credit Union presented the University of Nevada, Reno's Pride of the Sierra Marching Band with a $45,000 check at the Feb. 10 men's Wolf Pack basketball game against Air Force.

Director of Athletic Bands Will Plenk and University President Marc Johnson accepted the check on behalf of the University and the band from Greater Nevada Credit Union's executive management team.

This $45,000 check combines an initial $20,000 sponsorship and a year's worth of matched donations of $25,000.

Throughout the previous three years, the band has accepted a total of $105,000 from Greater Nevada with an annual $20,000 sponsorship and an additional $15,000 donation each year as part of a dollar-for-dollar matching gift program, for a total contribution of $150,000 throughout the four years of the partnership.

Greater Nevada began the "It's Time to Support the Band" fundraising campaign in 2012 and has continued its support of the program since then. This year marks the first year of the renewed commitment with a pledge of $20,000 per year for the next three years, and an increased matching gift program of up to an additional $25,000 annually.

Since the beginning of the partnership, the support has allowed the band a larger travel budget, the opportunity to purchase new uniforms and replace or repair instruments, increased student scholarships, and more instructional staff. The band also reached a University-record of more than 200 members for the fall 2015 football season.

"With that many people, the band is an exciting place to be," Plenk said. "The credit union's support has been absolutely essential for us and we are excited that our partnership with them continues to grow."

The Marching Band also just helped Greater Nevada Credit Union raise awareness of the March 19 Special Olympics Polar Plunge at Zephyr Cove at Lake Tahoe through a rock-and-roll themed pancake-eating contest on campus. To learn more about supporting the Pride of the Sierra Marching Band, a major ensemble of the Department of Music in the University's College of Liberal Arts, contact Greater Nevada Credit Union, 775-882-2060, or give online.

Greater Nevada Credit Union is a not-for-profit, full service financial institution headquartered in Carson City that has been helping Nevadans with their financial needs since 1949. Greater Nevada serves more than 50,000 consumers and small businesses, has $585 million in assets and has been consistently recognized as both Best Financial Institution in many of its service areas and as a top employer by the Reno/Tahoe Best Places to Work Awards. Greater Nevada is open to everyone living or working in Nevada. For more information, visit https://www.gncu.org/.