RALEIGH, N.C.– A group of avid runners and walkers from State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) was in Washington, D.C. representing Team SECU in the 2022 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run and 5K Run-Walk.
SECU also served as a sponsor for the event, which benefits Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) and children’s hospitals nationwide.
Danielle Gilleland, SECU’s VP-card services--loss control, was a first-time participant in the event and gladly made the trip from North Carolina to don her Team SECU shirt and walk for a great cause.
“I was excited to learn of SECU’s sponsorship of the Cherry Blossom Run and I’m so thankful for the opportunity to participate. It was an incredibly rewarding experience and something I am quite proud of,” said Gilleland.
The Credit Union Cherry Blossom Run, held in April each year during the National Cherry Blossom Festival, is sponsored solely by the credit union industry – credit unions, credit union suppliers, and supporters. The annual event is a golden opportunity for America’s credit unions to gather with a shared vision – to bring awareness to the credit union difference and to impact the lives of sick children and their families.
Proceeds from the event support 170 children’s hospitals, including several in North Carolina. More than $9 million has been donated to CMN hospitals since sponsorship began in 2002, SECU reported.
“SECU has been a proud sponsor of the Cherry Blossom Run for many years,” said Leigh Brady, chief operating officer of State Employees’ Credit Union. “Going the distance alongside a sea of competitive credit union colleagues with a goal of providing life-saving treatment and care for children in need is a spectacular way of demonstrating the positive impact that credit unions are making across the nation. This is a fun event and complements our employees’ support for North Carolinians and the communities we serve.”