PORTLAND, ORE.The Northwest credit union community contributed more than $130,000 to Credit Unions for Kids during the "Boardwalk of Miracles" Auction October 9, 2013. The auction was presented at the Northwest Credit Union Associations Amplify Convention in Portland, Oregon.
The generosity continues a proud tradition started in 1986 when a group of Northwest credit unions founded Credit Unions for Kids. A decade later, their model was adapted nationally and is now considered the "charity of choice" in the credit union movement. It provides funding for 170 Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals.
Boardwalk of Miracles auction items included gift baskets, vacation getaways, luxury shopping excursions and a travel package to attend Spring Training games in Arizona.
Patrons were seen dabbing their eyes with tissues as stories were shared and donations poured in. One of the evenings most emotional moments occurred when CU Business Group bid highest on its spring training package, and then gave the trip to Elijah Diggins, a 15 year old survivor of Burkitts Leukemia who served as the patient-spokesman for the auction.
Boardwalk attendees also contributed $49,000 to fill nine Radio Flyer wagons with toys which will be donated to the six CMN hospitals in the Northwest.� The wagons are a long standing tradition and are considered "happy therapy" for the sick children.� When auctioneer JillMarie Wiles issued the "Cash for Kids" call, more than $42,000 was raised.
"Thanks to the generosity of all, we were able to exceed our goal by $30, 000," said Shelly Berryman, Vice President of Member Engagement for the NWCUA. �"From the one hundred plus baskets and Cash for Kids paddle raises, to the shiny red wagons and numerous volunteers, everyone pitched in to make this a magical event.� Hats off to all for truly making a difference in the lives of the children who need it the most."
Funding raised in the Northwest stays with the six regional CMH hospitals including CMN Hospitals of the Inland Northwest, Doernbecher Childrens Hospital, Rogue Valley Medical Center, Sacred Heart Medical Center, Seattle Childrens Hospital and Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital.
"The money raised at the Boardwalk of Miracles will help to fund research, build ICU wings for premature babies, and it will help to hire the most brilliant minds in medicine, dedicated to saving childrens lives," noted NWCUA President and CEO Troy Stang. "Were honored to be part of Credit Unions for Kids."
PORTLAND, ORE.The Northwest credit union community contributed more than $130,000 to Credit Unions for Kids during the "Boardwalk of Miracles" Auction October 9, 2013. The auction was presented at the Northwest Credit Union Associations Amplify Convention in Portland, Oregon.
The generosity continues a proud tradition started in 1986 when a group of Northwest credit unions founded Credit Unions for Kids. A decade later, their model was adapted nationally and is now considered the "charity of choice" in the credit union movement. It provides funding for 170 Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals.
Boardwalk of Miracles auction items included gift baskets, vacation getaways, luxury shopping excursions and a travel package to attend Spring Training games in Arizona.
Patrons were seen dabbing their eyes with tissues as stories were shared and donations poured in. One of the evenings most emotional moments occurred when CU Business Group bid highest on its spring training package, and then gave the trip to Elijah Diggins, a 15 year old survivor of Burkitts Leukemia who served as the patient-spokesman for the auction.
Boardwalk attendees also contributed $49,000 to fill nine Radio Flyer wagons with toys which will be donated to the six CMN hospitals in the Northwest.� The wagons are a long standing tradition and are considered "happy therapy" for the sick children.� When auctioneer JillMarie Wiles issued the "Cash for Kids" call, more than $42,000 was raised.
"Thanks to the generosity of all, we were able to exceed our goal by $30, 000," said Shelly Berryman, Vice President of Member Engagement for the NWCUA. �"From the one hundred plus baskets and Cash for Kids paddle raises, to the shiny red wagons and numerous volunteers, everyone pitched in to make this a magical event.� Hats off to all for truly making a difference in the lives of the children who need it the most."
Funding raised in the Northwest stays with the six regional CMH hospitals including CMN Hospitals of the Inland Northwest, Doernbecher Childrens Hospital, Rogue Valley Medical Center, Sacred Heart Medical Center, Seattle Childrens Hospital and Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital.
"The money raised at the Boardwalk of Miracles will help to fund research, build ICU wings for premature babies, and it will help to hire the most brilliant minds in medicine, dedicated to saving childrens lives," noted NWCUA President and CEO Troy Stang. "Were honored to be part of Credit Unions for Kids."