TULLAHOMA, Tenn. –Ascend Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in Middle Tennessee, announced today a donation of $25,000 to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. The donation continues Ascend’s longstanding support for the hospital and its mission of providing pediatric specialty care to children and communities regionally, nationally and internationally.

“As a nonprofit organization, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt relies on philanthropy to continue to provide expert, compassionate care to all children who need us,” said Meg Rush, MD, MMHC, President of Children’s Hospital. “The ongoing generosity from our community partners like Ascend Federal Credit Union truly makes a profound impact on the 1,800 patients Children’s Hospital cares for each day. We are so grateful for the support of our community, particularly during these challenging times.”

Ascend’s donation is part of a well-established relationship the credit union has with Children’s Hospital. Over the past few years, Ascend donated $100,000 toward the construction of the Pediatric Heart Institute, a 38-bed, 40,000-square-foot space on the 10th floor of the hospital. A room on the 10th floor was named for Ascend in honor of its commitment to the health of children in Middle Tennessee and beyond.

“Ascend is honored to continue our support for this national leader in pediatric health care,” said Caren Gabriel, Ascend president and CEO. “Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt is doing exceptional work to bring hope to children and their families. We are grateful to partner with this prominent institution to help fund its important mission in our community and the state of Tennessee.”

Ascend employees have also raised funds for the hospital by participating in the credit union’s annual Miracle Jeans Day and Miracle Treat Day. Ascend also has been a presenting sponsor of 107.5 FM The River’s “River of Hope Radiothon” for 10 years, and Gabriel has served on the Children’s Hospital Advisory Board since 2018. Ascend has donated more than $283,000 to Children’s Hospital since 1998.

About Ascend Federal Credit Union

With more than 237,000 members and more than $4.1 billion in assets, Ascend Federal Credit Union is the largest credit union in Middle Tennessee and one of the largest federally chartered credit unions in the United States. Based in Tullahoma, Tenn., the member-owned financial institution offers banking, loan, retirement and investment services from its 27 branches, more than 55,000 free ATMs worldwide, online banking portal, and mobile app. The credit union’s mission is to serve by offering financial literacy education and giving back to its community in a variety of ways. Ascend is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration. For more information, visit ascend.org.

About Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt

Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt is one of the nation's leading children's hospitals, treating and helping to prevent a full range of pediatric health issues from colds and broken bones to complex heart diseases and cancer. Achieving 10 out of 10 nationally ranked pediatric specialties in 2021, Children’s Hospital was again named among the nation’s “Best Children’s Hospitals” for the 15^thconsecutive year by U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, Children’s Hospital earned the distinction as the No. 1 pediatric hospital in Tennessee, and in a new regional ranking, sharing first place in the Southeast Region.

Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, a nonprofit organization, opened in 2004, expanded its physical space in 2012, and recently added four new floors encompassing 160,000 total sq. ft. The new expansion helps to advance the size and scope of the hospital's mission. For more about Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt: ChildrensHospitalVanderbilt.org