The Credit Unions for Kids Wine Auction raised $2.4 million for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals during an event at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach in Dana Point, Calif., in late March, supporting 11 hospitals across California, Nevada and Utah. The amount raised has grown in recent years, with $2.2 million being raised in 2025 and $1.85 million raised in 2024.
Almost 600 credit union leaders, business partners and hospital representatives attended the event, which organizers said is the largest single fundraising event benefiting Children's Miracle Network Hospitals in the country. The auction was chaired by Chuck Fagan, president/CEO of Velera, and Carrie Birkhofer, president/CEO of the $1.8 billion, Capitola, Calif.-based Bay Federal Credit Union. This year's gala, "Seaside Soirée," continued the tradition of rallying the credit union community around a shared mission of supporting local hospitals.
"Tonight showed exactly who we're here for. We're here to support families who are going through some of the most difficult times of their lives and the caregivers who stand beside them," Fagan said. "When this movement comes together with that kind of focus, the impact is real. I'm proud of the work we did and what it will help make possible."
Birkhofer said that "seeing so many credit unions and partners come together as a unified community was truly inspiring."
Since its inception, the auction has raised more than $20 million benefiting CMN Hospitals in California and Nevada. The wine auction's title sponsor was Origence, the presenting sponsor was Velera and the premier sponsors were Allied Solutions, the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues, Mastercard, TruStage and Visa.
"Year after year, I am amazed by the generosity of our credit unions and partners," Tony Boutelle, president/CEO of Origence, said. "Raising $2.4 million for Children's Miracle Network speaks volumes about the strength of our community when we unite for such a meaningful purpose."
An executive committee made up of 27 credit union leaders directs the Credit Unions for Kids Wine Auction, with the committee's CEOs representing the benefitting hospital(s) in their area.
This year also continued the Credit Union Executive Leadership Summit, which took place the day prior. The Summit featured speakers including Sarah Canepa Bang, chief of staff at the NCUA, and Dr. Hope Jensen Schau, instructor at UCI and DDJ Meyers, who shared insights on leadership, innovation and industry collaboration.
Joyce Moed can be reached at joyce.moed@arc-network.com.
© Touchpoint Markets, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to TMSalesOperations@arc-network.com. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.