FARGO, N.D.–Ten individual North Dakota credit unions and the Credit Union Association of the Dakotas (CUAD) recently teamed up to win $25,000 for North Dakotas’ Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, Sanford Children’s in Fargo, ND.
The prize, which was being offered to all credit union associations in the United States by CO-OP Financial Services, was awarded to the state with the highest percentage of credit unions participating in the Shop for Miracles fundraiser. North Dakota won the contest with 25% of the state’s credit unions signed up for the one day fundraiser.
Two weeks prior to the winning announcement, CUAD learned that the state of North Dakota was tied for first place. With that amount of money in play, the Association reached out to several credit unions around the state to try to engage more participants, and the credit unions responded.
“This was a unique opportunity to collectively win a very large amount of money for our local Children’s Hospital,” stated Shawn Brummer, Director of Communications for CUAD. “Credit unions are well known for their cooperative principles, so doing this together was instinctive and natural – and of course, the competitive spirit of the fundraiser made for a bit of excitement and anticipation.”
The ten North Dakota credit unions’ pledges amounted to a donation of $7,404 – which was then matched by CO-OP Financial Services. Together with the $25,000 prize, the total amount raised for the hospital was $39,808.
“In partnership with CO-OP Financial, North Dakota credit unions have had a long successful relationship with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals,” said Jeff Olson, President/CEO of CUAD. “We are proud of that partnership and this contribution is a direct result of our credit unions coming together to earn this recognition and provide necessary support to our local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital right here in North Dakota. It is an honor to receive this gift from CO-OP Financial Services on behalf of our participating credit unions and members and we celebrate knowing that this donation will help many local families who are facing some of the most tragic situations that a family can face, when a child becomes sick or injured.”
The 10 North Dakota credit unions that participated were: Capital Credit Union, Bismarck; Fargo VA Federal CU, Fargo; First Community CU, Jamestown, Flasher Community CU, Flasher; Hometown CU, Kulm; Northern Tier FCU, Minot; Prairie Federal CU, Minot, Railway CU, Mandan, Town & Country CU, Minot, and United Savings CU, Fargo.
At right, from left,Holly Ellegard, Sanford Children’s Hospital Manager; Wendy Iwerks, Sanford Child Life Specialist; Emily McDaniel, Associate Development Officer, Sanford Health Foundation; Hillery Mork, Development Manager, Sanford Health Foundation; Jacque Dudgeon, Town & Country CU Branch Manager; Vicki Oberg, Sanford Director of Nursing; Jana Thune, CEO Fargo VA FCU; Jeff Olson, President/CEO CUAD; Nick Woodard, CEO United Savings CU; Shawn Marie Brummer, Director of Communications, CUAD; Jim Schaefbauer, VP Member Services, Capital CU.