FLINT, Mich.–With a record number of votes cast, Hurley Children’s Hospital here has won the Credit Unions for Kids’ Vote for Miracles campaign, winning the top $50,000 prize.
In all, five hospitals are splitting the $100,000 in total prize money available with the funds compliments of CO-OP Financial Services. This year marks the third year in a row Hurley has won the voting.
Voting to the public opened on Dec. 18, with credit unions and the general public selecting their favorite Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. According to Credit Unions for Kids, a record 680,000 votes were cast this year.
Hurley Children’s Hospital won by 1,833 votes over Helen Devos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids, Mich. Over the weekend, a local donor pledged an additional $20,000 to Hurley Children’s Hospital if it won the vote, meaning it $70,000 in all.
Hurley Children’s Hospital said it will spend the funds to support its pediatric programs.
“Miracles do happen when a community comes together,” read a post on the Hurley Medical Center Facebook page. “Thank-you from the bottom of our hearts.”
During the promotion two celebrities appeared in videos for credit unions to urge members to vote. Comedian Bill Engvall appeared in a video for Parlin DuPont Employees FCU, which can be viewed here. Former NFL great Steve Young appeared in a video for Ultra Fedearl Credit Union here.
Here are the five credit unions that will be receiving funds from CO-OP Financial Services:
1st place ($50,000) – Hurley Children’s Hospital, 240,025 votes
2nd place ($20,000) – Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, 238,542 votes
3rd place ($15,000) – Mercy Children’s Hospital, 41,518 votes
4th place ($10,000) – Baylor Scott & White McLane Children’s Medical Center, 39,364 votes
5th place ($5,000) – Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital, 20,466 votes
In addition, Lake Michigan Credit Union received the most votes and will have the opportunity to participate in the check presentation to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital on behalf of America’s credit unions and CO-OP Financial Services.