April 28, 2009

Thank you, and Congratulations, Sponsors, for Another Spectacular Race Year!
Because of your support, we hit our $1 million donation mark!
Despite the gloomy economic environment, credit union and business partner sponsors stepped up to plate again to help our nation’s kids in need of quality medical care, regardless of their ability to pay.  The title sponsor group, Credit Union Miracle Day, will be donating $1 million to all children’s hospitals across the country.  On-line fundraising brought in a record $95,000 from runners and others!

A special thanks to lead partner, PSCU Financial Services, which underwrites the cost of the title sponsorship, allowing more to be donated to Children’s Miracle Network hospitals.

“Thank you everyone, for making the eighth year of the sponsorship of the run such a grand success,” said Juri Valdov, Chairman of Credit Union Miracle Day, Inc.  “The tremendous level of commitment from 134 credit unions and business partners in today’s economy is nothing short of amazing.  We’re proud to be associated with each and every one of you.”

Rave reviews for all race weekend events
Starting with kick-off press conference and craft hour at the Children’s National Medical Center on Friday, April 3 and ending with the “runner’s rite of spring” run with picture-perfect weather on Sunday, April 5, the positive impact of this flagship credit union fundraiser cannot be overstated. 

• A record number of supporters attended the Press Conference, where children being treated painted porcelain pigs to be auctioned off later that day at the Gala.  Former Children’s Miracle Network Champion Greg Wagner, who at 3 years of age suffered an aneurism and stroke and now runs in marathons, spoke and inspired everyone with his determination and enthusiasm.
   
• The Gala auction featured four Champion families who related their stories about how their kids were helped by Children’s hospitals. The kids were “interviewed” by emcee Paul Berry, evoking some chuckles. Everyone had fun bidding live on the higher end items, such as a Taylor Swift signed guitar.  A fun time was had by all.  The Gala garnered $20,000 in donations for Children’s Miracle Network.
   
• The credit union booth at Saturday’s runners’ Expo at the beautiful National Building Museum featured Children’s National Medical Center and Children’s Miracle Network demonstrating with hands-on displays how the hospitals give extra special attention to the unique needs of kids.
   
• More than half of the 12,000 runners – 6,272 – at Sunday’s race were credit union members. Credit unions sent 34 teams to compete in the world-class run.  Forty five credit unions provided 600 volunteers to help out on race day. There were 477 runners and 28 teams from Capitol Hill.
   
• Camp Victory in Baghdad, Iraq simultaneously held a ten miler with 400 runners.
   
• Chris McDonald, CEO of Andrews FCU, won the wheelchair competition in the ten miler clocking in at 55:04.
   
• Mayor Adrian Fenty greeted everyone before running in the race.  See him posing with Chairman Valdov and the $1 million check.
   
• Media partners WJLA ABC Channel 7 and NewsChannel 8 were on hand to cover the story.  The race was broadcast on both TV stations one week later.  WFED 1500AM Federal News Radio featured the fundraiser in its “Community Spotlight” during the month of April.

Winners of the CU Team Competition
A new credit union team record of 3:03:31 was set by the Cash Us If You Can team from FRB FCU.  It beats by two minutes and eight seconds the old record set in 2007 by the Bank-Fund Flyers (Bank-Fund Staff FCU).

With her 1:04:26 finish, Mary Beth Muething of the FRB FCU Cash Us If You Can team finished first among all credit union female finishers, setting a new record. 

Alvin Yew finished first of all credit union team men with a time of 57:31.  He led his NASA Mercury team to a third place finish.

Fundraising dollars continue to come in
Remember to send in your credit union’s fundraising money to CUMD, PO Box 27637, Washington, DC 20038 by end of April.  The results of the fundraising competitions will be posted on our website.

Thank you to CUNA Mutual Group for increasing its sponsorship to National Business Partner level!

Welcome new Champion sponsor:  CPI Card Group.

Your commitment to the cause is greatly appreciated!

And, thank you to all the Credit Union Miracle Day board and committee members who volunteer their time year round to make this a showcase credit union event.

Sarah Turner
Director, Credit Union Miracle Day