CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. —The AnchorPoint Credit Union Association—the new name for the association formed the merger of the Tennessee and Mississippi leagues–is reporting it raised more than $220,000 at its inaugural Boots & Bowties Charity Fundraiser at the Grand Ole Opry to support children’s hospitals and families facing the terminal illness of a parent, the association said.
Proceeds from the spring event will benefit five Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in Tennessee and one in Mississippi through Credit Unions for Kids, as well as an Inheritance of Hope Legacy Retreat in Nashville.
Credit union leaders gathered on the Opry stage for the fundraiser, which featured a presentation by 17-year-old Anthony Brantley about his family’s experience after his father was diagnosed with brain cancer.
‘Shock to My Family’
“My dad’s cancer diagnosis was a shock to my family,” Brantley said. “It shocked us to the core. We didn’t know what to do. Life just froze.”
Brantley said he initially wanted to stay home and play video games rather than attend a 2024 Inheritance of Hope Legacy Retreat in Nashville. The trip, he said, became the most impactful of his life.
“Inheritance of Hope brought back something that my life was missing—and that was hope,” he said.
Inheritance of Hope supports young families facing the loss of a parent. Kristen Milligan and her husband, Deric Milligan, founded the organization in 2007 after she was diagnosed with a rare terminal cancer at age 30, according to the association.
Its multiday Legacy Retreats give families opportunities to make memories together and receive tools to navigate a parent’s terminal illness. More than 300 families are on the waiting list, the association said.
‘Profound Impact’
“Beyond raising critical funds, this event helped shine a light on the profound impact these organizations have on families,” said Fred Robinson, AnchorPoint’s president and CEO.
The event featured performances by Ava Paige, Brice Long and Emily Shackelton. Paige has written with songwriters behind songs for Lee Ann Womack and Chris Stapleton; Long’s songs have been recorded by Garth Brooks, George Strait and Reba McEntire; and Shackelton has written No. 1 hits for Carly Pearce, the association said.
Kim Bohannon, AnchorPoint’s chief innovation officer, thanked sponsors and donors for supporting the two charities.
AnchorPoint said planning has begun for its next fundraiser, scheduled for July 26, 2027.
The association represents 178 credit unions in Tennessee and Mississippi with more than 3.5 million members.
