Great Lakes credit unions and Credit Unions for Kids set to raise critical donations for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals with the support of the 2024 Board of Directors

In the Cellar is thrilled to announce the distinguished slate of credit union leaders dedicating their time and talents to serve the 2024 Board of Directors. This year’s board comprises a dynamic group of philanthropic leaders committed to advancing the mission of In the Cellar in partnership with Credit Unions for Kids.

Chaired by Tansley Stearns, president & ceo of Community Financial Credit Union out of Plymouth, MI, the 2024 Board of Directors brings together respected leaders from across the Great Lakes, each bringing their unique expertise and shared passion to make a difference in the lives of children in their communities. Together, they will ensure In the Cellar solidifies its place as a marquee event for Credit Unions for Kids in the Midwest.

“I am honored to walk beside this group of leaders,” said Tansley Stearns, Board Chair. “With their dedication and support, we are ensuring In the Cellar is set to deliver a lasting legacy for the kiddos and we will continue to watch that ripple grow.”

Members of the Board are:

· Vice Chair Tom Kane, President & CEO of Envisant

· Secretary Elry Armaza, chief of staff at Community Financial Credit Union

· Treasurer Beth Schnabel, director of strategic events at Community Financial Credit Union

· Director Brad Bergmooser, President & CEO at Financial Plus Credit Union

· Director Laurie Butz, President & CEO at Capital Credit Union

· Director Jason Osterhage, CEO at Everwise Credit Union

· Associate Board Member, Tammy Williams, VP of Culture and Learning & Development at Capital Credit Union

Hosted on Friday, September 22, 2023 at the Henry Ford Museum in Detroit, MI, In the Cellar came to life and started a ripple across the Great Lakes. Dressed in their best, over 300 credit union leaders gathered and brought the credit union mission to life through their generosity and giving spirit and helped make credit union history! In the Cellar has solidified its place as a top five fundraiser for CU4Kids and first signature event in the Midwest. Setting a first-year fundraising record for CU4Kids, the inaugural event brought it over $900,000.

“We invite the credit union community to raise their hand and join us on Friday, September 20, 2024, as we come together to make a difference in the lives of children and their families,” adds Stearns. “With the support of the Board of Directors and our generous partners, I know we have the power to bring impossible dreams to life and provide important resources for mental health programs for the children across our Great Lakes communities and beyond.”

This year’s event will be hosted at Chicago’s historic Union Station and promises to surprise and delight each guest with an unforgettable evening featuring great wine, incredible food, live entertainment, all surrounded by good friends in support of an incredible cause. 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 support from the generosity of community partners, like credit unions.

Through these donations, CMN Hospitals like Helen DeVos Children's Hospital of Grand Rapids can provide treatments and support patients desperately need today, so that they can fulfill their potential for tomorrow. “Credit Unions have had huge impacts on kids like Braylen and Rylee, who were born prematurely, and needed occupational and speech therapies. Braylen and Rylee have overcome their health challenges through vital treatments and therapies funded by our local credit unions, through Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. Through the generosity of our Credit Unions 4 Kids partners, advancements are being made every day to change kids' health to change the future,” stated Charlotte Alex, Director at Corewell Health, Helen DeVos Children’s.

To learn more about this year’s event and to learn how you can get involved, please visit www.inthecellar.org or contact Beth Schnabel at bschnabel@cfcu.org.