American Airlines FCU donates 56k to Children’s Miracle Network

Fort Worth, Texas-based American Airlines Federal Credit Union presented Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals with a $56,000 donation, using proceeds from its 24th annual Credit Union Golf Tournament, which occurred on Sept. 4 at Cowboys Golf Club in Grapevine. The donation will be split between Cook Children’s Medical Center Foundation in Fort Worth and Children’s Medical Center Foundation in Dallas.

The check was presented last month at the American Airlines Federal Credit Union headquarters building. Karol Johnson with Cook Children’s Medical Center and Kendal Rowden with Children’s Medical Center Foundation accepted the donation from Credit Union President and CEO Gail Enda and Golf Tournament Director Tish Pruitt.

The tournament was supported by a number of credit union vendors/partners, including presenting sponsors Global Vision Systems Inc., Symitar, PSCU, and many other businesses who participated at various sponsorship levels.

“Despite concerns around the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we made the decision to hold this year’s tournament after postponing the traditional May event because we recognized that charities are in exceptional need at this time, and our overall charitable donations have been down because of the pandemic,” said Tish Pruitt, golf tournament director and community relations at American Airlines FCU. “But we did so only after taking extra measures to ensure the safety of all our participants as well as our volunteers.”

As golf is an outdoor activity where social distancing is possible, the event went on as planned with extra precautions to ensure safety, including a reduced pool of volunteers, the elimination of any additional games, a virtual silent auction, and credit card-only purchases for Mulligans, buy-ups, and other fundraising efforts.

The Cowboys Golf Club also implemented heightened safety procedures, including stringent, regular sanitation procedures based on the Center for Disease Control’s recommended guidelines and boxed meals, as well as credit card-only usage at the pro shop, beverage carts, and grill. Masks were also required inside the clubhouse unless eating a meal or having a drink, with course mask use based on current recommendations.

Credit unions hold fast to their motto of “people helping people,” and this philosophy blossoms with the industry’s support of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and Credit Unions for Kids.

“For more than 20 years, American Airlines Federal Credit Union has faithfully stood by the sides of sick and injured kids who count on Children’s Health,” said Brent Christopher, president of Children’s Medical Center Foundation. “Because of your gifts, we’re able to help more patients and their families than ever before—from providing care to conducting breakthrough research. There’s a lot more air in the Children’s Health red balloon, thanks to you.”

“Cook Children’s is incredibly grateful for our long-standing partnership with American Airlines Federal Credit Union,” said Grant Harris, SVP, chief development officer, Cook Children’s Health Foundation. “Thanks to you and your generous support of our Sit…Stay…PLAY program, our patients receive a unique form of healing in their interactions with our seven therapy dogs. On behalf of our staff, patients, and families, I would like to extend our sincerest gratitude for all that you do.”

Pictured from left are Tish Pruitt, golf tournament director and community relations, American Airlines Federal Credit Union; Kendall Rowden, development officer, corporate partnerships, Children’s Health; Karol Johnson, CMN Hospitals specialist at Cook Children’s; and Gail Enda, president and CEO, American Airlines Federal Credit Union.

About American Airlines Federal Credit Union
Founded in 1936, American Airlines Federal Credit Union now serves the present and retired employees of American Airlines, their family members, and people who work in the air transportation industry. In its 84th year, the credit union has more than 314,000 members nationwide and assets in excess of $8.5 billion.