Credit Unions For Kids Wins Founders Award
Credit Unions for Kids was awarded the Founder's Award at the 2023 Children’s Hospitals Week for its commitment to raising critical donations for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals
The Founder's Award is a highly prestigious award provided to a distinguished individual or organizations who have made 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 (NFL Hall of Famer) and Marriott for being the first corporate partner.
John Bratsakis, CU4Kids Advisory Board Chair and President/CEO of Maryland/DC Credit Union Association says, "Credit unions have spent decades dedicated to improving pediatric healthcare through CU4Kids. While we don't do it for the recognition, I am so proud our efforts are being highlighted through the Founders Award. Together, we have made a transformational impact for millions of kids and families - our members - and we have a lot to celebrate!"
Credit unions have made huge impacts 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 they were supported with travel expenses and continued to support their sons needed, including therapy for sensory issues, medications and medical equipment.
Each dollar that is raised through CU4Kids helps improve the health of kids and allow 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” mentions Caroline Willard, President/CEO Cornerstone Credit Union League and member of 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. Member hospitals have used funds to provide both direct financial assistance as well as community-based programs in economic developments. This allows patients to have the needed support while helping put their family’s minds at ease while they are in the hospital.
When we improve the health of all children and allow them the opportunity to reach their full potential, we also improve our communities for years to come. Whether credit unions are contributing through ATM contributions, events or making a direct donation to CU4Kids, they are creating ripple effects felt in local communities for years to come.
About Credit Unions for Kids:
Credit Unions for Kids, (CU4Kids) benefiting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® (CMN Hospitals) in collaboration with Credit Union National Association (CUNA) and was adopted as a movement and charity of choice. Credit unions with their chapters, leagues, associations and business partners throughout the U.S. donate to CU4Kids benefiting local children’s hospitals through CMN Hospitals. Whether contributing through ATM contributions, events or making direct donations to CU4Kids, credit unions are raising funds to help children’s hospitals provide the best possible care for kids, which includes providing financial, educational and emotional support for families fostering economic stability. Together, we can change kids’ health. Together, we can change the future. To learn about CU4Kids, visit CU4Kids.org.
About CMN Hospitals:
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals was founded more than 40 years ago with the vision to Change Kids’ Health, Change the Future. We’ve raised over $8.5 billion for 170 children’s hospitals by empowering and engaging with local communities and businesses – and we’re not done yet. All donations benefit local member hospitals to fund what’s needed most, like critical life-saving treatments and healthcare services, innovative research, vital pediatric medical equipment, child life services that put kids’ and families’ minds at ease during difficult hospital stays, and financial assistance for families who could not otherwise afford these health services. Together, we can change kids’ health. Together, we can change the future. To learn about Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and your local member children’s hospital, visit cmnhospitals.org.
