SACRAMENTO, CA (April 26, 2021) — The annual Credit Union SacTown Run — held virtually this year due to ongoing COVID-19 pandemic concerns — raised $200,050 for 11 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals throughout California and Nevada!

Instead of running in the downtown Sacramento vicinity, this year staff and members from credit unions and credit union-related companies throughout California and Nevada ran or walked the equivalent of a 5K on their own from April 10 – 20.

Those interested can STILL DONATE to their local CMN Hospital by visiting  https://bit.ly/CUforKids  (fundraising is open through May 20). A press conference and check presentation to CMN Hospitals took place on April 21.

Each participant of the 2021 event received a custom race face mask, commemorative race bib, and a finisher’s medal from the Sacramento Running Association, which hosted the event.

“Once again, we were honored to work with the Sacramento Running Association in hosting such a great event to raise much needed funds for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals throughout both states,” said Diana Dykstra, president and CEO of the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues. “These donations will help kids get the care and treatment they need, thanks to a number of credit unions and businesses in California and Nevada.”

John Pamer, chair of the CU SacTown Run and CEO of Diablo Valley FCU, said the race plans to go back to its “live” format next year. “But we aren’t waiting until then to help the children and families who need treatment and care at CMN Hospitals,” Pamer added. “Our stakeholders are just as committed as always to raising funds and awareness. The need is constant, and so is our commitment to helping people.”

Bill Cheney, CEO of SchoolsFirst FCU, said he and so many others were honored to be “enthusiastic champions” of CMN Hospitals and longtime participants in the CU SacTown Run. “Supporting our local children’s hospitals and helping kids and their families speaks directly to our values as a credit union,” Cheney said. “Participating in events like the Credit Union SacTown Run gives us a chance to act on those values, as well as engage our team, which is incredibly important.”

As the Superhero Sponsor of this year’s run, CO-OP Financial Services wants to thank and congratulate all runners and the more than 30 credit unions involved in organizing this year’s virtual event. “It is very gratifying to be a part of an effort — in spite of the pandemic — that raised more than $200,000 to help sick children receive the medical care they need,” said Joe Franklin, vice president of experiential marketing and engagement for CO-OP.

Currently, there are nearly 125 fundraisers, with more joining every day! The top three credit union teams are SchoolsFirst FCU, USE CU, and Cal State LA FCU. Runners, walkers, and fundraisers are also raising money via fundraising webpages.

Major sponsors of the event included CO-OP Financial Services, the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues, Golden 1 CU, FirstTech CU, Patelco CU, SAFE CU, SchoolsFirst FCU, Travis CU, Wescom CU, CUNA Mutual Group, and CU Direct.

The Credit Union SacTown Run is sponsored by credit unions and related businesses in California and Nevada, including the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues. The run raises money for Children’s Miracle Network hospitals in California and Nevada and is designed to increase national awareness of credit unions. The Sacramento Running Association, the same group that hosts the California International Marathon, hosts the SacTown Run. The run traditionally features a 10-mile race, the UC Davis Children’s Hospital Miracle Mile fun run and fitness walk, and a 5K, and starts and ends at the California state capitol in Sacramento. For more information, visit https://runsra.org/sactown-run/