PORTLAND, Ore.— Credit union leaders and business partners gathered in Portland, raising $1.53 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals across the GoWest Credit Union Association region.
The event set a fundraising record for Credit Unions for Kids (CU4Kids), a program founded in the GoWest region nearly 40 years ago that has since become the credit union movement’s national charity in support of pediatric care.
“We came to MAXX ready to bring the magic for the kids, and our credit union community didn’t disappoint,” said GoWest President and CEO Troy Stang. “Credit unions didn’t just hit our fundraising goal, they blew out the big top and created more magic, miracles and memories! The impact of this movement and generosity of credit unions is unmatched.”
The champion child, 8-year-old Hazel, has a rare genetic disorder, PCDH19-epilepsy which causes frequent seizures and other challenges. Since finding Children’s Hospital, Hazel and her family have gotten medical expertise and unwavering support. Today, Hazel is thriving, with a charismatic personality and an ability to light up a room, the league explained.
“Her story, like so many others, is a reminder that when credit unions come together, they do more than raise money; they help children heal, families hope, and communities believe in miracles again,” the league said.
“The true impact of this effort isn’t measured in dollars, it’s measured in hope and impact for every family and child,” Stang added. “That’s the credit union difference, and it’s what makes our movement unstoppable.”