A Publication of
the University
of New Mexico
Foundation, Inc.
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A Publication of the University of New Mexico Foundation, Inc. |
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By Melayna Ortiz
"Thanks for making miracles possible!" reads the Zia Credit Union Web site, praising employees and members for contributing to Credit Unions for Kids, a program that helps Children's Miracle Network hospitals throughout the United States. In New Mexico, many credit unions participate in the statewide campaign. Dollars raised from Credit Unions for Kids, sponsored by the Credit Union National Association, allow the Children's Hospital of New Mexico (CHNM) to acquire new equipment, such as ventilators or innovative machinery like the Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) machine. They also fund the Child Life Program that helps children cope with their illnesses during their hospital stays. Sonya Warwick, development specialist at CHNM, comments, "Several of the credit unions have given wonderful support so far this [fiscal] year and have raised about $45,000 for CHNM through stuffed bear and balloon sales. They are quite invested and have a great time doing it." To date, the Del Norte Credit Union, Rio Grande Credit Union, Sandia Laboratories Federal Credit Union and State Employees Credit Union each have raised more than $5,000. Other participating credit unions are Albuquerque VA Federal Credit Union, Chino Federal Credit Union, First Financial Credit Union, Los Alamos Schools Credit Union, New Mexico Central Credit Union and Zia Credit Union. Credit union involvement with CHNM has increased since the Children's Miracle Network began nationally in the mid-'80s. Tony Gardella, senior marketing coordinator at Sandia Laboratories Federal Credit Union (SLFCU), remarks, "Our first year we sold the paper balloons, but now we have expanded our efforts to include selling the Gund bears and candy bouquets during Valentine's Day." In addition to the bear and balloon sales, each credit union contributes with internal fund-raising events. Gardella comments, "Internally we raise money for the hospital by having raffles for days off with time donated by the Credit Union National Association." Another favorite among SLFCU employees involves Credit Unions for Kids stickers. For $10, employees can purchase four of these stickers, which allow them to wear jeans to work along with the stickers on their shirts. Gardella says, "Attire for business is formal and this gives employees an opportunity to wear casual clothing and at the same time explain to members why they are doing so." Of 170 employees, more than 50 percent participate in the program in some fashion. Gardella proudly acknowledges that SLFCU has raised nearly $11,000 this year for CHNM. On Sept. 28, 2001 the Zia Credit Union hosted a golf tournament at the Los Alamos Golf Course to help raise funds for CHNM. Several Zia Credit Union employees paid the $100 entry fee to spend a day on the golf course and at the same time raise money for the hospital. The event raised $2,387 with gifts still coming in at press time. Participants purchased CHNM paper balloons, bears, T-shirts and watches at the event. The Zia Credit Union Web site allowed members to print a payment coupon and make donations from their accounts to the Children's Miracle Network in care of the credit union. Credit unions publicize their involvement with the Children's Miracle Network and CHNM through tellers, phone center representatives, newsletters and various Web sites. Collaboration between credit union employees and their members has been phenomenal, and that makes miracles possible.
UNM
Foundation Inc. 505-277-4503 Copyright
© 2006 The University of New Mexico. |
Winter 2002
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