CUANM, CUs complete $1 million CMN campaign

We did it! On March 9, Credit Union Association of New Mexico staff, representatives from its member credit unions and University of New Mexico Children's Hospital and Children's Miracle Network staff celebrated the completion of their five-year campaign to raise $1 million for the pediatric emergency unit at UNMCH. Special guests at the event were Miracle Kids Kevin Mendoza and Evan Donnelly.

"It's all about them," U.S. New Mexico Federal Credit Union CEO Jim Raquet told the crowd at the reception held at UNMCH. Commemorative posters were given out to attending credit unions and special guests at the event.

How it all began

In 2004, Robert Chavez, executive vice president at Sandia Laboratory Federal Credit Union, and Chris Fitzgerald, CEO of Rio Grande Credit Union, met with CUANM CEO Sylvia Lyon. The two CEOs were part of the hospital’s Allocations Committee. Concerned that more money needed to be raised to help the hospital's young patients, they had the idea that credit unions together could make a real difference and impact at the hospital. They approached CUANM CEO Sylvia Lyon with an idea for a campaign to raise $1 million in five years for a pediatric emergency unit in the hospital's new addition.

A Steering Committee was formed, a plan made and the CUANM Board voted to support the campaign. CUANM staff enthusiastically embraced the idea to spearhead the campaign for the credit unions and also created the Silver Star Gala and Golf Classic to raise additional funds.

“It is extremely gratifying over the years to see the unique and creative ways our participating credit unions have raised money. We have seen cookbook sales, Frito pie sales, revenue from coin counting machines, golf tournaments, raffles, and plenty of other methods,” Lyon said.

“These ideas really demonstrated that when given an opportunity to make a difference, credit unions will rise to the challenge every time to help their communities. And I think they particularly liked the idea that they would be helping New Mexico children who really needed extra help.”

CUs make a difference

The pediatric ER has now been open since 2007. It is specially built, equipped and staffed to treat youngsters and sits safely behind a secure door across from the regular ER.

The pediatric ER helps thousands of children from all over the state every year and, with the generous help of New Mexico’s credit unions, is able to treat the children who come there from your community with topnotch equipment in a state-of-the-art facility for the very best care.

Thank you. Without your help, we could not have done it. Credit unions of New Mexico, you’ve made a difference, a big difference. Congratulations!