The National Credit Union Foundation announced Monday that the Credit Union Miracle Day, a charitable program through which the credit union industry helps seriously ill children nationwide, will receive the Herb Wegner Award for Outstanding Program next year.

NCUF coordinates Credit Union Miracle Day with the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals organization. To date, Credit Union Miracle Day has generated more than $5.5 million for 136 network hospitals, organizers said.

The award will be presented during the NCUF annual awards dinner on Feb. 25 at the Grand Hyatt Washington in conjunction with the CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference.

“Credit Union Miracle Day is one of those rare and special events that seems to have grown into a level of influence and prominence in such as small amount of time that is hard to comprehend its entirety,” said NCUF Awards & Recognition Committee Chairman Bob Schumacher. “It encompasses not only raising funds for a worthy cause, but also has an impact on credit union advocacy that is almost unmatched in its power.”

Juri Valdov, CUMD chairman, said, “We are so honored to be recognized and to receive this prestigious award. It's been a tremendous team effort which entails countless volunteer hours from our board and committee members, but it is all worth it for the children, the credit unions and the community.”

CUMD began in 2002 with the annual Cherry Blossom 10-Mile Run. That flagship event has been joined by the new Credit Union SacTown 10-Mile Run in Sacramento, Calif., and Freedom Runs for American troops at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait and Wiesbaden Army Garrison, Germany, all held on or around the same day.