According to Jim Blaine, CEO of State Employees Credit Union (NC), The diversity among credit unions often makes it difficult for us to speak with one voice. The Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run is one of those rare opportunities for credit unions to unite at the national level on a positive note for a positive purpose.
The Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run is an internationally recognized race drawing more than 12,000 participants, explains Blaine. There is no other event solely sponsored by credit unions which offers such enormous potential: the potential to impact the lives of sick children in all 50 states; the potential to make a difference locally; and the potential to showcase the Credit Union Difference nationally.
State Employees of North Carolina is one of the 130 credit unions hailing from 21 states that have pledged support for the 2007 event which benefits Childrens Miracle Network (CMN). This years fundraising goal of $1 million will help provide charitable care to 17 million patients of 170 affiliated Childrens Hospitals throughout North America.
The way in which race-related fundraising efforts are structured is unique: 100% of proceeds generated by sponsor fundraising is returned to local Childrens Hospitals, so every dollar donated flows back to a hospital in the sponsors community, says Blaine. This combination of national exposure and local giving is powerful and should attract the support of all credit unions throughout the U.S.
Blaine continued, As credit unions continue to consolidate and competition with banks intensifies, it is more important than ever to show all Americans that credit unions do practice what we preach people helping people.
We, as credit unions, are often slow in the uptake on important issues. We hesitate and the opportunity is lost. The Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run is just such an opportunity. We need to run with it!
For more information about the 2007 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run taking place on April 1, visit www.MiracleDay.org or contact Sarah Turner, Director, Credit Union Miracle Day.
