Citadel, as a credit union, was founded on the philosophy of people helping people, and its latest philanthropic act will indeed help a whole lot of them.

Last week at its headquarters in Exton, Citadel presented a $200,000 check to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The grand total represents the money raised from the second annual Citadel Country Spirit USA, CHOP’s Parkway Run & Walk, and employee donations and fundraising. The check was presented to CHOP by Jeff March, Citadel’s President and CEO.

Each year, Citadel continues to build its support for CHOP, with increased employee involvement and additional event support and funding. In 2019, Citadel was the presenting sponsor for CHOP’s Parkway Run & Walk, which raised more than $1.5 million to fund breakthrough pediatric cancer research and care at CHOP. Citadel built a team of more than 100 employees and their family members to participate in the event.

“At Citadel, we feel extremely fortunate to meet many inspiring patients, their families, amazing doctors, and staff members from CHOP,” said March. “Everyone at Citadel has a CHOP story or knows someone who does. We are proud to support this amazing institution in our community and to continue growing our partnership.”

One of CHOP’s Parkway ambassadors, 11-year-old Lizzy Fluck, attended Citadel Country Spirit USA, Parkway, and the big check event with her family to thank folks for their donations. Lizzy’s mom, Dawn Fluck, gave an inspiring speech at Citadel Country Spirit USA, driving even more donations during the concert.

“My daughter’s story is not that unique; thousands of children have endured what she has this year,” she said. “I can tell you, with CHOP, we are having great success. Through funding, the research has been perfected, and because of that funding, Lizzy’s body has been healed and her cancer sent into remission. She has a long way to go, but she’s still dancing!”

As a thank you to Lizzy and to support her love of baking, Citadel awarded her with a baking kit, complete with a KitchenAid mixer, during the check ceremony. She also received a guitar signed by every artist who performed at Citadel County Spirit USA.

Click here to learn more about Citadel’s support for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.