Prior Lake, Minnesota - A fundraiser at South Metro Federal Credit Union raised $3,200 to help children with disabilities and chronic conditions served by Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare. This year the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community will match that donation for a total of $6,400 to the fundraiser.

More than 300 people participated in the fundraiser which was part of a statewide fundraising effort. Through Credit Union for Kids, a sponsor program of the Children's Miracle Network, Minnesota credit unions have raised more than $75,000 for Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare since 2001.

The Chain of Hearts campaign, an annual fundraiser organized by the Credit Unions for Kids program, encourages members, local residents, and area businesses to contribute by purchasing paper links in the shape of hearts. During the campaign, which recently ended, hearts and links were personalized for each contributor and added to the chain which was hung in South Metro's lobby.

"We’re very happy to see such a grassroots effort from our membership. With the match from the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, we are delighted to have raised $6,400 this year for this worthy effort,” said South Metro President Don Crofut. "Many children in Scott County benefit from the specialized services at Gillette so it's important to us to support that. The Credit Union for Kids program really complements our philosophy of 'people helping people.' Families need resources like those available through Gillette. The event was a great success, and we want to thank our members and people throughout the community for their involvement."

In 2007, the same fundraiser at South Metro Federal Credit Union was successful in raising $2,063.

Credit Union for Kids is a collaboration of credit unions, chapters, leagues, and business partners engaged in fundraising activities to benefit Children's Miracle Networkaffiliate hospitals. All money raised through Minnesota's Credit Union for Kids program supports Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare, helping kids with disabilities and chronic conditions.

Gillette is based in St. Paul, with clinics located in Minnetonka, New Brighton, and Duluth. Gillette's North Clinics and outreach efforts bring physician and technology services to communities including Alexandria, Bemidji, Brainerd, Cloquet, Grand Rapids, Hibbing, International Falls, Moose Lake, and Virginia. Since 1897, Gillette has been on the forefront of medical treatment, education, and research for children with disabilities. Gillette's mission is to help patients realize the greatest possible independence, well being, and enjoyment in life.

About South Metro Federal Credit Union

South Metro Federal Credit Union is a community-chartered, federal credit union, providing a wide range of financial products and services for everyone living or working in Scott County, Minnesota. All deposits up to $100,000 per account are insured by the National Credit Union Administration, an agency of the U.S. government. South Metro maintains supplemental share insurance to cover up to $250,000 per account through Excess Share Insurance, Inc. South Metro was sponsored by a capital contribution from the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, a federally recognized Indian tribe located in Prior Lake, Minnesota.

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