Credit unions celebrate 18 years of race title sponsorship and bring congressional offices together to support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals
Credit unions present check for $400,000 to CMNH at Capitol Hill Event
MADISON, WI (April 4, 2019) — In advance of the 18th Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run® and Capitol Hill Competition on Sunday, April 7, credit unions and industry partners, presented a $400,000 check Thursday to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH). Since credit unions became the title sponsors of the run in 2002, nearly $9.5 million has been donated to CMNHs nationwide.
“The Credit Union Cherry Blossom Run unites communities, credit unions and Congress in support of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and the families they serve.” said John Bratsakis, Chair of the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Race Committee. “We appreciate the generous support of co-lead partners, CUNA Mutual Group and PSCU, and the hundreds of amazing credit union volunteers who donate their time to this high-profile demonstration of the credit union difference.”
The annual run brings Congressional offices together to support CMNH. As part of the larger run, more than 730 House and Senate staffers have formed 67 teams and will engage in a spirited and friendly Capitol Hill Competition, sponsored by the Congressional Federal Credit Union and United States Senate Federal Credit Union, with support from Credit Union National Association (CUNA) and National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions (NAFCU). 173 members of Congress from 46 states, the District of Columbia, and American Samoa serve as Honorary Co-chairs this year.
“The Children’s Miracle Network does wonderful work for so many families from all over the country,” said Sean Zimmermann, Congressional Federal Credit Union President/CEO. “Sponsoring this competition is one of the most meaningful opportunities we as a credit union have to give back to the community each year. We are grateful that so many members of Congress have recognized our efforts to raise awareness for children’s hospitals by becoming honorary race chairs, and we are pleased to have them join us in this effort.”
“It is an incredible thing to see so many people from different ideologies and walks of life come together in support of such a worthy cause,” said Kenneth W. Kramer, US Senate Federal Credit Union President & CEO. “United States Senate Federal Credit Union is honored to once again be a sponsor of the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run.”
Known for their collaborative spirit, hundreds of credit union employees will be pitching in over the weekend to volunteer at water stops, corrals and other stations, and over 8,000 credit union members will be running in this year’s race. Industry trade associations CUNA and NAFCU have been longtime supporters of the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run®.
“CUNA, leagues and credit unions are honored to continue supporting the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run given the cutting-edge, lifesaving care that Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals provide communities nationwide,” said CUNA President/CEO Jim Nussle. “The race embodies the credit union spirit of coming together to uplift and empower, and we’re proud that the credit union system has helped raise nearly $9.5 million for this cause over the years.”
“The NAFCU family is tremendously proud to continue our partnership with an event that focuses on providing resources to children’s hospitals across the country,” said NAFCU President and CEO Dan Berger. “The credit union community is about ‘people helping people,’ and the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Run embodies those values, while bringing awareness to the good deeds credit unions carry out for their communities every day. We thank credit unions for their involvement and support as well as all the runners, volunteers and participants who join us in supporting this charitable cause.”
Ronda Polhamus, Director, Credit Union Miracle Day
• Regina Morales, Mom of Children’s National Patient
• Ryan Morales, Children’s National Patient
• John Bratsakis, President/CEO, MD|DC Credit Union Association
• Theresa Mann, President/CEO, The Partnership FCU
• Catherine Safady, VP of Membership, NAFCU
• John Manzer, Director of Sales and Marketing Operations, CUNA Mutual Group
• Linda Albrecht, National Account Vice President, CUNA Mutual Group , Ryan Donovan, Chief Advocacy Officer, CUNA
• Ken Kramer, President/CEO, US Senate Federal Credit Union
• Sean Zimmerman, President/CEO, Congressional Federal Credit Union
John Manzer, Director of Sales and Marketing Operations, CUNA Mutual Group
• Linda Albrecht, National Account Vice President, CUNA Mutual Group
• Ronda Polhamus, Director, Credit Union Miracle Day
• Ken Kramer, President/CEO, United States Senate Federal Credit Union
• Theresa Mann, President/CEO, The Partnership FCU
• John Bratsakis, President/CEO, MD|DC Credit Union Association
• Ryan Donoavan, Chief Advocacy Officer, CUNA
• Sean Zimmerman, President/CEO, Congressional Federal Credit Union
About TruStage
TruStage is a financially strong insurance, investment and technology provider, built on the philosophy of people helping people. We believe a brighter financial future should be accessible to everyone, and our products and solutions help people confidently make financial decisions that work for them at every stage of life. With a culture rooted and focused on creating a more equitable society and financial system, we are deeply committed to giving back to our communities to improve the lives of those we serve. For more information, visit www.trustage.com.
About the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run
The Credit Union Cherry Blossom, sponsored by Credit Union Miracle Day, Inc, in partnership with colead partners, CUNA Mutual Group and PSCU, is known as “The Runner’s Rite of Spring” in the Nation’s Capital. The staging area for the event is on the Washington Monument Grounds and the course passes in sight of all of the major Washington, DC Memorials. The event serves as a fundraiser for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, a consortium of 170 premier children’s hospitals across North America. About one-third of the funds raised support Washington, DC’s own Children’s National Medical Center (“Children’s Hospital”). The event also funds two $5,000 Road Runners Club of America “Roads Scholar” grants designed to support up-and-coming U.S. distance running talent.
