The race for children & credit union advocacy

Running enthusiasts and credit union activists, as well as those wanting to check one of Washingtonian Magazine’s “things to do in Washington, D.C.,” off their bucket list, will all converge in the nation’s capital for the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run®. Held on April 2 to coincide with the National Cherry Blossom Festival, the run is an important opportunity to gain awareness for the credit union industry on Capitol Hill. The race also benefits a cause near and dear to many participants’ hearts: Children’s Miracle Network.

With a new Congress firmly in power, this year’s 45th annual race will be instrumental in showcasing the value of the credit union community and the credit union movement at a local level. More than 15,000 runners including hundreds of influential legislators and over 500 credit union volunteers participate in this world-class event. Credit unions provide the volunteer manpower behind the event, as well as much needed financial support for the one in 10 children who enter a Children’s Hospital annually for treatment, cures and hope.

Alongside Credit Union Miracle Day, Inc. (CUMD), a group of credit unions and credit union suppliers and the title sponsor of the run, PSCU and CUNA Mutual Group are the lead sponsors for this year’s Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run. Not only does the event make a positive impact on the lives of children in need, it also puts credit union community involvement on center stage for members of the new Congress and other D.C.-area influencers. The race complements the active lobbying efforts of CUNA and NAFCU, both credit union trade associations. The combination of these lobbying efforts and the participation of staffers from the Senate and House of Representatives ensures elected officials more clearly understand the importance of credit unions in the community.

For credit unions and the CUSOs that serve them, the commitment to helping children is a natural part of community involvement efforts. Since 2002, CUMD’s Family of Races collaboration has donated more than $7.5 million to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals under the umbrella of Credit Unions for Kids. For the tenth year in a row, PSCU is excited to help financially support the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run. PSCU’s sponsorship helps ensure the donations raised by participating credit unions and runners go directly to local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

What is equally meaningful about the event is that it provides the perfect opportunity to increase awareness on Capitol Hill about credit unions’ dedication to helping their local communities thrive. More than 231 members of Congress are Honorary Race Chairs and nearly 1,000 Capitol Hill staffers participate in the run. There is no greater platform to get in front of key political figures to emphasize the dedication of credit unions across the nation to community service and white hat efforts.

PSCU’s excitement goes well beyond the race. As the nation’s leading CUSO, we are honored to assist credit unions that are recognized for the committed service they provide every day to the communities in which they operate. By working together to provide essential and fairly priced financial services to millions of hardworking Americans, we take great pleasure in seeing the incredible difference this commitment can make.

For more information about the CUMD Family of Races, visit www.miracleday.org.