Boston Children's Hospital Dedicates New Family Lounge Compliments of Kids at Heart

WOBURN, Mass. - New England credit unions have been leaving their mark on one of the nation's leading pediatric research hospitals by following two of the credit union community's long standing traditions - cooperation and "people helping people." Over the past 10 years, New England credit unions have raised more than $2 million for the Boston Children's Hospital - $300,000 just in 2005 - through the Credit Unions of Massachusetts Kids at Heart program. Coordinated and founded by EasCorp, Kids at Heart raises money to support services for young patients and their families at the hospital. This past year's efforts have been especially significant because sufficient money was raised to complete the new family lounge and on March 24, the Boston Children's Hospital dedicated it two years ahead of schedule. The family lounge is designed as a place where families can relax and spend some time away from the sights and sounds of the hospital. The hospital unveiled a permanent plaque during the dedication ceremony, which reads: "Given with love to the families of Children's Hospital. May you find comfort and relaxation while your loved ones get better." In order to raise money, throughout the year sponsoring credit unions host or participate in a series of fundraising activities and special events to benefit the Kids at Heart program. Fundraisers, such as the Boston Marathon, Credit Union Invitational Golf Tournament, the Miles for Miracles Walk and raffles, provide the opportunity for credit union members, volunteers and staff to take part in supporting the work of the hospital. For 2006, Kids at Heart has 53 sponsor credit unions.