Stress Buster Fundraiser – Telcoe Federal

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals) relies heavily on the generosity and support of philanthropic businesses and individuals throughout the United States. Among the top five organizations that have given to CMN Hospitals in it’s history are credit unions, through the Credit Unions for Kids (CU4Kids) program. With similar core values and operating principles, both credit unions and CMN Hospitals make decisions that build healthier lifestyles.

Among the credit union’s that give to CU4Kids is Telcoe Federal Credit Union in Arkansas. Established in 1950 serving the employees of the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in Little Rock, Arkansas, Telcoe Federal has come to serve over over 200 employers through the state and over 23,000 members. Within their field of membership (the persons, entities or areas eligible for membership) is Arkansas Children’s Hospital, a member of CMN Hospitals.

Giving back to the community is a focal point in Telcoe’s mission, and CU4Kids and the Arkansas Children’s Hospital are positive organizations to direct fundraising efforts to. “Having Arkansas Children’s in our field of membership is a wonderful resource to our communities so fundraising is an easy ask”, stated Michele Beasley, VP of Marketing and Consumer Lending for Telcoe Federal. Throughout the years, Telcoe has been able to raise over $489k for CU4Kids and CMN Hospitals. Through the Co-op Miracle Match program and unique fundraisers, Telcoe Federal does a great job living and breathing the credit union mission of people helping people.

Stress Buster Campaign
Keeping the fundraising efforts interesting, engaging and even competitive are a key success factor in Telcoe Federal’s fundraising efforts for CU4Kids. This year, staff were asked to come up with ideas for a new fundraiser, and they were able to identify a campaign that would appeal to members and the current economic state. Many members are having trouble paying bills, making loan payments, affording groceries, etc. The 2023 Stress Buster Campaign gave members the opportunity to win one of fifteen different cash prizes ranging from $50 to $1,000. By making a donation to CMN Hospitals, members found themselves giving happily, knowing their donation was not only supporting a great cause, but also entering them to win a cash prize. “We were able to raise $16,500 this year and it was all thanks to our members and staff. I’m thankful to have a hardworking team and great members who are willing to go the extra mile for Children’s Miracle Network. We are also very grateful for the Miracle Match of $5,000 we received from Co-op Solutions this year,” stated Sarah Mosley, Telcoe Federal Credit Union, President & CEO. Thanks to the generosity of vendor partners, Telcoe was able to use that money for the cash prizes and donate all of the money raised by staff and members to CU4Kids.

Aside from the successful Stress Buster campaign, Telcoe has had great success with other unique fundraisers such as staycation giveaways, bowling tournaments for a cause, silent auctions, trips to Walt Disney World, and much more! When asked what advice she’d give to other credit union’s that are looking to get involved with CU4Kids, Beasley stated “don’t try and re-invent the wheel. Reach out to other credit union’s and ask to pick their brain – utilize the resources that are out there. Mimic the parts of a campaign you like and incorporate new pieces of your own”. Utilizing Arkansas Children’s Hospital’s marketing department has also been a huge asset to Telcoe’s fundraising campaigns. They have assisted with creating marketing content and materials to share, showing Telcoe’s support of CMN Hospitals and CU4Kids. Partnering with the local hospital means gaining access to their resources, which can help a fundraising campaign hit new levels of success.

To learn more about CU4Kids and how you can get involved, visit cu4kids.org