In honor of NICU Awareness Month, we are thrilled to announce Neches Federal Credit Union‘s latest fundraiser supporting Children’s Miracle Network (CMN). Together with The Golden Cup coffee bar in Nederland, they bring you “Miracle Brews – Coffee for the Cause”!

Discover the Golden Cup’s exclusive “Miracle Brew” blend, available in convenient 2.5 oz sample-sized bags specially crafted for this event. These ready-to-brew pouches can make a whole pot of coffee or several single cups (compatible with K-cups). Each bag is priced at just $5, and $2 from every sale goes directly to Children’s Miracle Network.

For those craving more magic, 1-pound “The Miracle Brew” bags are available for $20 (cash-purchase only) at The Golden Cup, located at 1336 Boston Ave, Nederland.

This year’s coffee promotion is a fresh take on fundraising, a collaboration between Megan Hanks, Neches FCU Business & Community Development Supervisor, and Brandon Hammock, publisher of BeLocal Golden Triangle and promoter of The Golden Cup coffee bar.

Megan Hanks shares, “Credit Unions for Kids (CU4Kids) benefitting Children’s Miracle Network holds a special place in Neches Federal Credit Union’s heart. The funds we raise each year directly support CMN in Southeast Texas, thanks to our dedicated employees and members.”

Neches has supported CU4Kids since 1996, turning it into an annual fundraiser at all our branches. For over 25 years, they have been raising awareness about the challenges faced by newborn families using NICU facilities and collecting funds for CHRISTUS of Southeast Texas, the local network partner for CMN. In 2023, Neches FCU raised nearly $12,000 through the Miracle Balloon campaign and fundraising merchandise sales like candy bars, baked goods, and popcorn.

Caralee Thompson, Program Manager for CMN at CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Foundation, expresses her excitement, “We are so thrilled that Neches FCU and The Golden Cup have joined forces to create Miracle Brew coffee for the benefit of Children’s Miracle Network at CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Health System. CMN has a long-standing partnership with Neches FCU, and their generous annual contributions significantly impact sick kids in Southeast Texas.”

Funds raised by credit unions and initiatives like The Miracle Brew stay in Southeast Texas, benefiting all campuses from Port Arthur to Jasper. Megan Hanks adds, “We are delighted to partner with The Golden Cup and BeLocal Magazine to sell coffee at our branches this September, strengthening and promoting local businesses. Raising funds for sick and injured children in Southeast Texas with the help of a small business owner directly aligns with the credit union philosophy – ‘People Helping People’.”

Brandon Hammock, publisher of BeLocal Golden Triangle and The Golden Cup promoter, encourages community involvement, saying, “We encourage all our business partners & advertisers to get involved with community initiatives. The Golden Cup ownership has repeatedly stepped up to help with nonprofit and charity causes. When I suggested that we sell coffee packets instead of sweets or candy, Janna Bartz, the owner, jumped at the idea.”

The Golden Cup owner, Janna Bartz, is deeply involved in community-centered efforts, including The Rotary Club of Nederland and her church. She hopes that people will see the great work that Children’s Miracle Network does and contribute to the fund, even if they don’t buy any coffee.

“The Miracle Brew” Coffee Fundraiser aims to raise over $7,000 in September. For more information, visit the Neches FCU website at www.nechesFCU.org or search on social media @nechesFCU. To learn more about The Golden Cup coffee bar, search @TheGoldenCupCoffeebar

Let’s brew up some miracles together! 

A BIG THANK YOU to all who participated in the Summer Serves volleyball tournament benefiting CMN!

Last school year, West Brook junior Zain Sayyed and senior Raj Patel hosted a Kicks for Kids soccer tournament in April at the Cris Quinn Indoor Soccer Complex. With the participation of over 10 teams and 110 passionate players, this event raised an outstanding $2,165 for the Children’s Miracle Network at CHRISTUS Southeast Texas.

