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2013 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run® Highlights Credit Union Support for Children Miracle Network Hospitals Nationwide
Over $6 million donated in 12 years
WASHINGTON, DC (April 7, 2013) – The 41st running of the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run® took place today, Sunday April 7, with over 15‚000 runners competing in the world-class sporting event around the monuments of DC and enjoying the cherry blossoms in ideal running weather. Credit Union Miracle Day, Inc, (CUMD) has sponsored the race for 12 years to benefit Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. CUMD also sponsors:
- The Credit Union SacTown Ten-Mile Run — Sacramento‚ California
- Two Freedom Ten Mile Runs —Army Garrison Wiesbaden‚ Germany on April 20, and Camp Arifjan‚ Kuwait on April 7
This year’s donation of $483,000‚ will bring the 12 year total of funds donated to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals nationwide to over $6 million. Approximately $112,000 alone was raised by runners and their families and friends in 2013.
“We are very proud of how credit unions and their business partners, including our lead partner, PSCU, and runners have all united and collaborated to raise funds for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals under the umbrella of Credit Unions for Kids,” CUMD Chairman Juri Valdov said.
To underscore the real importance of the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run®, organizers hosted a Play Day for patients at Children’s National Medical Center on April 5.
The kids enjoyed a break from medical treatment to have some fun doing arts and crafts with credit union volunteers.
Three Champion Kids were on the announcers’ tower during the Run: Tess and Alexander, both 9 years old, and Amanda, age 11, before heading to the ½ Mile Kids Run.
At a kick-off press conference in the Capitol Visitor Center on April 4, Charlie Mallon, President/CEO of Congressional FCU and a member of the CUMD Board, reported that 161 Members of Congress from 39 states, American Samoa, D.C., Guam and Puerto Rico, are Honorary Race Chairs. “We are extremely grateful for this outstanding support from Congress, as well as the credit unions and their business partners. Their support helps kids get the quality medical treatment they need from children’s hospitals nationwide,” he said. Four former Members of Congress have also signed on to be Honorary Race Chairs.
Congressional FCU is also one of the sponsors of the Capitol Hill Competition. “With nearly 800 staffers competing in this year’s race, and fielding 70 teams, the Capitol Hill Competition was bound to be spirited,” Mallon said.
The Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run®‚ known as the Runner’s Rite of Spring®‚ hosted this year’s USATF USA Women’s 10 Mile Championship, presented by America’s Credit Unions in partnership with CUMD, Credit Union National Association and National Association of Federal Credit Unions.
“The Credit Union SacTown Ten-Mile Run’s success can be seen in many ways, from the runners, to the volunteers, to the fundraising that we do,” said Diana Dykstra, President of the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues. “It is a fun and fit way for us to be involved with helping Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and the children they treat.”
The Camp Arifjan Freedom Run in Kuwait, also held on April 7, was sponsored by the Defense Credit Union Council Overseas Subcouncil, and the Army Garrison Wiesbaden Freedom Run in Germany which will be held on April 20, is sponsored by Andrews FCU.
“We are proud to be part of the Freedom Runs which help boost the morale of our troops serving in harm’s way overseas,” said Arty Arteaga, President of the Defense Credit Union Council. “Our brave service members appreciate the opportunity to connect with the races stateside.”
In addition to the more than 15,000 runners in DC, nearly 1,700 runners ran in the Credit Union SacTown Ten-Mile Run in Sacramento, and over 1,000 runners participate in the two Credit Union Freedom Runs.
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals is an alliance of premier children’s hospitals across North America which treats 17 million critically ill children annually‚ regardless of their ability to pay. For more information, visit www.childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org
Credit Union Miracle Day‚ Inc.‚ (CUMD) is the title sponsor group of the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run ®, the Credit Union SacTown Ten-Mile Run and two Freedom Runs. CUMD is a partnership of credit unions, CUSOs and partner organizations nationwide that have joined together under the umbrella of Credit Unions for Kids to support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. CUMD is the recipient of the National Credit Union Foundation’s prestigious 2013 Herb Wegner Outstanding Program Award. For more information‚ visit www.miracleday.org
PSCU was established in 1977 and is owned by nearly 700 member credit unions representing 16 million credit, debit, prepaid, online bill payment, mobile and electronic banking accounts. Visit www.pscu.com.