Spero Financial announced a $250,000 donation to sponsor the plaza at the center of Unity Park and dedicated it to longtime Greenville community leader and Southernside Neighborhood in Action President Mary Frances Duckett. 

Situated between the Park’s welcome center, playgrounds and open green space, the plaza offers visitors a safe pedestrian space at the park entrance and impressive panoramic views.

In making the announcement, Steve Griffin, vice chairman for the Spero Financial board of directors said, “Hope and unity capture our organization’s core traits – our name ‘Spero’ means hope after all. We believe the same is true for Unity Park; the name says it all. 

"Unity Park reflects our community’s history, celebrates our positive progression, and commemorates the individuals that paved the way to make it a reality.”

Brian McKay, Spero Financial president and CEO added, “This contribution is our way of planting seeds of hope for present and future generations in the community Spero has called home since 1935.” 

In a surprise reveal Tuesday, March 29, 2022, Spero Financial dedicated its contribution to Mary Duckett for her countless acts of service to the Greenville community and beyond.

Said McKay to Duckett: "This dedication is symbolic of your legacy – one that will be remembered for uniting a community and instilling a hope that anything is possible when never giving up.

"May your actions drive us all to be greater – because when we do this, our community will truly become a better place to live, work, and play.”

Greenville Mayor Knox White described Duckett as the heart and soul of Unity Park and said its construction would not have been possible without her tireless energy and determination.

“In her seven decades living in Southernside, Mary Duckett has dedicated herself to making our community better – a better place for seniors, children, her neighbors, and for people she has never met. I want to thank Spero Financial for their investment in Unity Park and their recognition of Mary for all she has done for this park and our community,” said White.

Unity Park is scheduled to open May 19. 

As one of the Palmetto State’s largest credit unions, Spero Financial has more than 49,900 members and $559 million in assets.

Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., the credit union’s footprint spans the Upstate and Midlands with branches in Anderson, Easley, Greenville, Simpsonville, Spartanburg, Taylors, and Columbia.