Day 19 - Children's Medical Center to Duke Energy Center
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Our 19th day, April 19, concluded our 180+ mile march-a-thon. The cool day brought a break in the rain by the time our marchers set foot on the road.
We first gathered at Children's Medical Center for some words of welcome and a heartfelt Children's Hospital experience. The Children's Hospital Foundation gang - Sarah Sullivan, Steven Terrell, and Alison Hudson - as well as Carl Fauver of Communicating Arts CU greeted the 12 or so marchers in the Research Auditorium.
We heard some heartfelt words from Dan Sutton of Kemba Credit Union about his son's 25-day experience at Cincinnati Children's. And we all accepted a $13,500 donation from Frost Financial on Children's Miracle Network's behalf.
The marchers set out for their 3.5 mile walk and headed toward the Duke Energy Center. As the marchers arrived just before 4pm, we whisked them upstairs to the Grand Ballroom to prepare for the big presentation. Adorable Ohio Champion, Hannah Stoll, and her family arrived and joined all of us.
Doug Fecher of Wright-Patt CU welcomed all attendees to the Grand Ballroom and began his presentation recognizing Ohio Credit Unions' Marching Miles efforts. He emphasized his description of Marching Miles as "incredible"...and proudly announced the $81,000 raised for Children's Miracle Network. As he invited Hannah Stoll - Ohio Children's Miracle Network Champion - up to the stage, Fecher stated, "When Hannah was born she weighed a mere one pound 12 ounces. Today she is a lively, fiesty three year old...you'll see!"
Hannah proudly took the stage with her family and posed for pictures. When asked to smile pretty and say cheese, she made all kinds of goofy faces...yep, faces of a happy, energetic three year old.
Thanks to everyone involved in today's event, as well as the 18 events prior to today. It's been a blast and our $81,000 raised will surely make a difference in lives of children like Hannah.
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