Inspired by the success of Kicks for Kids, Zain and Raj decided to continue their mission. They organized a thrilling double elimination sand volleyball tournament at the Beaumont Municipal Athletic Complex, featuring 12 amazing teams from the Beaumont/Port Arthur area.

These two young champions went above and beyond, securing sponsorships from generous partners like Sam’s Club, Exygon Health & Fitness, Pinnacle Physical Therapy, and Vidor Advanced Dental. Their dedication and hard work shone brightly, making Summer Serves a resounding success! Zain and Raj, along with all participants – raised an impressive $1,900 during Summer Serves, bringing their total contribution to CMN to a remarkable $4,065!

To Zain and Raj, we extend our deepest gratitude. Your unwavering support and dedication have made an immeasurable impact on the lives of children in SETX. We can’t wait to see the incredible things you both will achieve in your future endeavors!

And to all the participants, sponsors, and supporters, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your enthusiasm and generosity have driven this incredible event’s success, and we look forward to continuing this journey together!

Join the Sabine Chapter of Credit Unions (SCCU) for their annual Kids Classic Golf Tournament on October 27, 2023, at Bayou Din Golf Club. Registration starts at 7:30 am, with a Shotgun Start at 8:00 am. It’s a four-man scramble with par as your friend, followed by awards and door prizes.

Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) of Southeast Texas. Your contributions provide essential neonatal and pediatric equipment, helping children in need.
For over three decades, your support has made this tournament possible. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of Southeast Texas residents.

Join us, support CMN, and help local children receive vital medical care. Together, we can achieve CMN’s mission of saving and improving children’s lives in the community.

For more information and Sponsorship opportunities, please click here!

In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, it’s heartwarming to witness individuals who go above and beyond to make a positive impact on the lives of others. One such individual, Caitlin Good, a Registered Vascular Technologist at CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth Outpatient Pediatric Pavilion (OPP), is spreading kindness and joy in our pediatric unit, leaving a trail of smiles among young patients and their families.

Coloring Books for Compassion

Caitlin’s journey of spreading joy began with a simple yet impactful idea – creating coloring books for the children at the pediatric unit. These coloring books weren’t just ordinary ones; they were thoughtfully designed to captivate the imaginations of young minds and bring endless hours of creative joy. The pages are filled with enchanting illustrations, from whimsical animals to magical landscapes and everything in between.

But Caitlin’s kindness didn’t stop there. She took it a step further by generously donating these coloring books to the pediatric unit. These acts of generosity and compassion instantly brightened up the young patients’ days, offering a temporary escape from the challenges they face.

A Bigger Impact on the Horizon

While Caitlin’s coloring books have already made a significant impact, she’s now taking her mission of spreading joy even further. Throughout the month of August, for every coloring book sold, Caitlin is donating $1 back to Children’s Miracle Network (CMN). This initiative adds another layer of positivity to her already inspiring efforts. By purchasing a coloring book, you not only support Caitlin’s compassionate endeavor but also contribute to a greater cause, helping CMN in its mission to provide critical medical care to children in need.

How Can You Get Involved?

If you’re interested in joining Caitlin’s mission and purchasing one of these enchanting coloring books, you can find them on Amazon through the link below:

ABCs Under the Sea: https://tinyurl.com/5n6mcez8

Magical Mandalas: https://tinyurl.com/75dj5jr9

Join the fun on Saturday, July 29th, at the Beaumont Municipal Athletic Complex for a sand volleyball tournament benefiting the Children’s Miracle Network. Bring your A-game and a team of at least 6 players to spike, block, and dive for glory! For a mere $20 per player, you’ll be experiencing epic entertainment while contributing to the outstanding work of the Children’s Miracle Network in SETX. But wait, there’s more! Sponsorship opportunities are available that will make you the MVP of support! So, grab your shades, and let’s bump, set, and FUN-raise your way towards an unforgettable day of sun-soaked volleyball action!

CLICK HERE to sign-up!

Sponsorship Opportunities can be found HERE!

For questions or sponsorships, contact Zain at 409.550.2055 -OR- Raj at 409.499.2997.

