RALEIGH, N.C.-Credit Union Miracle Day, Inc. is beginning to see the fruits of its labor to bring in more credit union support from outside the Capital Beltway for the 2006 Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10-Mile Run. State Employees Credit Union (N.C.) recently announced its sponsorship of the event, which benefits the Children's Miracle Network, an international non-profit raising funds and awareness for 170 children's hospitals. SECU President and CEO Jim Blaine stated, "By providing funding for this event, State Employees' Credit Union is again giving back to its community, assuring that funds from the Cherry Blossom Run benefit North Carolina's children. Sponsorship of the Run is also a wonderful example of how credit unions continue to cooperate locally and nationally on issues of importance." North Carolina hospitals benefiting from CMN include The Children's Hospital at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, University Health Systems of Eastern Carolina's Children's Hospital in Greenville and Duke Children's Hospital and Health Center in Durham. In addition to funding, SECU Senior Vice President of Education Services Leigh Brady said SECU has already recruited a team of 10 runners from the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill and is working to send volunteers to the event. The Cherry Blossom Run is coming up, Sunday, April 2 during the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. Eighty-five credit unions and partner organizations sponsor the race that raises not only funds for Children's Miracle Network hospitals but also elevates awareness of credit unions and their good deeds inside the Capital beltway. Credit unions have raised more than $1 million since their sponsorship of the race began in 2002.