Credit Unions for Kids’ Bourbon, BBQ & Bands Raises Over $700,000 for 26 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Within the Cornerstone Region
Fort Worth, TX — [October, 30, 2025] — The second annual Bourbon, BBQ & Bands event, hosted by Credit Unions for Kids (CU4Kids) and Cornerstone League at the iconic River Ranch Stockyards in Fort Worth, Texas, brought together 300 credit union leaders, partners, and community supporters for an unforgettable night of live music, southern flavors, and giving back. Together, they raised$707,000 to benefit 26 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® (CMN Hospitals) across Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas.
The evening celebrated the credit union movement’s commitment to improving the lives of children and families in local communities. Guests enjoyed an energetic performance from Grammy-nominated artist Hunter Hayes, along with BBQ favorites, curated bourbon tastings, and inspiring moments from patients and partners who make this mission possible.
Cornerstone League President & CEO Caroline Willard said the event showcased the generous spirit of the credit union movement.
“Every dollar raised represents a child’s chance to heal, a family’s moment of hope, and a community coming together for something bigger than ourselves,” said Willard, who is also chair of the Bourbon, BBQ & Bands executive committee, and a CU4Kids advisory board member. “That’s the heart of the credit union movement and I’m proud of how our members, partners, and donors showed up for the community tonight.”
One of the highlights of the night was hearing from Cook Children’s patient ambassador, Marlee, whose strength and story brought the crowd to their feet. Guests also had a chance to meet Cook Children’s therapy dogs, a beloved return from last year’s inaugural event, spreading smiles throughout the evening.
The event’s success was made possible through the generous support of top sponsors including Visa, Cornerstone Resources, Velera, and TruStage.
“The Bourbon, BBQ & Bands event is truly inspiring, as it demonstrates the credit union industry’s collective effort to support pediatric healthcare in a powerful way. Meeting the Champion Family highlighted the significant impact our contributions have on each child and their family,” said David Frazier, a member of the event’s executive committee and President & CEO of Texans Credit Union. “I am proud of the event’s growth since its inaugural year and look forward to establishing it as a lasting tradition.”
The 2025 Bourbon, BBQ & Bands executive committee included:
- Bob McKay, President & CEO at Together Credit union
- David Frazier, President & CEO at Texans Credit Union
- Chet Kimmell, President & CEO at Neighborhood Credit Union
- Rick Nichols, President & CEO at Multipli Credit Union
- Deonee Christensen, President & CEO at Mazuma Credit Union
- Jeff Carpenter, President & CEO at WEOKIE Credit Union
- Dave Willis, President & CEO at Tinker Federal Credit Union
All proceeds from the event support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, helping ensure that every child has access to the best care possible, no matter life’s circumstances.
To learn more about Credit Unions for Kids or to get involved, visit CU4Kids.org.
About Cornerstone League:
Cornerstone League is among the nation’s largest regional credit union trade associations, serving approximately 600 credit unions in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. Cornerstone exists to advance the success of credit unions in the region through legislative and grassroots advocacy; regulatory and compliance support; training, educational, and networking opportunities; essential communications related to news and information affecting the credit union industry; and other products and services that establish Cornerstone as the essential partner for credit unions. For more information, visit cornerstoneleague.coop.
About Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals:
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals was founded more than 40 years ago with the vision to Change Kids’ Health, Change the Future. We’ve raised over $9 billion for 170 children’s hospitals by empowering and engaging with local communities and businesses – and we’re not done yet. All donations benefit local member hospitals to fund what’s needed most, like critical life-saving treatments and healthcare services, innovative research, vital pediatric medical equipment, child life services that put kids’ and families’ minds at ease during difficult hospital stays, and financial assistance for families who could not otherwise afford these health services.
Together, we can change kids’ health. Together, we can change the future. To learn about Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals an
About Credit Unions for Kids:
Credit Unions for Kids (CU4Kids), benefiting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® (CMN Hospitals) in collaboration with America’s Credit Unions and was adopted as a movement and charity of choice. Credit unions with their chapters, leagues, associations, and business partners throughout the U.S. donate to CU4Kids benefiting local children’s hospitals through CMN Hospitals. Whether contributing through ATM contributions, events or making direct donations to CU4Kids, credit unions are raising funds to help children’s hospitals provide the best possible care for kids, providing financial, educational, and emotional support for families fostering economic stability. Together, we can change kids’ health. Together, we can change the future. To learn about CU4Kids, visit CU4Kids.org.