CU4Kids Auction Shines Bright With $1.53 Million Raised for Kids

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on October 15, 2026

The Champion Family spread out Piper's Beads of Courage after sharing her story of care at Children's Hospital Colorado.

For four decades, credit unions have come together to help change children’s lives through Credit Unions for Kids. On Oct. 8, that legacy took center stage in Denver as the credit union community gathered for Moonlight & Miracles: Where the Stars Align for Kids, the 2026 CU4Kids Benefit Auction.

Raising $1.53 million for Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) hospitals located across the GoWest region, the night reaffirmed the purpose behind the Credit Unions for Kids (CU4Kids) movement. Born in the GoWest region, CU4Kids has grown into the Credit Union Movement’s national “charity of choice,” channeling the cooperative spirit into life-saving care for children and families who need it most.

“Forty years of Credit Unions for Kids is a remarkable example of what happens when our Movement comes together around something bigger than any one organization,” said Troy Stang, GoWest’s President and CEO. “Every auction bid, every partnership, and every act of generosity adds another light to the constellation. Together, those lights have helped bring hope and care to children and families when they need it most.”

Last year, the CU4Kids Benefit Auction at MAXX raised a previously record-breaking $1.5 million for Children’s Miracle Network hospitals, thanks to the generosity of credit unions, business partners, and industry supporters. This year’s event built on that momentum while celebrating four decades of impact and looking toward the next 40 years of helping kids and families.

The evening blended fun, friendly competition, and generosity in support of a meaningful cause. Attendees took part in games, heard from Dr. David Brumbaugh of Children’s Hospital Colorado, celebrated the $125,000 Pints With Purpose donation, and helped make the auction of Radio Flyer Hero Wagons a highlight of the night. Through it all, the purpose remained front and center: raising critical funds for Children’s Miracle Network hospitals and the children and families who count on their care.

That mission took on a personal meaning as attendees heard from Piper, the 2026 CU4Kids Champion Child, whose journey reflects the life-changing care made possible through Children’s Miracle Network hospitals. At age 4, Piper began experiencing pain and losing function in her right hand. Doctors at Children’s Hospital Colorado discovered a golf ball-sized tumor pressing against her spinal cord and diagnosed her with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. Her treatment was a long journey, and today, Piper is cancer-free and thriving.

“We are so grateful to have our beautiful, brave, compassionate girl with us today — a delicate reality considering not all families have the same outcome to their story,” Doug Lardes, Piper’s dad, shared from the stage during the auction program. “Piper is here today because Children’s Hospital Colorado was there. Children’s Hospital Colorado was there because YOU are here today!”

“I’m so grateful to help bring this night to life and to see our credit union community show up with so much heart and generosity,” said Lexy Strong, GoWest’s Director of CU Communities and the champion behind the annual event. “Raising $1.53 million for our children’s hospitals is something we can all be incredibly proud of.”

Posted in CU4Kids, MAXX.