CO-OP Financial Services Reaches $1 Million Goal for Children’s Miracle Network Annual Giving Program

Record number of member credit unions participate in “Miracle Match” six months after launch

Two programs, one launched less than six months ago, have already brought CO-OP Financial Services to their annual $1 million goal of donations to Children’s Miracle Network’s (CMN) “Credit Unions for Kids” program. Children’s Miracle Network is the non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children's hospitals.

“Miracle Match,” introduced to CO-OP member credit unions earlier this year, sought to match credit union contributions at the local level, thereby expanding the dollars they already donate to stimulate new credit union giving for Children’s Miracle Network.

The results—71 member credit unions participating in record time and raising a matched total of $500,0000 through community-focused events ranging from balloon sales to golf tournaments—have members already anticipating and planning for next year’s “Miracle Match” program.

Adena Whitman Zamora, Director of Public and Political Affairs for the Alabama Credit Union League, reported a successful first-time CMN event which raised $5,700. “The ‘Miracle Match’ program is an easy way to make each dollar raised go farther. In our first year with the program, we were able to make the impact of our golf tournament and casino night more significant. Children’s Hospital in Birmingham was thrilled with the match and we were thrilled to be able to make it happen so effortlessly. We look forward to participating in ‘Miracle Match’ again next year!”

Stan Hollen, CEO of CO-OP Financial Services, credits reaching the $1 million mark in record time to the credit union spirit of people helping people.

Despite the challenges in today’s economy, giving back to the community remains a top priority for our member credit unions,” said Hollen. “The Miracle Match program aims to assist in stimulating the fundraising efforts of our members in the communities where they live and work.”

“Thanks to the Miracle Match program, we were able to surpass our previous fundraising total by leaps and bounds! “ said Ashton Holtzinger of Bay Federal Credit Union whose “CMN Month of May” campaign raised $25,188.

Liz Adams, VP of Education and Training for the Missouri Credit Union Association, echoed Holtzinger’s sentiment. “Our credit unions are very appreciative of this matching program. It really makes our fundraising efforts even greater!”

Champions Across America

“Champions Across America” is CO-OP’s second program which donates funds to Children’s Miracle Network. Entering CO-OP’s third and final year as national corporate sponsor, “Champions” chooses a child from each state who has been treated at a Children’s Miracle Network hospital as a Champion to raise awareness of the work of children’s hospitals. Champions also travel around the country to spread the message of better care at hospitals supported by CMN. This spring, Champions traveled to Walt Disney World for the annual Children’s Miracle Network Celebration, followed by a visit with President Bush at The White House.

CO-OP featured in US News & World Report

At a rate of approximately $2 million a year, CO-OP Financial Services is the largest contributor within the credit union industry, which has donated a total of more than $50 million to Children’s Miracle Network over the years. In June, CO-OP was featured in a special section of US News & World Report along with other Children’s Miracle Network partners for their respective contributions to CMN.

In a letter to CO-OP, Jim Hall, President and CEO of CMN wrote that the Miracle Match program is “unprecedented” in his organization’s history. “We believe that miracles do happen, and the credit union community makes them possible,” wrote Hall.

Applications for 2009 Miracle Match Program

CO-OP is currently accepting applications for its 2009 Miracle Match Program.

Click here to download the Miracle Match Application

Click here to download the Miracle Match Guidelines

Click here to download the Miracle Match Hospital Verification Form

Click here to download the Miracle Match Post-Event Report

Click here to download the CO-OP in the Community slipsheet

CO-OP Financial Services Fulfills the Lifelong Dream of a ‘Champion’
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