WASHINGTON, D.C., March 8, 2009 – Thirty nine members of the U.S. Congress have provided their support for the 2010 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run® by signing up as Honorary Race Chairs. These legislators represent 22 states and the District of Columbia. The run will be held in the nation’s capital on Sunday, April 11.

“This Congressional support indicates an increased affinity for the credit union industry based on greater awareness of our member-friendly practices,” said David J. Serlo, President and CEO of PSCU Financial Services, the lead corporate sponsor for the run. “Proposed financial services legislation amplifies the need to showcase the credit union difference and makes it vital for credit unions across the country to both contact their Congressional representatives and financially support this important event.”

The annual race not only highlights the credit union industry but also spotlights its commitment to community service since all proceeds go to Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) hospitals, which treat 17 million critically ill children every year. PSCU Financial Services is the lead corporate sponsor for the run, but additional financial support from credit unions and the credit union industry is needed.

Each Honorary Race Chair receives a yearbook from the Credit Union Miracle Day organization that describes Cherry Blossom Run donations from credit unions in each state and identifies the local hospitals that benefitted from that funding.

An easy way for PSCU Financial Services member credit unions to make a contribution is by donating a portion of interchange income, since the cooperative handles the processing. Credit unions can also sign up as a race sponsor and make donations at http://www.miracleday.org/. A variety of marketing materials are also available at this web site.

The 2009 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Run involved 133 sponsors representing more than 25 states, including 95 credit unions and 38 affiliated organizations. Nearly 15,000 runners participated, including about 500 influential legislators, aides and government employees as well as members of credit unions and individuals.

To date, runners and others have donated over $150,000 in the online giving program for the 2010 run. Credit unions also support the event by providing 500 volunteers that will serve on race day. 

The 2010 race is the ninth year of credit-union-title sponsorship. Through the sponsorship, credit unions nationwide have donated $4 million to Children’s Miracle Network affiliated hospitals. Children’s Miracle Network is an alliance of 170 children’s hospitals across North America that treat 17 million critically ill children annually. Credit union donations are returned to the local Children’s Miracle Network hospital in their area, and each participating credit union can publicize these contributions. This local publicity helps raise awareness for both Children’s Miracle Network and the credit union industry.

“Many Americans have lost jobs and health insurance coverage, so there is an even greater need than ever to fund critical medical treatment since many families do not have funds available to pay for care,” Serlo said. 

Credit Union Miracle Day, Inc., is a partnership of credit unions and partner organizations nationwide that have joined together to support Children's Miracle Network and its affiliated children's hospitals by sponsoring the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run.          

About PSCU Financial Services

Based in St. Petersburg, Florida, PSCU Financial Services is the nation's largest credit union service organization (CUSO) and serves more than 1,500 financial institutions nationwide. As a non-profit cooperative, the company is owned by more than 640 member credit unions representing over 14 million accounts and 1 million online bill payment subscribers. Its Contact Centers handle more than 17.4 million inquiries a year. 

PSCU Financial Services offers 24/7 member support through four Contact Centers: its Eastern operations center in St. Petersburg, Fla.; a Western operations center based in Phoenix, Ariz.; and two call centers in Detroit, Mich. These Contact Centers perform member servicing and new member acquisition, cross-selling and automated lending solutions as well as support for debit/credit/prepaid cardholders and online bill payment subscribers. 

Established in 1977, the company provides a broad array of cost-effective, high quality financial services that include credit, debit, ATM, prepaid, bill payment and contact center solutions. PSCU Financial Services uniquely offers its members a full range of processing options, any combination from full service to in-house pass through processing for credit, debit and ATM transactions. As a leader in the credit union movement, the company offers gateway access to national and regional networks. It also provides full function ATM terminal driving services. For more information, visit PSCU Financial Services’ website at www.pscufs.com.