MILWAUKEE, Wis.–The third annual In the Cellar fundraiser for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals raised $1.181 million dollars during an event at the Harley Davidson Museum here.
The event is the largest fundraiser for CUs4Kids and CMN Hospitals for credit unions in the Great Lakes Region. In its first two years, In the Cellar, Inc. raised $2,033,255
This year’s event also featured a new Valentine’s Heart of the Movement Award, an honor recognizing credit union leaders whose generosity, leadership, and commitment to the movement have created lasting impact.
The award is named in tribute to Mike Valentine, president & CEO of BCU and a 2025 Herb Wegner Memorial Award recipient, whose unwavering belief in In the Cellar helped launch its success, according to the organization. Valentine was named as the first recipient of the award.
“Receiving the first Valentine’s Heart of the Movement Award is incredibly humbling,” said Valentine in a statement. “The credit union movement has always been about people helping people, and I’m lucky to be part of it—to see what’s possible when leaders show up with generosity, belief, and heart. Having my name associated with this award is an honor, but even more than that, I hope it inspires others to lead with purpose and unity. One idea, one spark, one step forward—these are the things that create exponential impact when we move together. That’s the magic of credit unions.”
The ’Cooperative Spirit’
Going forward, the Valentine’s Heart of the Movement Award will honor one individual each year whose actions embody the cooperative spirit and whose generosity uplifts the movement and the people it serves. In 2026, Mike Valentine will lead the selection committee, the organization said.
Among this years sponsors were TruStage, Velera, Acumen Financial Advantage, Envisant, Visa, Community Financial Credit Union, and others that can be found listed here.
