New in 2024: Bourbon, BBQ and Bands hosted by the Cornerstone League and Night of Miracles, hosted by the League of Southeastern Credit Unions.

Credit unions have been proud partners of CMN Hospitals through CU4Kids since 1996 and have raised more than $200 million locally for children’s hospitals across the United States and Canada. Although there are many ways to contribute, a primary source of fundraising for the CU4Kids program comes from signature events. In 2024, two new events are being added to the CU4Kids event lineup.

BOURBON, BBQ AND BANDS

On Friday, October 11, credit unions and system partners from across the Cornerstone region and beyond, including Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas, will come together to celebrate Credit Unions for Kids and host the Bourbon, BBQ and Bands event. With over 25 local Children’s hospitals in the region, the funds raised at this event will help change kids’ health to change the future. In addition to live entertainment from multi-platinum entertainer Russell Dickerson and popular recording trio Runaway June, revelers will enjoy an array of bourbons, delicious barbeque, auctions and more – all while benefiting the thousands of children treated at CMN Hospitals each year.

Nolan, a patient at CHRISTUS Children’s Hospital in San Antonio, Texas, was likely born with a microscopic tumor undetectable to the naked eye. Just two weeks after seeing a specialist, Nolan’s left eye was surgically removed and replaced with an orbital implant to keep his eye muscles in shape while he healed. Thanks to donations through events such as the Bourbons, BBQ and Bands, CHRISTUS Children’s can fund surgical innovation and cancer care, both of which have been instrumental in Nolan’s treatment.

“Credit unions throughout the Cornerstone region have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for Credit Unions for Kids, and we knew we could do even more by joining forces,” said Caroline Willard, CEO of Cornerstone League. “I am inspired by the passion driving this initiative, and I am confident Bourbon, BBQ and Bands will have a significant impact as credit unions and our industry partners step up to lend support," she said – noting that PSCU just came on board as the first Top Shelf sponsor. For a sneak peek at Bourbon, BBQ and Bands, click here to hear Caroline reveal exciting details.

NIGHT OF MIRACLES

On Wednesday, November 13, the League of Southeastern Credit Unions will host Night of Miracles in Tampa, Florida, at the Tampa Museum of Art. This event is a formal gala that will bring together credit unions from Alabama, Florida and Georgia and industry partners and attendees from across the United States. “LSCU is thrilled to unite credit unions in our three-state region around the mission of supporting medical debt reduction and family financial wellbeing. It’s motivating to see the excitement already brewing for this Night of Miracles with a planning committee of over 60 credit union, league and CMN Hospitals representatives!”, stated Samantha A.M. Beeler, President, League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates. For the event save the date, click on this link: https://lscu.coop/education/cmn/

Local CMN Hospitals such as John Hopkins in Tampa can improve the health of their community thanks to the generosity of events like Night of Miracles. “Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital is a premiere clinical and academic health system, providing compassionate and expert pediatric care for infants, children and teens with some of the most challenging medical problems,” says Stephanie Hall, Director of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and Cause Programs. “Our CMN Hospitals donations are used where needed most; helping support research, purchase equipment, and provide programs, services and care for the thousands of patients we see each year. We are extremely grateful for the Credit Unions for Kids community. Their longtime and very generous support is helping us change kids health to change the future.”

Each dollar that is raised through CU4Kids helps improve the health of kids and allow them the opportunity to grow to their full potential. And they couldn't do it without the generosity of millions of members in the local community. Through these donations, CMN hospitals can provide treatments and support patients desperately need today, so that they can fulfill their potential for tomorrow.