CUSO puts the credit union difference into action at Credit Union Cherry Blossom Race and Credit Union SACTOWN Run

St. Petersburg, Fla. (March 4, 2025) – Velera – formerly PSCU/Co-op Solutions, the nation’s premier payments credit union service organization (CUSO) and an integrated financial technology solutions provider – is coming together with credit unions, industry stakeholders, volunteers and more from across the country as a sponsor of two industry-focused races: the Credit Union Cherry Blossom and Credit Union SACTOWN Run.

Each event aims to bring awareness to the “people helping people” credit union philosophy and promote industry activism. The Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile & 5K is a complementary initiative to the public policy advocacy efforts of America’s Credit Unions (ACU). With more than 850 Congressional staffers expected among the thousands of runners, the race elevates awareness of the credit union industry’s shared dedication to service and volunteerism.

Both events also support fundraising for the consortium of 170 premier children’s hospitals treating millions of patients across North America through the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals), with credit unions being the fifth largest fundraisers for CMN Hospitals nationwide. Velera has helped underwrite Credit Union Cherry Blossom race expenses for nearly 25 years, enabling funds raised to further research and provide medical care for patients at CMN Hospitals. Since 2002, the Credit Union Cherry Blossom has raised and donated over $11.5 million to the non-profit, which treats millions of children across the U.S. and Canada. The company has also supported the Credit Union SACTOWN Run where California legislators convene for many years, with the race run raising nearly $2 million for CMN Hospitals since the inception of the Credit Union for Kids and Sacramento Running Association partnership in 2012.

“Every spring, our team looks forward to coming together with credit union employees, members and industry advocates to strengthen the voice of the credit union movement, while also raising funds to support The Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals that are providing critical medical care and research to children in need,” said Merry Pateuk, senior vice president of Industry Engagement, Velera. “We are proud to continue sponsoring these events as Velera, empowering the communities our credit unions serve and cheering on our teams of employees participating in the races on both coasts this year.”

The Credit Union Cherry Blossom will take place in Washington, D.C. and feature a 5K race on April 5 and a 10-mile race on April 6. The Credit Union SACTOWN Run includes a 5K and 10-mile race, both taking place on April 6.

For more information, visit CherryBlossom.org and RunSra.org/sactown-run.

About Velera

Velera, formerly PSCU/Co-op Solutions, is the nation’s premier payments credit union service organization (CUSO) and an integrated financial technology solutions provider. With over four decades of industry experience and a commitment to service excellence and innovation, the company serves more than 4,000 financial institutions throughout North America, operating with velocity to help its clients keep pace with the rapid momentum of change and fuel growth in the new era of financial services. Velera leverages its expertise and resources on behalf of credit unions and their members, offering an end-to-end product portfolio that includes payment processing, fraud and risk management, data and analytics, digital banking, instant payments, strategic consulting, collections, ATM and POS networks, shared branching and 24/7/365 member support via its contact centers. For more information, visit velera.com.