Press
Volunteers, runners give their all to credit union Cherry Blossom Run
WASHINGTON, DC (April 9, 2014) – Since credit unions assumed title sponsorship of the 10-mile Cherry Blossom Run 13 years ago, the event and its mission have been near and dear in the hearts of CUNA Mutual Group and its employees. And that buy-in picked up even more steam for Sunday’s event, which raised more than $487,000 for Children’s Miracle Network hospitals.
“CUNA Mutual Group’s involvement goes beyond being a national sponsor and a charter supporter of the credit union-sponsored event since its inception. This year, we had more runners and volunteers than ever before,” said Christopher Roe, SVP, Corporate and Legislative Affairs, CUNA Mutual Group
“Our Eastern Seaboard employees scheduled a business meeting around the run in an effort to bring more volunteers and runners to Washington to support Credit Union Miracle Day and the children’s hospitals it benefits. We couldn’t be more proud of our employees who embrace the credit union philosophy of ‘people helping people,’ ‘’ said Roe, a former board member of the Credit Union Miracle Day Cherry Blossom Run Race Committee.
On Sunday, nearly 30 CUNA Mutual Group volunteers helped tote and store runners’ clothing bags, and two running teams were fielded by CUNA Mutual Group. Among the runners was team captain Holly Fearing of Madison, Wis., who led all 15,000 runners in fundraising. Due primarily to Fearing’s fund-raising, CUNA Mutual Group led all teams in runner contributions with $2,610.
“Every year this race is run, between $500,000 and $1 million is raised for children who need the new and better care Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals provide. And, because of this event, there’s money available to allow them to get what they need to survive,” Fearing said.
As a member of the Cherry Blossom Run Race Committee, CUNA Mutual Group’s John Slusher, National Accounts Sales Executive, sees an opportunity to grow the Cherry Blossom Run within the industry.
“There is a great opportunity to expand credit union support for this event across the country since all monies raised come back to the local Children’s Miracle Network hospital in contributors’ communities,” Slusher said.
“In addition to the number one mission of helping children, we can illustrate the ‘credit union difference’ to our Washington lawmakers. Hundreds of House and Senate members and staffers participate in the Washington race, and there are other high-profile runs benefiting Children’s Miracle Network hospitals around the country.”
Since 2002, Credit Union Miracle Day, which includes more than 100 credit unions and nearly 50 business partners and CUSOs, has contributed more than $6 million to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals nationwide. Children’s Miracle Network Hospital treats 10 million critically ill children annually, regardless of their ability to pay.
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CUNA Mutual Group was founded in 1935 by credit union pioneers, and our commitment to their vision continues today. We offer insurance and protection for credit unions, employees and members; lending solutions and marketing programs; TruStage®-branded consumer insurance products; and investment and retirement services to help our customers succeed. More information is available on the company’s website at www.cunamutual.com.
CUNA Mutual Group is the marketing name for CUNA Mutual Holding Company, a mutual insurance holding company, its subsidiaries and affiliates. Life, accident, health and annuity insurance products are issued by CMFG Life Insurance Company. Property and casualty insurance products are issued by CUMIS Insurance Society, Inc. Each insurer is solely responsible for the financial obligations under the policies and contracts it issues. Corporate headquarters are located in Madison, Wis.