Two major annual credit union industry races took place on each coast on April 12, attracting thousands of participants and raising more than $700,000 for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.
The Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run in Washington, D.C., and the Credit Union SACTOWN Run in Sacramento, Calif., each brought together credit union employees, members and community participants to support CMN hospitals.
The Cherry Blossom run welcomed almost 20,000 runners and raised $506,230 through Credit Union Miracle Day, organizers said. The event has raised more than $12.5 million since credit unions became the race's sponsor in 2002 and more than $220 million for CMN hospitals since 1986.
"This popular run presents a unique opportunity to make a difference for children being cared for at Children's Miracle Network hospitals and raises visibility and awareness about all the good credit unions do for their members and communities," John Bratsakis, MD|DC Credit Union Association president/CEO, who chairs Credit Union Miracle Day, said.
More than 160 members of Congress participated as honorary race chairs, along with more than 1,000 congressional staffers. More than 400 credit union employees volunteered at the event. Congressional Federal Credit Union ($1.3 billion, Oakton, Va.), United States Senate Federal Credit Union ($1.5 billion, Alexandria, Va.) and America's Credit Unions, along with partners including Velera and TruStage, sponsored the race.
"We talk a lot about purpose at America's Credit Unions," Catherine Porterfield, vice president of member engagement and service at America's Credit Unions, said. "The stories we hear about the children and families receiving treatment at Children's Miracle Network hospitals can be heartbreaking but also show why credit unions' longstanding partnership with Children's Miracle Network is so important."
In Sacramento, the Credit Union SACTOWN Run raised $208,000 for 11 CMN hospitals serving California and Nevada, organizers said. More than 1,700 runners registered for the event, including more than 630 credit union employees and members from 31 participating credit unions across the two states.
The race, which started and ended on Capitol Mall near the California State Capitol, featured a road-mile run, 5K run/walk and the Community Mile. More than 1,300 finishers completed the race despite threatening weather conditions.
"The fact that over 1,300 finishers, plus many more spectators and volunteers, braved the chilly downpours and threat of thunderstorms is a testament to credit unions' commitment to our communities," John Pamer, Credit Union SACTOWN Run chair and CEO of Diablo Valley Federal Credit Union ($39.5 million, Concord, Calif.), said. "We are thrilled by the incredible turnout and the $208,000 raised this year. We look forward to continuing to provide vital support to sick and injured children across California and Nevada."
The SACTOWN Run, now in its 14th year, has raised more than $3 million for CMN hospitals.
"The Credit Union SACTOWN Run is a celebration of health, community and hope," Jeremy Empol, president/CEO of California and Nevada's Credit Unions, said. "Seeing the credit union community come together near the steps of the state capitol to support kids across both states is an inspiring reminder of what credit unions can achieve when we run with a mission and purpose."
The run was hosted by the Sacramento Running Association, a community-based nonprofit that promotes the sport of running in the greater Sacramento area, including the California International Marathon.
This year's race also showcased two new competitions, with the team from SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union ($35.3 billion, Tustin, Calif.) winning "fastest credit union," and Velera winning "fastest credit union business partner."
Joyce Moed can be reached at joyce.moed@arc-network.com.
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