Credit Unions for Kids to Celebrate Receiving Founder’s Award

December 14, 2023

All credit unions are encouraged to gather in April to celebrate receiving this year’s Founder’s Award from Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals).

The award event, held during Children’s Hospitals Week, offers a moment to rally around the incredible work of raising critical funds through Credit Unions for Kids (CU4Kids). CMN Hospitals honors credit unions supporting their members and the local community.

The highly prestigious Founder’s Award is given to distinguished individuals or organizations who make amazing contributions to CMN Hospitals. These contributions positively impact and benefit member hospitals, including time, effort, talent, significant personal commitment, or a leadership role. This award is not given out every year – only in special instances. Previous winners include Steve Young, who was named in the NFL Hall of Fame, and Marriott for being the first corporate partner.

Credit unions have made a huge impact on kids like Issac and his brother, Easton, who were born at just 26 weeks and spent time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Their parents lived four hours from their local children’s hospital. Thanks to donations through CU4Kids benefiting CMN Hospitals, the parents were provided with travel expenses and support for their sons as needed, such as therapy for sensory issues, medication, and medical equipment.

Each dollar raised through CU4Kids helps improve the health of kids and allows them the opportunity to grow to their full potential. And they couldn’t do it without the generosity of millions of people in the local community. Through these donations, local member hospitals can provide treatments and support patients desperately need today, so that they can fulfill their potential for tomorrow.

“Accessing pediatric healthcare is necessary, especially in rural areas. Isaac and Easton are brothers from Missouri who spend a lot of time at the hospital, but the closest one to them that provides the necessary care is a four-hour drive away,” said Caroline Willard, President/CEO of Cornerstone Credit Union League and a member of the CU4Kids Board. “That’s a lot of gas money, time off work for mom, and other expenses. I’m proud of the credit union movement for supporting CMN Hospitals to help millions of kids each year and ensuring everyone has the healthcare they deserve, like Isaac and Easton.”

Credit unions have been proud partners of CMN Hospitals through CU4Kids since 1996 and have raised more than $200 million benefiting local member hospitals.

Visit the CU4Kids LinkedIn page to view a video from Marie Osmond announcing the award and subscribe to the CU4Kids Newsletter by visiting cu4kids.org.

Children’s Hospitals Week event information:

• When: Monday-Thursday, April 8-11
• Where: Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort in Orlando, FL
• New this year: CU4Kids Summit — an extended session for credit unions to learn philanthropic best practices from each other

Credit Unions for Kids (CU4Kids) and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals) Facts:

• The 2024 goal is to raise more than $18 million for CMN Hospitals
• Since 1996, Credit Unions for Kids has raised more than $200 million benefiting CMN Hospitals

Posted in Public Awareness, Top Headlines.