20th Annual CU4Kids Wine Auction Raises a Record Breaking $2.2 Million For Children’s Health

The Credit Unions for Kids Wine Auction celebrated its 20th annual event by raising a record-breaking $2.2 million for the eleven Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in California and Nevada at a black-tie gala held on March 14, 2025.

The black tie event, themed “Rhapsody: A Fusion of Jazz & Blues,” brought together more than 500 attendees at the Terranea Resort in Palos Verdes, California. Supported by 64 credit unions, business partners, and hospitals, guests enjoyed an unforgettable evening of exquisite cuisine, dancing, and silent and live auctions featuring over 400 donated packages of fine wine, spirits, and travel experiences. The California and Nevada Credit Unions for Kids Wine Auction remains the largest single fundraising event for Credit Unions for Kids, grossing more than $18 million since its inception in 2006.

“This evening remains a beacon of hope as we celebrate 20 years of support for such an inspirational cause,” said Bill Cheney, co-chair of this year’s event and president and CEO of SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union.

Darren Williams, president and CEO of Wescom Credit Union and co-chair of this year’s event, echoed the sentiment. “Every year, we come together with a common goal – to support CMN Hospitals in their mission to assist children and families in need. Their dedication to this important cause is truly admirable.”

This year’s special guest was 11-year-old miracle child Uma Bevacqua, who survived a traumatic avalanche in Mammoth Lakes, California. Buried under snow for 15 minutes without a heartbeat, Uma received life-saving care and rehabilitation at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. Her recovery has been nothing short of miraculous, and she now enjoys an active life, including playing volleyball.

An executive committee directs the Credit Unions for Kids Wine Auction, with the committee’s CEOs representing the benefiting hospital(s) in their area:

• Ana Fonseca, Logix FCU (Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles)
• Bill Birnie, Frontwave Credit Union (Rady Children’s Hospital)
• Bill Cheney, SchoolsFirst FCU (Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, Children’s Hospital of Orange County, UC Davis Children’s Hospital, Rady Children’s Hospital)
• Brett Martinez, Redwood CU (UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland)
• Carrie Birkhofer, Bay FCU (Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System)
• Chuck Fagan, Velera
• Darren Williams, Wescom CU (Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, CHOC Children’s)
• David Tuyo, University CU (Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles)
• Doug Wright, Mission FCU (Rady Children’s Hospital)
• Elizabeth Dooley, Educational Employees CU (Valley Children’s Healthcare System)
• Erin Mendez, Patelco CU (UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland)
• Joan Opp, Stanford FCU (UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland)
• John Cassidy, Sierra Central CU (retired) (UC Davis Children’s Hospital)
• Kathy Jumper, Orange County’s CU (Children’s Hospital of Orange County)
• Keith Sultemeier, Kinecta FCU (Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, Children’s Hospital of Orange County; Cottage Children’s Medical Center)
• Mark Meyer, Filene Research Institute
• Matt Kershaw, Clark County CU (St. Rose Dominican Hospital, Renown Children’s Hospital)
• Nader Moghaddam, Financial Partners CU (Children’s Hospital of Orange County; Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Rady Children’s Hospital)
• Nicholas Ambrosini, Valley Strong CU (Lauren Small Children’s Center at Memorial Hospital)
• Ron Sweeney, Sierra Central CU (UC Davis Children’s Hospital)
• Rudy Pereira, Premier America CU (Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles)
• Scott Simpson, CA & NV CU League
• Teresa Freeborn, Kinecta FCU (retired) (Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles)
• Terrance Williams, TruStage
• Tony Boutelle, Origence

This year’s event was made possible thanks to generous sponsors, including Origence as the title sponsor, Velera as the presenting sponsor, and premier sponsors Allied Solutions, the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues, TruStage, and Visa.

As a result of the efforts and contributions of each of these organizations, as well as the event’s sponsors, 100% of the donations received directly benefit the 11 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in California and Nevada including UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals.

The 2026 California and Nevada Credit Unions for Kids Wine Auction will take place on March 13, 2026, at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach in Dana Point, California.