Oregon/Best Practices

Oregon’s Hank and Moose Golf Tournament

Portland, OR. Summer in Oregon can mean only two things: a sunny 80 degree afternoon and a great day for golf or rain with a 99% chance of more rain! Luckily, August 20, 2001 was a great day for kids treated at Doernbecher Children's hospital. The weather was beautiful, the golf was a hole-in-one and the money raised spoke for the commitment of Oregon’s credit unions to Children's Miracle Network.

In only its second year, the Hank & Moose Golf Tournament raised more than $220,000 on behalf of Credit Unions for Kids. This all day event featured great food, company and a spirited array of golfing contests and play. The outstanding total raised beat all goals and expectations for the Hank & Moose tournament’s second year. “Who would have thought in only the second year of this tournament the sponsors, donors, volunteers and credit unions would step up to the plate and help make this huge donation to Credit Unions for Kids?” said Tom Sargent, President and CEO of First Tech Credit Union and a key player in the success of the Hank and Moose tournament.

Whether your credit union hosts a golf tournament, softball game or even a gunny sack race there are certain elements learned through Oregon’s Hank and Moose event that can apply to all tournament related fund raising for your Children's Miracle Network hospital.

1. Networking: View all employees, family members and friends as potential resources. Use you and your peer’s own connections as a vital tool for getting the word out on your event and how they may help either by donations in-kind or with monetary donations and underwriting.
   
   
2. Planning: The Hank and Moose Committee begins planning for the event at least one year in advance. This allows for ample time to guarantee support for the tournament and to organize the many details necessary for all involved to have a great time.
   
   
3. Hospital support: Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in Portland, Oregon plays an integral role in supporting this event. Doernbecher Foundation representatives attend the event and support the tournament throughout the year.
   
   
4. Genuine Commitment: The employees of the Oregon Credit Union Association, First Tech Credit Union and all other supporters of the tournament truly care about Oregon’s children. Such commitment is necessary for a successful event and the welfare of the hospital’s children is priority number one. When this level of dedication is in place, a successful event is the end result.
   

Tournaments both large and small and of different varieties are a great way to put America’s credit union movement on the map. Not only does it enhance the goodwill of your employees and members, but it shows that credit unions play an integral role in the communities that they serve. For further assistance in establishing fund raising events do not hesitate to contact your state league or association or your Children's Miracle Network hospital.

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