Credit Unions Present $413K Check to CMN

WASHINGTON-Credit union officials from around the country came to the nation's capital to attend the ceremonial presentation of the giant check from the proceeds of the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10-Mile Run to the Children's Miracle Network. The $413,000 check presented at Children's National Medical Center March 31 was an estimate and could turn out to be even more, said Children's Miracle Day, Inc. Chairman Juri Valdov, president and CEO of Northwest Federal Credit Union. By race day, following silent and live auctions, that total was up over $425,000, according to CUNA Senior Vice President of Communications Mark Wolff. Since credit unions took over the title sponsorship of the race in 2002, they have raised more than $1 million for CMN, a nonprofit organization that raises money for children's hospitals. "Credit Unions for Kids" is CMN's second largest sponsor. Valdov emphasized that credit unions are all about people helping people. "What else can you do but get together and help people-in this case children-in need?" he said. NAFCU's Board was in town for a meeting and attended the press event, where several people from the credit union community worked on arts and crafts with some of the young patients. Also in attendance were NCUA Chairman JoAnn Johnson and Board Member Debbie Matz, CUNA President and CEO Dan Mica, NAFCU President and CEO Fred Becker, the Children's Miracle Day, Inc. board, and others. -scooke@cutimes.com