Organizers of the annual California and Nevada Credit Unions for Kids Wine Auction have announced that the 2021 virtual event will be aired live on YouTube on Friday, March 12, 2021.
In the spirit of the credit union industry’s philosophy of “people helping people,” this year’s auction celebrates sixteen years of helping to make miracles happen and to raise $1 million+ for the children treated at the eleven Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in California and Nevada. The annual event has raised over $1 million for CMN Hospitals for six consecutive years and has raised $10 million since its inception in 2006.
The perennially sold-out live event transitioned to an online auction in 2020 and looks to build on the success of last year’s event. The new virtual auction, which is open to the public, will air on YouTube in a new 90-minute virtual setting from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm PST.
The digital evening will include CMN miracle stories, silent and live auctions, a special cameo appearance by CMN co-founder Marie Osmond and surprise guest appearances. With this year’s event theme, Gala Caisleán (“castle” in Gaelic), a virtual Gaelic experience, the Credit Unions for Kids Wine Auction aims to build a healthier future for children, even when guests are apart – and make it another million-dollar year.
“The remarkable success of the wine auction over 16 years reflects the credit union industry’s commitment to CMN Hospitals and the children of our community,” said Todd Clark, this year’s event co-chair and president and CEO of CO-OP Financial Services. “Through the incredible efforts of our credit union partners, our goal is to once again set a new wine auction milestone in support of CMN Hospitals.”
Through the generosity of supporters, the annual wine auction has helped Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals provide world-class care and make miracles a reality for thousands of kids each year. And because the event’s key sponsors underwrite the expenses of the event, 100% of the proceeds raised during the virtual auction will directly benefit the kids.
“The ongoing support for Credit Unions for Kids and CMN Hospitals over the last two decades has been amazing,” noted John Cassidy, event co-chair, and president and CEO of Sierra Central Credit Union. “We invite the credit union community to join us in making this year’s first-ever live virtual event a tremendous success in support of the CMN Hospitals in California and Nevada.”
There are sponsorship opportunities available for this year’s wine auction, providing organizations the chance to be recognized as a major contributor to benefiting CMN hospitals. Sponsors will be recognized during pre- and post-event marketing and communication efforts, and also receive a VIP luxe attendee package.
Those interested in sponsoring this year’s charity wine auction may do so directly on the event’s website, or by emailing wineauction@cudirect.com. Deadline for sponsorships is February 15, 2021.
To-date, this year’s event is supported by 55 credit unions and business partners, with key sponsors including CU Direct, CO-OP Financial Services, California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues, CUNA Mutual Group and PSCU.
The money that is raised each year has a real impact on many children and families in California and Nevada, providing funding for advanced research, innovative technology, and life-saving care. It also provides these families with assistance from the burden of substantial medical costs.