PHOENIX–Desert Financial Credit Union raised nearly $500,000 during its annual Children’s Miracle Network Charity Golf Tournament here.
As the credit union marks the 20th-anniversary of the tournament, Desert Financial said it raised a record-breaking $450,000 to benefit “1 Darn Cool School” at Phoenix Children’s Hospital (PCH).
Each year, the event continues to focus on raising funds for PCH through Children’s Miracle Network (CMN), an international non-profit organization operating for the sole purpose of providing funds for children's hospitals, medical research and fostering community awareness of children's health issues.
“For 20 incredible years, Desert Financial has proudly hosted the Children’s Miracle Network Charity Golf tournament,” said Ron Amstutz, executive vice president of Desert Financial. “As always, we appreciate all of the generous tournament participants who joined us in an effort to once again strengthen and support ‘1 Darn Cool School.”’
The annual golf tournament originated in 1998, and in that time has raised more than $5.5 million dollars for PCH and CMN, Desert Financial reported. PCH is one of very few hospitals in the United States that retains its own teaching staff at “1 Darn Cool School,” thereby providing patients with the ability to keep up with school work, and an essential sense of normalcy and routine they need to increase their mental stimulation during care, the credit union noted.
“The innovative educational model delivers quality schooling for children who are enduring extended treatment at the facility,” said Desert Financial. “The school remains open five days per week throughout the year and provides personalized instruction for youth in grades K-12. Additionally, for children whose conditions are truly debilitating and prevent them from leaving their rooms, convenient bedside instruction is also available.”