‘Credit Union SACTOWN Run’ raises $210K for California, Nevada CMN Hospitals

The Annual Credit Union SACTOWN Run — which took place April 2 in Sacramento — raised more than $210,800 for the 11 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN) across California and Nevada.

More than 1,800 runners participated in this year’s Credit Union SACTOWN Run, including nearly 1,200 credit union employees and members from across California and Nevada. The event, which started and ended on the Capitol Mall in front of the California State Capitol, featured a 10-mile race, 5K run, and “Miracle Mile Fun Run and Fitness Walk.”

The run was hosted by the Sacramento Running Association (SRA) and also served as the USA Track and Field (USATF) Masters 10-Mile National Championship.

“Once again, we were honored to work with the Sacramento Running Association to host such a great event to raise much needed funds for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals throughout California and Nevada,” said Diana Dykstra, president/CEO of the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues. “These donations will help kids receive the care and treatment they need, thanks to a number of credit unions and businesses in both states.”

John Pamer, chair of the Credit Union SACTOWN Run and CEO of Diablo Valley Federal Credit Union, said the annual race has become a cherished rite of Spring for credit unions and business partners. 

“Each year since 2012, we run, jog or walk our course on the first Sunday in April,” Pamer said. “But the real benefit is that the $210,800 we raised this year — and the $2.5 million we’ve raised since day-one — brings healing and hope to patients and their families every day of the year. Credit unions and our business partners are committed to helping people in our local communities, and the Credit Union SACTOWN Run is a strong demonstration of this commitment.”

Larry Palochik, executive vice president of the Leagues, said that every child deserves the chance to live a happy and healthy life.

“Supporting Children's Miracle Network hospitals in our two states is our opportunity to help make that a reality,” Palochik said. “Together, with our credit unions and sponsors, we are helping provide hope and healing to children and families in need.”

Joe Franklin, vice president of brand and experiential marketing for Co-op Solutions. thanked all of the runners who participated in this year’s Credit Union SACTOWN Run.

“The partnership between CMN Hospitals and credit unions is a truly synergistic one,” Franklin said. “The two things that determine physical and mental health are access to health care and solid financial wellness. When members of society and their children are physically healthy or have access to quality care, and they feel financially secure, it builds a stronger community.” 

Kevin Miller, president/CEO of Travis Credit Union, said his credit union believes in “people helping people” — and the annual race is just one more example of this unique industry philosophy.

“I’m proud of our staff and their families who are running and volunteering with that spirit to benefit the Credit Union SACTOWN Run,” Miller said.

Bill Cheney, CEO of SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, said his credit union’s team looks forward to participating in the race each year.

“They’re eager for the physical challenge of the race while supporting a cause that aligns with our credit union values,” Cheney said. “We are proud to participate and support children and their families in local hospitals, including UC Davis Children’s Hospital. Thank you to our team and all runners and volunteers — you make a difference in the lives of others.”

Amanda Merz, community impact manager for SAFE Credit Union, said her leadership and team are pleased to be a part of the Credit Union SACTOWN Run.

“Seeing all of our fellow credit union employees and leaders come together to help raise money for children’s health is so inspiring,” Merz said. “Credit unions are all about ‘people helping people,’ and it is so rewarding to see all of us working together for a greater cause while also having some fun.”

The following champions placed in the best times during the race:

• 10-mile Men’s Champion: Brendan Gregg (West Sacramento, Calif.) — 47:52
• 10-mile Women’s Champion: Julia Vasquez (Walnut Creek, Calif.) — 55:58
• 5k Men’s Champion: Anthony Mallory (Folsom, Calif.) — 16:15
• 5k Women’s Champion: Annika Braun (Folsom, Calif.) — 17:30

Credit unions played a big part in fundraising, as 69 credit unions participated with runners, walkers, and independent fundraisers to raise money to donate to local CMN hospitals.

Each year, CMN Hospitals across the United States identify a “champion” in their local community to represent kids treated at the local children's hospital. This year, Wheatland, CA resident Braylin McMullen was named the 2023 CMN champion for UC Davis Children’s Hospital.

Her health journey began after contracting E. coli when she was three years old. After much treatment and surgery, she is now living her best life and representing CMN at UC Davis.