Credit Unions Raise $400K for CMN Hospitals

WASHINGTON, DC (April 16, 2020) — Thanks to the generous support of credit unions and industry partners, particularly co-lead sponsors PSCU, CUNA Mutual Group,CO-OP Financial Services Credit Union Miracle Day raised $400,000 for Children’s MiracleNetwork Hospitals (CMNH) through its title sponsorship of the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run. While the iconic race was one of many spring traditions disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic,the spirit of giving and credit unions’ commitment to their charity of choice, CMN Hospitals, continues during this critical time.Of the total donated to CMN Hospitals, $94,000 was raised by runners, their families and friends.

The 48th running of the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run was cancelled due to COVID-19 social distancing restrictions. An additional $55,000 was raised for CMN Hospitals by runners who donated their entry fee refunds after the cancellation of the race. In lieu of the iconic race, a virtual run was established and participants in 45 states and 4 Canadian provinces ran either the 10 mile or 5K distance to celebrate the Runners Rite of Spring.

“While we were all disappointed that the race was cancelled, together we are still making a significant impact in our communities and in the lives of children treated at Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals,” said John Bratsakis, chair of Credit Union Miracle Day. “The funds raised directly benefit CMN Hospitals in local communities, helping to fund research, treatment, medical equipment and the challenges brought on by COVID-19. The unique, collaborative spirit of the credit union movement makes a real difference in communities, particularly during this time of uncertainty and disruption. We look forward to the 2021 Cherry Blossom Credit Union Ten Mile Run which will mark our 20th year of title sponsorship.”

A record 73 credit unions and credit union leagues sponsored the race this year. Since credit unions became the title sponsors in 2002, almost $10 million has been donated to CMNHs nationwide.

The high-profile event also includes the Capitol Hill competition, a spirited race between the staff offices, agencies and committees serving the House and Senate and sponsored by U.S. Senate FCU and Congressional FCU. While the competition was not held this year, more than 200 Members of Congress from 46 states, the District of Columbia, and American Samoa served as Honorary Race Co-Chairs.

Credit Union Miracle Day

Since becoming the title sponsors of races in 2002, Credit Union Miracle Day, a collaboration of over 100 credit unions and business partners and CUSOs, has donated almost $10 million to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals across the country. Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals is an alliance of premier children’s hospitals which treat 10 million critically ill children annually, regardless of their ability to pay.

Credit Union Miracle Day is the 2013 proud recipient of the National Credit Union Foundation’s Outstanding Program Award.