Credit unions in North & South Carolina have already generously invested their dollars at Levine Children's Hospital. On Wednesday, credit union representatives from both states invested their time, creativity and hearts in the Rooftop Garden Project at the Charlotte facility. The volunteers were joined by their project partners from CUNA and the Democratic National Convention Committee.
The 75 volunteers took part in creating a permanent art project that will be installed in the rooftop garden area. They also got a first-hand look at the progress of the construction. The volunteer event is part of the 2,012 hours of community service that the convention committee has committed to the project this year.
The willing volunteers helped with an array of projects, from painting birdhouses with Levine Children’s patients to assembling a large art installation that will adorn the entry-way to the outdoor play space. Volunteers also had an opportunity to tour Levine Children’s Hospital and learn about the impact their efforts will have on patients.
John P. McGrail, President/CEO of the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation noted in his opening remarks that "Volunteerism and credit unions go hand-in-hand. We are distinctive in the financial services marketplace because we operate with volunteer leadership, so it is natural that we would invest not only our dollars but our time and human resources seeing this Project to completion."
For Southern Select Community CU President/CEO Huyla Jackson, the event was especially meaningful. Gray, her grandson, has been in and out of Levine, since he was born with a heart defect last October. "I learned a lot yesterday about the hospital; the design, the thought and care that went into every area of the building to make it more ‘homey’ for those who are there for extended periods," said Jackson. "The tour guides did a great job of sharing the philosophy and, from our experience, everything they said about the care is true."
McGrail noted that nearly all of the $300,000 has been raised toward the Levine project, which is part one of a two part project the Foundation is coordinating. CCUF has committed to raising a total of $600,000 for both Levine Children's Hospital and Greenville Hospital Systems Children's Hospital in SC. "The generosity of the North and South Carolina's Credit Unions, their staff, and volunteers has been overwhelming, but frankly not surprising. It's who we are."
"If you’ve been touched by whatever led you to Levine, you realize the benefit of having such a great facility in your area and you just want to help it continue to do the good it does," Jackson said of her motivation to participate in the event. She and the family are hopeful that after a months-long stay at Levine, Gray will be coming home next week.
Details of the ongoing Project can be found on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/CCUFChildrensHospitals and you can follow the happenings of the Foundation on Twitter @CCUFoundation.