Credit Union for Kids Wine Auction Raises $2.4 Million for Children's Miracle Network

Annual gala returns with Executive Leadership Summit, record attendance, and an inspiring miracle child.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 10:35am

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The Credit Union for Kids Wine Auction concluded with another extraordinary year of generosity at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach, raising $2.4 million to support the eleven Children's Miracle Network Hospitals across California, Nevada, and Utah. The event brought together nearly 600 attendees, including credit union leaders, business partners, and hospital representatives, reaffirming its standing as the largest single fundraising event benefiting CMN Hospitals in the nation.

Why it matters

The Credit Union for Kids Wine Auction has become a premier annual event that rallies the credit union community around supporting local children's hospitals. The record-breaking $2.4 million raised this year will fund critical programs, services, and research at 11 CMN Hospitals across the western United States.

The details

Chaired by Chuck Fagan, president & CEO of Velera, and Carrie Birkhofer, president & CEO of Bay Federal Credit Union, this year's gala, 'Seaside Soirée,' continued the tradition of bringing together credit union leaders and partners for an elegant evening of curated wine, spirited bidding, and powerful storytelling. The highlight was when Miracle Child Kara Nguyen took the stage to share her inspiring story of receiving life-saving care at CHOC Children's Hospital as a newborn.

  • The Credit Union for Kids Wine Auction concluded on March 18, 2026.
  • The 2027 Credit Unions for Kids Wine Auction will occur on March 12, 2027.

The players

Chuck Fagan

President & CEO of Velera, and co-chair of the 2026 Credit Union for Kids Wine Auction.

Carrie Birkhofer

President & CEO of Bay Federal Credit Union, and co-chair of the 2026 Credit Union for Kids Wine Auction.

Kara Nguyen

A Miracle Child who received critical early care at CHOC Children's Hospital as a newborn and has since become a youth leader, fundraiser, and advocate for pediatric care.

Tony Boutelle

President & CEO of Origence, the title sponsor of the Credit Union for Kids Wine Auction.

Sarah Canepa Bang

Chief of staff at the National Credit Union Administration, and a featured speaker at the Credit Union Executive Leadership Summit.

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What they’re saying

“Tonight showed exactly who we're here for. We're here to support families who are going through some of the most difficult times of their lives and the caregivers who stand beside them.”

— Chuck Fagan, President & CEO, Velera

“Seeing so many credit unions and partners come together as a unified community was truly inspiring. The unwavering support for children and families when they need it most is what makes this effort so meaningful. I'm grateful we had a chance to contribute.”

— Carrie Birkhofer, President & CEO, Bay Federal Credit Union

“Year after year, I am amazed by the generosity of our credit unions and partners. Raising $2.4 million for Children's Miracle Network speaks volumes about the strength of our community when we unite for such a meaningful purpose. I can't think of a more worthy cause.”

— Tony Boutelle, President & CEO, Origence

What’s next

The 2027 Credit Unions for Kids Wine Auction will occur on March 12, 2027, at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach.

The takeaway

The Credit Union for Kids Wine Auction has become a powerful example of how the credit union community can come together to make a meaningful impact on children's healthcare. By raising a record $2.4 million this year, the event further solidifies the credit union movement's commitment to supporting local Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and the families they serve.