For nearly 20 years, Desert Schools Federal Credit Union has played host to the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Charity Golf Tournament benefitting Phoenix Children’s Hospital (PCH) and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, an international non-profit organization that raises funds for children’s hospitals, medical research and public awareness of children’s health issues. Since the golf event’s inception in 1999, more than $3.4 million has been raised to support PCH’s “1 Darn Cool School” initiative, with this year’s event bringing in more than $370,000.
“It’s such an honor for all of us at Desert Schools to host this tournament,” said Ron Amstutz, executive vice president of Desert Schools. “We’re beyond thrilled to continuously support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and Phoenix Children’s Hospital for the last 19 years. The gift of education and the smiles on children’s faces each time we visit PCH remind us that our efforts couldn’t possibly go towards anything more rewarding.”
PCH remains one of the only children’s hospitals in the nation to offer an educational program like “1 Darn Cool School.” The innovative concept allows teachers to provide education to children who are undergoing long-term care at the facility. The school is open year-round, five days a week and offers personalized instruction for students in grades K-12. This rare commodity makes it possible for the hospital’s patients to keep up with schoolwork in an encouraging, supportive environment. Bedside instruction is even available in cases where a child is unable to travel to the dedicated PCH classroom on the hospital’s first floor. The facility employs its own highly trained teaching staff, which understands the need for children to continue their educational routines and to focus on something other than their ailments. This program aids both the physical and mental health of the patients and helps them transition back into their regular school environment more efficiently when the time comes.
PCH is Arizona’s only licensed children’s hospital, delivering first-rate inpatient, outpatient, trauma, emergency and urgent care to children and families in Arizona and across the Southwest. The hospital provides treatment in over 70 pediatric specialties and continues to set the precedent for growth in quality patient care, research and medical education across the nation as one of the largest, most reputable children’s hospitals in the country.
Desert Schools Federal Credit Union has passionately given back to the community throughout its 78 years of service in Arizona. The institution is deeply committed to seeking out charitable opportunities and acting as a partner to local non-profits across the Valley.
