Virginia's Credit Unions Celebrate $1 Million in Donations to Children's Miracle Network

LYNCHBURG, VA (03/10/2010)(readMedia)-- Collectively, Virginia's credit unions have donated their first $1 million to Children's Miracle Network, the non-profit organization that raises funds for hospital care and research at the nation's 170 children's hospitals, including the seven that serve Virginia.

The Virginia Credit Union League -- the trade association for Virginia-based credit unions -- named Children's Miracle Network its "charity-of-choice" in 2003, encouraging its member credit unions to raise funds and serve as volunteers in support of the charity. The $1 million was raised over the course of the seven-year partnership.

"This $1 million milestone represents a tremendous effort on the part of our credit unions," says Virginia Credit Union League President Rick Pillow. "Each year, the League's Community Involvement Committee and our member credit unions hold dozens of fund-raisers in support of Children's Miracle Network, including golf tournaments, auctions, and branch and lobby promotions. It's those efforts and the support of credit unions' staff and members that made this possible."

In addition, Virginia's credit unions are among the sponsors of the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Run, a world-class 10-miler held each April in Washington, D.C. Credit unions use their sponsorship of this event to raise funds for Children's Miracle Network, with more than $1 million donated nationally in 2009 alone. Credit unions have raised more than $3.6 million since assuming the title sponsorship of the race in 2001.

Nationally, Credit Unions for Kids, an umbrella brand through which credit unions and affiliated organizations support children's hospitals, raised more than $9.3 million for Children's Miracle Network in 2008, the last year in which complete figures are available. Credit Unions for Kids is among the top four contributors to CMN nationwide, having generated more than $75 million for children's hospitals since 1996.

"Credit unions care deeply about their communities and they're making a real impact at our hospitals, ensuring we can continue to provide the highest level of care to each and every child who walks through our doors," notes Jack Whisler, president of Children's Miracle Network for the Roanoke and Lynchburg, Virginia markets. "We at Children's Miracle Network salute Virginia's credit unions for this fund-raising achievement and for their support, and we look forward to building on our already successful partnership."

CMN HOSPITALS SERVING VIRGINIA

• Carilion Clinic Children's Hospital (Roanoke, VA)
• Children's Hospital (Richmond, VA)
• Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters (Norfolk, VA)
• Children's National Medical Center (Washington, DC; services Northern Virginia)
• University of Virginia Children's Hospital (Charlottesville, VA)
• VCU Children's Medical Center (Richmond, VA)
• Virginia Baptist Hospital (Lynchburg, VA)