November 24, 2009

RACE REGISTRATION OPENS TO THE PUBLIC DECEMBER 1
YOUR GUARANTEED RACE ENTRY CODES WILL BE COMING SOON!

Race officials have instituted a new lottery system this year, enabling the general public to try to gain entry between December 1 and December 10. After that, your Guaranteed Race Entry codes will be in high demand! I’ll be coordinating all Guaranteed Race Entry codes – both those you receive as a sponsor as well as those earned for each volunteer you sent to the 2009 race – so watch for my email. These codes can be used to register runners until March 1, 2010. You can request additional codes or printed forms by clicking here, as supplies last.

CU Volunteer and Fundraising Coordinators attend inaugural training with the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run organizers at the National Building Museum.

VOLUNTEER & FUNDRAISING TRAINING A SUCCESS

A free Volunteer and Fundraising Coordinator training program took place on November 18 in the auditorium of the National Building Museum.

• Representatives from 12 credit unions heard Race Director Phil Stewart’s overview of the race and its significance to the worldwide running community and Washington, D.C. opinion makers. He also explained the entry code process. 
• Michelle Carter gave an overview of volunteer assignments and asked coordinators to think about their teams’ preferences on Saturday (Expo and set up) and Sunday (race day water stops, course marshals, start/finish line duties). If you know how your volunteers would like to participate, send Michelle an e-mail to make your request by Dec. 1 for Saturday, and Jan. 15 for Sunday.  Beginning January 1, coordinators will have access to the online database to register volunteers, and all teams will be issued their assignments by March 1. 
• Representing Children’s Miracle Network, Patty Jasper-Zellner talked about the positive impact the race and related activities have had on Children’s Hospitals across the country, including Children’s National Medical Center in D.C.  She shared a copy of the credit union fundraising toolkit which is packed with ideas you can use this year.  For a copy of the toolkit, contact me at info@cucherryblossomrun.org

Credit union organizations and credit unions presented a check for $37,343 to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin at the Wisconsin Credit Union League’s office in Madison recently. Participating were Derick Stace-Naughton, CUNA Mutual Group; Harley Skjervem, CUNA; Christine Rockweit, president, Fond du Lac Credit Union; Josie Collins, NCUF; Keri Brunelle, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin/Health System Foundation; Sheila McNeal, CUNA Mutual Group; Brett Thompson, president, The Wisconsin Credit Union League; Mark Condon, CUNA; Tom Liebe, government affairs, The Wisconsin Credit Union League; Christopher Roe, senior vice president, corporate/legislative affairs, CUNA Mutual Group.

WISCONSIN CU MOVEMENT PRESENTS CHECK TO LOCAL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
RAISED $81,743 FOR STATE HOSPITALS THROUGH CHERRY BLOSSOM ACTIVITIES

Wisconsin credit unions and affiliated industry organizations contributed more than $81,000 in 2009 to the state’s system of Children’s Miracle Network hospitals. The most recent contribution of $37,343 - made as part of a check presentation at the Wisconsin Credit Union League's office across from the state capital - will benefit Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee.

“Because of state credit union fund raising, the credit union movement is proud to contribute to Wisconsin Children’s Miracle Network-affiliated hospitals,” said Christopher Roe, senior vice president, corporate/legislative affairs, CUNA Mutual Group, and a member of the Board of Directors of Credit Union Miracle Day, Inc.

MEET YOUR HARD WORKING AND COMMITTED VOLUNTEER CUMD BOARD

FUNDRAISING

Thanks to NAFCU Services Corporation for its commitment to donate $2 to Children’s Miracle Network for each CU Look Up t-shirt sold. These vibrant new shirts promote the credit union difference and helps consumers locate a local credit union they may be eligible to join. Visit our website for other great fundraising ideas from your peers and add your ideas to the list simply by emailing info@cucherryblossomrun.org.

Sarah Turner

Director, Credit Union Miracle Day

P.S. Be sure to bookmark our new URL (www.cucherryblossomrun.org) and check often for updates!