Donation Supports Life-Changing Care at Studer Family Children’s Hospital
Pensacola, Florida — Credit unions from across Northwest Florida and the Gulf Coast came together at Studer Family Children’s Hospital on Friday December 5, 2025 to present a $48,000 donation to Children’s Miracle Network (CMN). The funds were raised through the inaugural Northwest & Gulf Coast Chapters Charity Scramble Golf Tournament and will directly support the purchase of the Tecotherm Cooling System for medically fragile newborns in the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
While the tournament brought together teams from credit unions, vendors, and community partners for a day of camaraderie and friendly competition, the real victory is the impact these funds will have on local children and families who rely on the specialized care provided at Studer Family Children’s Hospital, our region’s local CMN hospital.
Today’s check presentation will include leaders and representatives from the Northwest Gulf Coast Chapters of the League of Credit Unions, Studer Family Children’s Hospital, and Children’s Miracle Network. Attendees of the check presentation were able to tour the facility and learn more about the life saving care that is given each and every day at Studer Family Children’s Hospital. Dr. Dawn Walton, Chief Medical Officer for Studer Family Children’s Hospital, spoke on the important part this new equipment will have for the many infants that are cared for at the hospital.
The Charity Scramble reflects the collaborative spirit that defines credit unions. By working side-by-side across chapters, institutions, and communities, participating credit unions demonstrated what is possible when cooperation drives the mission.
“Every child deserves the chance to grow up healthy, and through the generosity of events like this, we’re able to provide the care, comfort, and hope children need to heal,” said Michaela McCarthy, Children’s Miracle Network Coordinator. “This donation makes an immediate and meaningful difference for families right here at home.”
Adrienne Maygarden, Executive Director of the Ascension Sacred Heart Foundation, emphasized the importance of partnerships that invest in local pediatric care. “Seeing credit unions unite around a shared purpose is truly inspiring,” Maygarden said. “Their support strengthens our ability to deliver life-saving care, advanced equipment, and programs that lift up children and families during their most vulnerable moments.”
Derrick Aguilar, President of the Northwest Chapter of the League of Credit Unions, and Jan Page, President of the Gulf Coast Chapter, highlighted the cooperative power behind the donation.
“Credit unions exist to serve and today is a beautiful example of what service looks like,” Page said. “This demonstrates the collaborative power credit unions have to strengthen the communities we serve. By joining forces among our region’s credit unions, we’re not just making a donation; we’re investing in our ability to serve our children’s healthcare needs for years to come,” added Aguilar.
The Charity Scramble Golf Tournament was established to create a meaningful, sustainable way for credit unions to support Children’s Miracle Network and its mission to meet pediatric healthcare needs within the local community. Funds raised remain 100% local, directly benefiting the programs, equipment, and services that help children receive the highest level of care close to home.
To learn more about how Children’s Miracle Network is making a difference in Northwest Florida, visit: https://www.givesacredheart.org/childrens-miracle-network
###
About the Northwest Florida and Gulf Coast Chapters of Credit Unions
The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates serves as an advocate through credit union engagement, advocacy impact, Foundation resources, and LEVERAGE products and services. The Northwest Florida Chapter represents credit unions in Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa counties. The Gulf Coast Chapter represents credit unions in Walton, Holmes, Washington, Bay, Jackson, Calhoun, Gulf, Franklin, and Liberty counties. The of the League of Credit Unions and Affiliates work together to advance the credit union philosophy of “people helping people.” Through collaboration and community engagement, this collective group unites credit unions to strengthen local communities and create meaningful impact beyond financial services.
Leave a Reply