Oklahoma

Tulsa, OK. How does a state increase its Children's Miracle Network fund raising from $3,000 in 1997 to a whopping $130,000 in only five years? The answer rests in not only the hard work of Oklahoma’s credit unions, but also in the organization and dedication on the part of the Oklahoma Credit Union League.

Oklahoma’s fund raising efforts are overseen by two loyal individuals at the OCUL offices. Both Lisa Finley, Vice President Governmental and Public Affairs and Lara Denning, Director of Communications provide a combined seven years experience working with Children's Miracle Network. For Ms. Finley, fund raising for Children's Miracle Network has been a lesson in both patience and determination. Her four years of history with the program has involved a lot of trial and error. In 1997, when OCUL first endorsed Children's Miracle Network, fund raising efforts ranged from small promotions across the state to massive garage sales to raise funds for the Children's Miracle Network hospital. The league learned that cooperative fund raising efforts involving as many credit unions as possible is the key to raising the most money for hospitalized children. “Our league is very fortunate in that all of our 93 credit unions truly enjoy working together for the good of a common goal,” Lisa Finley continued, “Oklahoma’s children are truly fortunate that the common goal is Children's Miracle Network.”

Lara Denning began working with Children's Miracle Network two years ago for very personal reasons. Her son, David, at 14 months old contracted an extremely high fever. After numerous tests, it was determined that he had contracted mononucleosis or “mono”. At this young age, such an affliction is life threatening. Mononucleosis can develop into lymph node cancer. After two agonizing months of Mono treatment and a cancer biopsy, he was given a clean bill of health by his doctors. “I am very grateful of the care and attention we received,” exclaims Ms. Denning, “I feel that my participation here in Oklahoma is just one small way that I can give back.”

Today, Oklahoma’s credit unions have nearly a 100% Children's Miracle Network fund raising participation rate- that’s $1000 per credit union raised in 2001! Fund raising efforts range from league sponsored events such as golf and softball tournaments to individual credit union fund raisers that encompass everything from bake sales to casual days. If 2001 is any indication of the future success of Oklahoma’s fund raising for Children's Miracle Network, credit unions and Oklahoma’s children will continue to shine together thanks, in no small part, to the dedication from the Oklahoma Credit Union League.

Let us know what you are doing at your credit union or state league! Email us at creditunions@childrensmiraclenetwork.org!