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Credit unions raise $180K for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals

Support comes at a critical time

WASHINGTON, DC (September 13, 2021) — Credit Union Miracle Day presented a $180,059 donation to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN) yesterday at the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run. While the iconic race was missing the cherry blossoms this year, participants enjoyed this special “Runners Delight of Fall” while coming together in support of CMN Hospitals during this critical time. $25,462 of the total donated to CMN Hospitals was raised by runners, their families and friends.

Traditionally held the first Sunday in April, the 49th running of the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run was postponed to September this year due to pandemic restrictions. Since becoming the title sponsor in 2002, credit unions have raised over $10 million for CMNHs nationwide.

“While it’s been a challenging year for everyone, credit unions still came together to make a significant impact in our communities and in the lives of children treated at Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals,” said John Bratsakis, chair of Credit Union Miracle Day. “The funds raised directly benefit CMN Hospitals in local communities, helping to fund research, treatment, medical equipment and the challenges brought on by COVID-19. The unique, collaborative spirit of the credit union movement makes a real difference in communities, particularly during this time of uncertainty and disruption.”

On a warm and crystal clear late summer day at the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run in Washington, D.C., Kenyan Edwin Kimutai left the rest of the men’s field in his footsteps winning handily in 45:45. American Nell Rojas ran a thrilling race among America’s top women winning the USATF Women’s 10 Mile Championship presented by Toyota in 52:13. American Abbabiya Simbassa won the USATF Men’s 10 Mile Championship with a time of 46:18.

Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run

The 49th running of the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run took place Sunday, September 12th on the Washington Monument Grounds, Washington, D.C. The race course is a fast, flat route around the iconic memorials in the nation’s capital. The race is on the “bucket list” of things to do in Washington, D.C. according to the Washingtonian Magazine.

“A big shout out to our co-lead partners, CUNA Mutual Group and PSCU, and the hundreds of credit union volunteers who enjoy helping on race weekend,” said Sean Zimmermann, chair of the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Race Committee and president and CEO of Congressional FCU. “We are very pleased to have over 145 Members of Congress from 45 states, and the District of Columbia serving as Honorary Race Co-Chairs supporting the race benefitting our local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.”

Congressional FCU and United States Senate FCU sponsor the annual Cherry Blossom Capitol Hill Competition, the race within the larger Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run. House and Senate offices form teams to compete for the Capitol Hill Cup. The team with the best race time wins the cup to display in its office. More than 600 Congressional staffers ran – not for office – but to support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals through their participation in the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run this year. Thirty-nine teams of House and Senate staffers engaged in a spirited and friendly Capitol Hill Competition

Credit Union Miracle Day

Since becoming the title sponsors of races in 2002, Credit Union Miracle Day, a collaboration of over 100 credit unions and business partners and CUSOs, has donated over $10 million to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals across the country. Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals is an alliance of premier children’s hospitals which treat 10 million critically ill children annually, regardless of their ability to pay.

Credit Union Miracle Day is the 2013 proud recipient of the National Credit Union Foundation’s Outstanding Program Award.


About Credit Union Miracle Day

Credit Union Miracle Day, Inc. is a 501c3 organization founded in 2001 as a consortium of credit unions dedicated to showcasing the difference credit unions make in their communities nationwide through support of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Nationwide, credit unions are the 3rd largest fundraisers for CMN Hospitals further demonstrating their strong commitment to their communities and underscoring the positive impact that credit unions make to consumers. To learn more about Credit Union Miracle Day, visit miracleday.org.

About the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile

The Credit Union Cherry Blossom, sponsored by Credit Union Miracle Day, Inc, in partnership with co-lead partners, PSCU, CO-OP Financial Services and CUNA Mutual Group, 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. 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.

The event is a proud member of the PRRO Circuit (www.PRRO.org), a five-race non-marathon prize money circuit with events in Utica, NY, Tampa, FL, Washington, DC, Spokane, WA and Pittsburgh, PA. The circuit is committed to a drug-free sport and funds Clearidium to conduct drug testing in compliance with IAAF standards at all circuit events.

Contacts

Leigh Philibosian
717-439-1576 | Leigh@cufound.org

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