DEADLINE IS TUESDAY, JULY 25th.

Visit the Summer Serves Instagram account, @Summer.Serves

The coolest and sweetest day of the summer is right around the corner! Mark your calendars for Dairy Queen’s Miracle Treat Day on Thursday, July 27^th! On this day, proceeds from each Blizzard Treat sold will directly benefit Children’s Miracle Network in SETX! Sounds like a win-win situation to us! Not sure where your closest DQ location is? Click here to find out!

Pre-Order forms can be found here.

We’d like to extend a great, big THANK YOU to Dairy Queen Fans and the participating Dairy Queen restaurants across Southeast Texas! Together, you are helping change kids’ health and change the future for kids in SETX!

Monday June 12, 2023, Walmart and Sam’s Club kicked off their spark good to change kids’ health 2023 fundraising campaign benefiting Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) at CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Health facilities.

Through July 14, you can make a difference for more kids like Brett by donating in-store at Walmart and Sam’s Club, on Walmart.com and in the Walmart app. Walmart and Sam’s Club associates are the heart of the campaign, as so many have strong relationships with CHRISTUS facilities across Southeast Texas. They lead creative fundraising activities and events at their stores for customers to enjoy while raising funds for the cause.

Local children’s hospitals are on the frontlines when it comes to protecting the health of future generations. But they can’t do it alone. Each dollar raised locally at Walmart and Sam’s Club helps CHRISTUS Southeast Texas provide treatments, critical equipment and services to meet their pediatric patients needs today, so they can fulfill their potential for tomorrow.

“At CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Health System, our associates play an essential role providing much-needed care for sick kids and their families,” said Caralee Thompson. Program Manager for the Children’s Miracle Network in Southeast Texas. “We are constantly working to ensure our facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, treatments and other support services to build healthier communities.

“We are incredibly grateful for the Walmart and Sam’s Club associates whose support and dedication help provide the funds needed to ensure our youngest and most vulnerable patients receive the best care available.”

Walmart and Sam’s Club share a basic belief that every child deserves the chance to live better. That’s why they support CMN Hospitals in raising critical funds for our community to help change kids’ health, like 13-year-old Brett Baxter.

Last spring, Brett, who was a student at Vidor Junior High School at the time, was injured while playing football at school. He benefited from CMN donations while in the care of CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Health System. Brett has now fully recovered and is serving as the 2023 CMN Champion for CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Health System.

Walmart and Sam’s Club have been proud partners of CMN for more than 35 years and have raised more than $2 million for our CHRISTUS Southeast Texas facilities. CMN, Walmart and Sam’s Club know that when treatments and facilities improve, children’s hospitals can address the most challenging health issues of today while preparing for tomorrow.

Walmart and Sam’s Club Facts:

• The 2023 Walmart and Sam’s Club campaign runs June 12 – July 14.
• During its 35-year partnership, Walmart and Sam’s Club have raised more than $2 million to support Children’s Miracle Network in Southeast Texas.

Every year, 170 local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals identify a “Champion” in each local community to serve as the face for children treated at their local children’s hospital. These ambassadors spend their year advocating for the charitable need of children’s hospitals across North America. This year, the Children’s Miracle Network at CHRISTUS Southeast Texas is thrilled to introduce Brett Baxter as the 2023 CMN Champion!

Early in the spring of 2022, Brett Baxter, at the time, a 13-year-old athlete at Vidor Junior High School, was playing football with his friends during lunch when he dove for a pass and fell through a nearby window, causing a severe injury to his arm. The wound severed his radial artery, severely damaging a major vein and tendons. Mark Steele, the campus police officer, now employed by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, was present at the time and acted fast, putting his STOP THE BLEED training into practice by using a tourniquet to stem the bleeding and stabilize Brett until medical help arrived. Once transported to the emergency room at CHRISTUS Southeast Texas – St. Elizabeth, Brett was quickly attended to by the trauma team and Dr. David Parkus, who ordered a blood transfusion and surgery to repair the damage. Brett needed extensive therapy to regain function in his hand, which was accomplished with his characteristic determination and the help of his occupational therapists.

