Desert Schools Golf Tournament Raises $160,000 for Hospital

Desert Schools Federal Credit Union recently hosted its ninth annual charity golf tournament in Anthem, raising money for the Children's Miracle Network (CMN) and Phoenix Children's Hospital.

In 2006, the golf tournament raised $110,000. This year’s tournament surpassed that amount by $50,000 as the credit union presented a check to Phoenix Children’s Hospital for $160,000. "Our golf tournament is the cornerstone of those fundraising efforts and we remain thankful to our business partners and sponsors," said Ron Amstutz, senior vice president for the credit union.

In 1998, Ron’s young son, Trevor nearly died from Guillain-Barre Syndrome --- a sudden auto-immune disorder that often paralyzes its victims. Today, Ron’s son is healthy, but the ordeal changed Ron’s life forever. Since then, Ron and Desert Schools have been committed to helping kids by giving back. His mission is to raise $1 for every credit union member - or more than $335,000 each year.

In addition to the 18-hole tournament, the event featured prizes and contests throughout the morning and afternoon, including longest drive and closest to the pin competitions, and an appearance by Shane Doan from the Phoenix Coyotes.

Children’s Miracle Network continues to be the charity of choice for America’s credit unions. Through the innovative program Credit Unions for Kids, an alliance of credit unions around the nation engages in raising funds to benefit their local communities. Over 45 state credit unions and credit union trade associations make a difference in the lives of children everywhere through the Credit Unions for Kids program. The impact this program has on children is monumental.

CMN Champion Sponsors included Affinion Group, Calence, Desert Schools Federal Credit Union, élan, EMC², Fiserv CBS, and SWBC. Title Sponsors included Arizona Cardinals, ASU- Sun Devils Sports Marketing, CO-OP Financial Services, Corillian, FSI, Microsoft, Phoenix Coyotes and Qwest.