Wisconsin Credit Union Industry Raises $47,000 for State Hospitals

CUNA Mutual Group
March 19, 2009 | COMMENTS

Through the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10-mile run in Washington D.C. , Wisconsin credit unions and affiliated industry organizations contributed more than $47,000 in 2008 to the state's system of Children's Miracle Network hospitals. The most recent contribution was made Tuesday at a $15,858 check presentation to Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee.

“As a result of state credit unions' fund raising, this contribution is one of three directed to Wisconsin Children's Miracle Network-affiliated hospitals, ” said Christopher Roe, senior vice president, corporate/legislative affairs, CUNA Mutual Group, and a member of the Board of Directors of Credit Union Miracle Day, Inc. “We are proud that the credit union movement in Wisconsin participates in this national event, which directly helps children in our local community.”

“Each spring, the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Run in Washington D.C. is the flagship fundraising event for Credit Union Miracle Day. The mission of the credit union movement is ‘people helping people' and we are thrilled this event contributed more than $1 million to children's hospitals nationwide in 2008,” added Sarah Turner, director of Credit Union Miracle Day. CUMD is an organization of credit unions and industry affiliates dedicated to raising funds for the Children's Miracle Network and raising awareness of the credit union difference.

Credit unions and industry business partners contributing to the $47,076 Wisconsin total included the Wisconsin Credit Union League; Lifetime Credit Union, West Allis; Summit (Great Wisconsin) Credit Union, Madison; Fond du Lac Credit Union, Fond du Lac; Sentry Credit Union, Stevens Point; CUNA Mutual Group; Credit Union National Association (CUNA); Fiserv; Credit Union Executives Society (CUES) and the National Credit Union Foundation (NCUF).

"Year in and year out, Wisconsin credit unions and their members do a tremendous job of supporting Children's Miracle Network and we're proud to work together on events like the Cherry Blossom Run, " said Brett Thompson, president & CEO of the Wisconsin Credit Union League, the trade association for the state's 250 not-for-profit credit unions. "Since credit unions are locally owned and operated, they find tremendous value in raising funds to help sick children in Wisconsin get the specialized care they need.”

“Local donations stay at home,” Turner added. “The monies raised by credit unions in Wisconsin and elsewhere are tracked according to donor ZIP codes, so money donated in Wisconsin goes to Children's Miracle Network hospitals in La Crosse (Gunderson), Marshfield (St. Joseph's) and Milwaukee (Children's Hospital of Wisconsin). ”

“Children's Hospital and Health System is committed to ensuring a healthier future for children by providing an integrated and coordinated health services network for infants, children and adolescents, said Elisabeth Thomsen, special events manager, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin and CMN representative. “This can only be accomplished with the support of the community, and we are grateful to the Credit Union for Kids campaign for their ongoing support.”

The Children's Miracle Network is a nationwide affiliation of more than 170 children's hospitals that provides state-of-art care, research, preventative health education and treatment for children with diseases and injuries.

CUNA Mutual Group provides financial services to credit unions and their members. For more information contact Rick Uhlmann at 608-231-8940 or rick.uhlmann@cunamutual.com.