Indiana's credit unions raise more than $100,000 for Riley Hospital
Record-breaking amount presented at telethon
June 4, 2001

Indianapolis-At the annual Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Telethon held June 2 Indiana’s credit unions contributed a record-breaking $107,828.75. Representatives of Indiana’s credit unions appeared on a portion of the telethon that was broadcast from James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. Riley is the only CMN hospital in the state.

Credit Unions for Kids is a national credit union effort to raise money for children’s hospitals throughout the country. In Indiana, the Indiana Credit Union League organizes the program, which is open to participation by all 236 member credit unions.

Funds raised by Credit Unions for Kids totaled $87,630.16. An additional $20,198.59 was raised for the Light Up a Child’s Life Campaign through the sale of Holiday Cards at credit union offices statewide.

In 1996-97 the money raised by credit unions was used to establish Rehab 1-2-3, a state-of-the-art rehabilitation center where the Credit Union for Kids logo is prominently displayed as part of the entry way floor tiles. Contributions in subsequent years have gone to maintain Rehab 1-2-3. Last year’s contribution was targeted for the Medical Service Area (MSA), an outpatient clinic which opened last summer. The new MSA offers rehabilitation services similar to Rehab 1-2-3 on an outpatient basis. This year’s contribution is being used for Rehab 1-2-3 and for pain diversion therapy.

Most credit unions accept donations from members and staff one dollar at a time. Donors are recognized with the familiar paper balloons that feature the donor’s handwritten name. These balloons decorate credit union teller lines from Merrillville to Evansville and just about every city in between. Additionally, there are a number of creative approaches to raising money for the hospital. These include partnerships with local vendors, golf outings featuring professional athletes, sales of calendars by child-artists, drive-up windshield washes, raffles and more. The credit union philosophy of “People Helping People” is personified by the variety and volume of participation in this statewide fundraiser.

Back to News Release Index