AURORA, Colo. — Credit unions and industry supporters raised $1.53 million for Children’s Miracle Network hospitals during the 2026 Credit Unions for Kids Benefit Auction in Aurora, Colo., matching last year’s record fundraising total while celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Credit Unions for Kids movement.
According to the GoWest Credit Union Association, the annual event, held in conjunction with its MAXX conference, brought together credit unions, business partners and other industry supporters for an evening themed “Moonlight & Miracles: Where the Stars Align for Kids.”
Proceeds from the auction will benefit Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) hospitals throughout the GoWest region.
The $1.53 million raised matched the record amount generated during the 2025 auction, which GoWest said reflected continued support from the credit union community for pediatric health care.
Celebrating 40 Years of Credit Unions for Kids
The 2026 event also marked four decades since the creation of Credit Unions for Kids (CU4Kids), a fundraising initiative that originated in the region now served by GoWest and subsequently expanded nationwide.
The program has become the credit union movement’s national charity of choice, supporting Children’s Miracle Network hospitals and the children and families they serve.
“Forty years of Credit Unions for Kids is a remarkable example of what happens when our Movement comes together around something bigger than any one organization,” said Troy Stang, president and CEO of the GoWest Credit Union Association.
“Every auction bid, every partnership, and every act of generosity adds another light to the constellation,” Stang continued. “Together, those lights have helped bring hope and care to children and families when they need it most.”
GoWest said this year’s auction was intended not only to recognize the program’s fundraising history but also to build support for its continued work in the decades ahead.
Young Cancer Survivor Shares Her Story
A highlight of the evening was the introduction of Piper, the 2026 CU4Kids Champion Child, whose experience illustrated the impact of specialized pediatric care.
According to GoWest, Piper was 4 years old when she began experiencing pain and losing function in her hand.
Physicians at Children’s Hospital Colorado subsequently discovered a golf ball-sized tumor pressing against her spinal cord. She was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, a rare form of cancer that typically develops in bones or surrounding soft tissue.
Following an extended course of treatment, Piper is now cancer-free and thriving, the association reported.
Her story was featured during the benefit auction as an example of the children and families supported by CU4Kids fundraising.
“Our theme this year couldn’t be more perfect — a miracle indeed,” Stang said. “Attendees got a firsthand look at the difference CU4Kids makes for children and families. And in return, the hope and inspiration of the evening is something we all walk away with.”
Continuing a National Fundraising Tradition
GoWest said the annual auction remains a major fundraising event for CU4Kids, bringing together credit unions and their industry partners to support pediatric medical care.
With the 2026 auction matching the previous year’s $1.53 million record, the two most recent events have generated a combined $3.06 million for Children’s Miracle Network hospitals.
The association said the anniversary celebration also served as an opportunity to recognize the credit union industry’s longstanding commitment to supporting children and families facing serious medical challenges.
“That’s the credit union difference, and it’s what makes our movement unstoppable,” Stang said.
