2010 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Run(R) Earns Support of 39 U.S. Senators, Representatives

WASHINGTON, March 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Thirty nine members of the U.S. Congress have provided their support for the 2010 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run® by signing up as Honorary Race Chairs. These legislators represent 22 states and the District of Columbia. The run will be held in the nation's capital on Sunday, April 11.

"This Congressional support indicates an increased affinity for the credit union industry based on greater awareness of our member-friendly practices," said David J. Serlo, President and CEO of PSCU Financial Services, the lead corporate sponsor for the run. "Proposed financial services legislation amplifies the need to showcase the credit union difference and makes it vital for credit unions across the country to both contact their Congressional representatives and financially support this important event."

Each Honorary Race Chair receives a yearbook from the Credit Union Miracle Day organization that describes Cherry Blossom Run donations from credit unions in each state and identifies the local hospitals that benefitted from that funding.

PSCU Financial Services is the lead corporate sponsor for the run, but additional financial support from credit unions and the credit union industry is needed.

The 2009 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Run involved 133 sponsors representing more than 25 states, including 95 credit unions and 38 affiliated organizations. Nearly 15,000 runners participated, including about 500 influential legislators, aides and government employees as well as members of credit unions and individuals.

The 2010 race is the ninth year of credit-union-title sponsorship. Credit unions nationwide have donated $4 million to Children's Miracle Network affiliated hospitals. Children's Miracle Network is an alliance of 170 children's hospitals across North America that treat 17 million critically ill children annually. Credit union donations are returned to the local Children's Miracle Network hospital in their area, and each participating credit union can publicize these contributions. This local publicity helps raise awareness for both Children's Miracle Network and the credit union industry.

Based in St. Petersburg, Florida, PSCU Financial Services is the nation's largest credit union service organization (CUSO) and serves more than 1,500 financial institutions nationwide. It is owned by more than 640 member credit unions representing over 14 million accounts and 1 million online bill payment subscribers. Its Contact Centers handle more than 17.4 million inquiries a year.

SOURCE PSCU Financial Services