The annual Credit Union Cherry Blossom Run for the Children'sMiracle Network is coming up Sunday, and on Thursday, participantsin the Capitol Hill Competition part of the 10-mile run were ableto pick up their race packets. There also was a press conferencewhere four of the record 185 congressmen who signed as honoraryco-chairs attended to help raise awareness of the run's work tohelp hospitalized children.

About 15,000 runners are expected to participate, including 950 congressional staffers. TheCapitol Hill Competition is co-sponsored by Congressional FederalCredit Union.

This year, a total of $515,000 was pledged nationwide to donateto member hospitals.

“The congressional community has outdone themselves this yearwith record-breaking participation to help children in thenetworked hospitals across the nation,” said Charles Mallon Jr.,president/CEO of the $705 million Congressional Federal.

“I'm honored to play a small part in raising awareness and fundsfor children's hospitals. As a parent, I've been blessed with threehealthy children, and that's something I don't take for granted,”said Rep. Steven Palazzo (R-Miss.), who is running in the race thisweekend.

“As the grandfather of a young manborn a preemie, I know full well the difference quality care makesin young people's lives,” said Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C. “Mygrandson had three surgeries before his first birthday. Today, he'sa strong young man. So let me thank you for all that you do forhospitalized children.”

Rep. Rob Woodall (R-Ga.) expresses his support for theChildren's Miracle Network and the credit union industry effort tosupport the nationwide charity.

Volunteer staffers ready the race packets, including maps andshirts,

to distribute to congressional staff members running inSaturday's race.

Also on display was a big check, representing the $515,000 theannual effort raised this year for Children's Miracle Networkhospitals nationwide.

From left, Reps. Steven Palazzo (R-Miss.), Eleanor Holmes Norton(D-D.C.) and Rob Woodall (R-Ga.) with Patricia Jasper Zellner,senior associate director of the Children's Miracle NetworkHospitals and Charles Mallon Jr., president/CEO of CongressionalFederal Credit Union.