California’s Credit Unions’ Inland Empire and Orange County Networks reached a milestone in their philanthropy, announcing that this year’s recent “Dancing With the Credit Union Stars” event raised more than $70,000 for charitable organizations.

Representing 12 credit unions and 15 business partners, the sold-out event brought together 240 attendees for an evening of competition and community spirit. While the fundraiser remains a cornerstone for the Southern California credit union community, this year’s proceeds will reach further. Participating dance teams personally selected six charities to receive funds.

The evening was emceed by Stephanie Cuevas, SVP of Federal Advocacy, and Karla Davis, VP of Communications and Marketing, both with California’s Credit Unions, who guided attendees through a program filled with energy, storytelling, and celebration.

Standout performances balanced technical skill with heart as the evening kicked off. Ritmo Inclusivo, representing SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union and featuring dancers Miguel Magana and Marteen Miranda De Jesus, was a double-award winner. The duo took home the Diamond Dance Award (presented by Velera) for best costume, as well as the coveted People’s Choice Award for raising the most funds and securing the most votes during the event.

Smooth and Sassy from Credit Union of Southern California, featuring dancers Jeremy Nelson and Megan Muldoon, earned the Judges Choice Award.

A panel of network leaders from across California selected the winners, including Bebe Souvannavong (Silicon Valley Network chair), Brandon Jensen (San Diego/Imperial Network chair), Damian Alarcon-Young (Sacramento Valley Network board member), and Frank Espinoza (Greater Los Angeles chair).

Dancers from across six different credit unions drove the evening’s success, with each pair performing to benefit a cause close to their hearts — including:

• Ritmo Inclusivo (SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union). Miguel Magana and Marteen Miranda De Jesus danced for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA).
• Smooth and Sassy (Credit Union of Southern California). Jeremy Nelson and Megan Muldoon danced for CU SoCal Helping Hands.
• Buckin’ Wild (Wescom Financial). Mirna Bautista and Ralph Bautista danced for the Sierra Madre Community Foundation.
• Rumba Wranglers (Arrowhead Credit Union). Muskan Aggarwal and Ashley Duran danced for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
• Queens of Chaos (Altura Credit Union): Veronica Lugo and Tiffany Wingo danced for The End Alz Association.
• Whiskey Swingers (American First Credit Union): William Aguilar and Katrina Santley danced for the Lupus Foundation of Southern California.

Dancing with the Credit Union Stars continues to serve as a reminder of what the industry and league networks can achieve when they work toward a common goal. The number of charities aided this year illustrates the growing reach and impact of credit union networks and fundraising events.

Since its inception in 2012, “Dancing With the Credit Union Stars” has grown from a modest gathering of 70 people to a yearly favorite. The Inland Empire and Orange County Networks want to thank everyone who participated in making this year’s event successful.

“Reaching the $70,000 mark proves that when credit unions collaborate, our impact is limitless,” said Chris Loy, chair of the Orange County Network and LMS Administration Manager for Wescom Financial. “Watching our dancers pour their hearts into these performances for so many charities reminds us all why we do this work. It’s about the lives we change through the ‘people helping people’ philosophy.”