BISMARCK, N.D.–Credit unions in the Dakotas have had a record-breaking year in support of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
On Miracle Jeans Day, 45 individual credit unions - 23 in North Dakota and 22 in South Dakota, plus the Credit Union Association of the Dakotas (CUAD) - joined forces and raised a combined total of more than $40,600 in cash donations, according to the CUAD.
“An annual ‘friendly competition’ between the two states has driven more good-natured participation, but this year, an added challenge issued by North Star Community Credit Union was the impetus for the largest monetary donation to date,” according to the CUAD.
Bob Herrington, CEO of North Star Community CU in Maddock, N.D., issued a “throwdown challenge” to all South Dakota credit unions that North Star Community CU could single-handedly raise more money than all of South Dakota credit unions combined. Herrington said that if his CU won the challenge, Jeff Olson, president/CEO of CUAD, agreed to take a “pie in the face” along with himself live on Facebook during CUAD’s New Ideas Conference in Sioux Falls.
Credit unions in South Dakota rallied and raised $7,045 - more than twice their normal amount for the one-day event.
“But North Star was unstoppable, holding multiple fundraisers including car washes, bake sales, and taco sales in addition to their regular Miracle Jeans Day fundraiser,” the CUAD reported. “Their efforts, well-coordinated between their branches, brought in $14,206. Then, they received a Miracle Match of $10,000 from CO-OP Financial Services, bringing their contribution to more than $24,000.”
In the end, more than $40,600 was raised to support the three Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in the Dakotas: Sanford Children’s in Fargo, N.D.; Sanford Children’s in Sioux Falls, S.D., and Rapid City Regional in Rapid City, S.D.In addition, during the New Ideas Conference, items were collected for the Sioux Falls CMN Hospital, including clothes for emergency stay-overs, toys and games for patients and visiting children, and toiletries.
“Our Dakota credit union partners continue to demonstrate how enthusiasm and a commitment to serve the kids and families treated by CMN Hospitals can lead to remarkable fundraising success,” remarked Joe Dearborn, senior director for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. “These funds are critical to ensuring that our hospitals can continue to provide the finest healthcare available for the smallest and most vulnerable in our community. We applaud our Dakota credit unions for helping make that a reality.”