Throughout his ordeal, Brett maintained a positive outlook that buoyed his family and caregivers. With the help of those who cared for him, Brett fully recovered and can once again enjoy his favorite activities, such as playing basketball with his friends. His experience also served as a reminder of the importance of the STOP THE BLEED training, which can save lives in the future. Additional assistance from the hospital’s Child Life Specialist, Nicole Albert, helped keep Brett and his family informed and cared for throughout his time in the hospital.

Dr. Parkus – Trauma Surgeon, Brett Baxter, Dr. Jones – Orthopedic Surgeon, Officer Mark Steele

On May 1, 2023, the CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Health Foundation and Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) hosted a dedication ceremony for the newly renovated Pediatric Unit at CHRISTUS Southeast Texas St. Elizabeth Hospital. The renovation features an immersive “under the sea” theme and a comfortable, modern environment intended to help promote healing and recovery in an area designed specifically for children.

The successful renovation of the Pediatric Unit was made possible through the dedicated efforts of our community partners and supporters who fundraise throughout the year to provide money to CMN in Southeast Texas. 100 percent of all funds raised for CMN in Southeast Texas stay local to help sick kids in our community.

In addition to the incredible remodel, in 2022 CMN funds also provided over $330,000 worth of state-of-the-art medical equipment and services to help ensure that our youngest, most vulnerable patients at CHRISTUS receive the top care available.

“We are thrilled with the renovation of our Pediatric Unit, and it’s all thanks to the incredible dedication of our community partners and supporters who have given so generously to support the well-being of our youngest patients,” said Caralee Thompson, Program Manager for Children’s Miracle Network. “We want to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to make today possible.”

The renovation also features interactive and electronic equipment in both patient rooms and common areas, as well as an updated playroom to help provide the best possible experience during difficult circumstances. “At the end of the day, it’s all about our patients,” said Lacey Goodman, Director of Pediatrics and Neonatal ICU at CHRISTUS Southeast Texas St. Elizabeth Hospital. “This renovation, as well as the additional equipment purchased, will allow our highly trained staff to continue to provide personalized care for every patient using the best resources out there. Our nurses and staff work with children because it’s truly their calling and I’m so incredibly proud of the work they do every day.”

The CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Foundation held our 40^th Annual Gala Saturday, April 15 at the Beaumont Civic Center. This event has become one of the most anticipated fundraising events each year and has drawn some of the biggest names in entertainment. This year we were honored to add Country Music Hall of Famer, Wynonna Judd to that list!

With over 900 attendees, this black-tie benefit provided an opportunity for an intimate evening filled with amazing music, great food, and fantastic company! The Foundation honored The Penland Foundation with the Legacy Award, for their philanthropic efforts as the lead donor of our Maternal Child Unit Renovation. CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth will be able to provide state of the art care to our tiniest patients and their mothers. The Penland Foundation’s support of this project will make a difference to future generations of CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Families. It will have a lasting impact on patients and families by welcoming more newborns and sending them home safely with bright, promising futures ahead of them.

The Valero Foundation was also honored with the Service Award. This Award is bestowed on an organization or community member who has served their community and CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Foundation’s mission over the years. In 2022, the Valero Foundation pledged to be the lead equipment donor for our Maternal Child Unit. This donation ensured that CHRISTUS Health Southeast Texas stays at the forefront of maternal, fetal, and pediatric medicine in our region. This Equipment Update for the Maternal and Child Unit at CHRISTUS Hospital St. Elizabeth will help to meet the patient needs through state-of-the-art equipment and advanced technology, which will be matched by the highest levels of compassionate and expert maternity, labor and delivery, and infant care.

We would like to take an opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to our incredible 2023 sponsors. Your generous contributions made the evening possible and allowed us to raise funds to support the needs of women and children services in Southeast Texas.

Warmest regards,

The CHRISTUS Foundation Team