May 6, 2016

Credit Unions Partner With Democratic National Convention Committee and RealClear Politics on Community Service Project for The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Credit unions, the Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) and RealClearPolitics broke ground yesterday on a Health and Wellness Garden at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Nicholas and Athena Karabots Pediatric Care Center.

DNCC CEO Reverend Leah D. Daughtry and Mayor of Philadelphia Jim Kenney were joined at the kickoff celebration by Pennsylvania Credit Union Association President/CEO Patrick Conway, President/CEO of the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) Jim Nussle, CHOP President/CEO Madeline Bell and Washington Bureau Chief of RealClearPolitics Carl Cannon.

A resource for patient and community engagement programs

In the months leading up to the 2016 Democratic National Convention in July, credit unions and RealClearPolitics are working with the DNCC to create a space at CHOP’s Nicholas and Athena Karabots Pediatric Care Center that will serve as a resource for vitally important patient and community engagement programs, including nutritional experiences, physical activity and a site to host events for patient programs, such as Reach Out and Read.

Projects that live on after the Convention has concluded

“The Democratic National Convention Committee is committed to leaving a positive impact on the City of Philadelphia. Today we partnered with the Pennsylvania Credit Union Association, the Credit Union National Association and RealClearPolitics to take yet another step toward honoring that commitment,” said Rev. Leah D. Daughtry. “The Health and Wellness Garden will live on long after the Convention has concluded, I am overjoyed that our efforts will serve both CHOP patients, their families and members of the community for years to come.”

CUNA and RealClearPolitics are honoring the 2016 Democratic nominating convention by taking on the project. This year’s effort represents credit unions’ tradition of honoring each national political convention city with a “leave-behind” project that will serve the local communities long after the conventions have left town.

“The Health and Wellness Garden at our Nicholas and Athena Karabots Pediatric Care Center will be a wonderful resource for patient families and community members alike,” said Madeline Bell, president and CEO of The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “We appreciate the ongoing support of local credit unions in helping to bring projects like these to fruition, and we look forward to joining members of the Pennsylvania Credit Union Association and the Democratic National Convention Committee in Philadelphia this summer as we break ground on this exciting initiative.”

“National convention leave behind projects are part of what makes the credit union difference so special and unique,” said Jim Nussle, President and CEO of CUNA. “Credit unions live by the philosophy of people helping people. That’s why we’ve dedicated our time and energy into leaving a long-lasting impact on communities like Philadelphia that have hosted conventions since 2000.”

“Credit unions from this region and beyond have been strong supporters of the Children’s Miracle Network,” stated Patrick Conway, President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Credit Union Association. “The Democratic National Convention shines the perfect spotlight on the great work that credit unions do cooperatively in their communities.”

The Pennsylvania Credit Union Association is spearheading the $300,000 fundraising effort to cover the costs of the project and is working with credit unions around Pennsylvania and across the country.

“Thanks to the credit unions and The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia we have an opportunity to participate in something uplifting and important,” said Carl Cannon, executive editor and Washington bureau chief of RealClearPolitics. “It’s an honor to be part of this endeavor.”

Construction to occur throughout spring and summer 2016

Construction will unfold over the spring and summer, and will include volunteer opportunities for credit union employees, convention staff and those in the community to lend a helping hand.  Plans call for a ribbon-cutting event to take place during the week of the convention, which will be held July 25-28.  A companion project is being undertaken by credit unions at UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio, site of the 2016 Republican National Convention.

More information

About The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia was founded in 1855 as the nation’s first pediatric hospital. Through its long-standing commitment to providing exceptional patient care, training new generations of pediatric healthcare professionals and pioneering major research initiatives, Children’s Hospital has fostered many discoveries that have benefited children worldwide. Its pediatric research program is among the largest in the country. In addition, its unique family-centered care and public service programs have brought the 535-bed hospital recognition as a leading advocate for children and adolescents. For more information, visit http://www.chop.edu.

About CUNA

With its network of affiliated state credit union leagues, Credit Union National Association (CUNA) serves America's credit unions, which are owned by more than 100 million consumer members. Credit unions are not-for-profit cooperatives providing affordable financial services to people from all walks of life. For more information about CUNA, visit www.cuna.org or follow @CUNA on Twitter. For more information about credit unions, visit www.aSmarterChoice.org and follow @asmarterchoice on Twitter.

About Pennsylvania Credit Union Association: Credit unions are financial cooperatives that provide affordable financial services to help their owner/members. The Harrisburg-based Pennsylvania Credit Union Association is a trade association that provides legislative, promotional, educational, and operational support for credit unions in Pennsylvania. There are 471 credit unions headquartered in Pennsylvania with assets in excess of $38 billion dollars and 3.8 million members. For additional information about credit unions or to find a credit union near you, visit www.ibelong.org.

About RealClearPolitics

RealClearPolitics is the trusted, non-partisan, convener in a content-rich media environment; thoughtfully curating the best coverage from every angle of the day's most critical issues. One of RCP’s most notable features — the RCP Poll Average — is the most cited source for U.S. political polling information. The RCP Poll Average provides a more accurate read on the status of the election. The accuracy of the RCP Poll Average is unmatched and trusted enough to be used in campaign communication documents, as well as being widely cited by hundreds of news organizations, including: The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Financial Times, FOX News, CNN and USA Today. With a wide array of news and analysis available online, insiders rely on RealClearPolitics as the authoritative source for reporting, commentary, and analysis on all sides of the pressing public policy issues coming to the fore in 2016 — and the politics surrounding those issues heading into, and beyond, the election cycle.

Contact: Emily DiTomo, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia