BURNSVILLE, Minn. – There is a first time for everything and for US Federal Credit Union members the Harvest Festival is it. The month-long member appreciation celebration is the first in the $400 million credit union's 76-year history. "Our members make us who we are," said USFCU President/CEO, Bill Raker. "I think it is time for us to show them just how much we appreciate them." The celebration includes a Harvest Sweepstakes, where one lucky member can win $2,500. According to Raker, the response has been outstanding, in only one week over 150 newsletter entries have been received daily. In addition to the grand prize of $2,500 in cash, the credit union's sweepstakes will be giving away other prizes which include $250 investment vouchers for an Internet investing program; charcoal grills; $500 travel vouchers; $50 deposit to a Christmas Savings Account; and credit union logo items such as mugs, t-shirts and lunch bags. The prizes will be awarded during the first full week of November. During the month of October, weekly $100 cash drawings were held every Friday. "It is so much fun to call a member to tell them they just won $100 in cash", says Timette Trueblood, marketing specialist for the credit union. "I called one woman to tell her she had won and she told me it couldn't have been better timing since that day was her birthday." In addition to the sweepstakes and the weekly drawings, USFCU will host an Oktoberfest Day complete with refreshments, a free debt management seminar and free child ID kits. US FCU serves over 78,000 members.