TFCU raises nearly $30K for Children’s Miracle Network
During April, Tinker Federal Credit Union branches and departments rallied to raise money for one of the state’s most meaningful causes, the Children’s Health Foundation, the local entity of Children’s Miracle Network.
For the past 25 years, TFCU branches and departments have dedicated the month of April to get people involved in giving locally. This year, through the annual Credit Unions for Kids campaign, TFCU employees and members raised nearly $30,000 to help create miracles for children in Oklahoma.
“We’re thankful to TFCU members for buying chocolate bars and entering raffles to support the Credit Unions for Kids campaign,” said Blake Roberts, TFCU community engagement representative and Credit Unions for Kids board member. “It’s always fun for TFCU employees to create raffle baskets and other contests for their branch or department to get people excited about giving. This is a tradition we’ll continue for many years to come.”
TFCU raises $12K for Children’s Miracle Network through Miracle Car Show
Tinker Federal Credit Union hosted its 23rd and final Miracle Car Show on May 6. Thanks to 137 car entries, sponsors and employee donations, the event raised $12,000. The car show has been part of TFCU’s fundraiser for the Children’s Miracle Network for the past 23 years. All the money raised will stay in Oklahoma and benefit Children’s Hospital Foundation.
2023 was a special year because the Children’s Hospital Foundation has two Champion Children, identical twins named Vivianne and Veronica, age 12. TFCU event organizers were excited to let them each choose their favorite vehicles and present two separate “Champion Child Awards.” Vivianne and Veronica toured the show with their mom, Carrie, and Miss Norman 2023, Sunny Day. Vivianne chose her favorite car of the show, a 1972 Chevy pickup owned by Harrell Denson. Vivianne said she chose Denson’s car because it had a cool paint job. Veronica’s favorite car was a 2018 Dodge Charger owned by Danny July. Veronica said she chose the car because it had doors that opened like wings and glowing neon lights. TFCU’s CEO Dave Willis awarded the “President’s Pick” title to a 1936 120 Packard owned by Richard Barajas.
Along with all the fantastic cars, the event featured a 50/50 raffle for door prizes, craft vendors, a food truck from Michael’s Catering and a mix of crowd-pleasing tunes from radio DJ Brian Smith. There were 12 award categories and six special awards with winners voted on by registrants. (For a complete list of winners please see below.)
“Our 23rd annual Miracle Car Show was an amazing day with nice weather and a great turnout! Special thanks to our sponsors, our volunteer workers and all who donated to make our event a success. Many of you have become friends over the past 23 years, and I can’t thank you enough for your continued support,” said Starla Shatswell, TFCU’s car show coordinator. “Please continue to support Children’s Miracle Network anytime you can as they do great things for kids right here in Oklahoma. I know the TFCU team will continue to support them in many ways as we always do!”
See photos from the 2023 Miracle Car Show
Champion Child Awards, chosen by Children’s Hospital Foundation Champion Children, Vivianne and Veronica
- Harrell Denson, 1972 Chevrolet C10 pickup
- Danny July, 2018 Dodge Charger
President’s Pick, chosen by TFCU CEO, Dave Willis
- Richard Barajas, 1936 120 Packard
Car: prewar (1945 and earlier)
- First place: Scott Pongraez, 1917 Ford Model T
- Second place: Richard Barajas, 1936 120 Packard
Car: postwar (1946 – 1959)
- First place: Jerry Brown, 1957 Chevrolet BA hard top
- Second place: Bruce Hays, 1956 Chevrolet 210 wagon
Car: 1960 – 1979
- First place: Perry Wynn, 1967 Chevrolet Nova SS
- Second place: Curtis Hair, 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Car: 1980 – present
- First place: David McCoin, 1984 Oldsmobile Hurst
- Second place: Ronald Resar, 2022 Shelby GT 500
Custom/modified car: prewar (1945 and earlier)
- First place: Billy Brown, 1941 Willis Two-door Coupe
- Second place: John Taylor, 1933 Plymouth Sedan
Custom/modified car: postwar (1946 – 1959)
- First place: Rodney and Laura Weller, 1956 Chevrolet 210 Handyman wagon
- Second place: Jerry Calloway, 1948 Ford two-door coupe
Custom/modified car: 1960 – 1979
- First place: Ashlee Wilkening, 1967 Volkswagen Beetle
- Second place: Alan Ginn, 1973 Plymouth Barracuda
Custom/modified Car: 1980 – present
- First place: Joey DeBaud, 1983 Oldsmobile Cutlass
- Second place: Brent Bolnar, 1992 Nissan 300 2X Twin Turbo
Truck: pre-1974
- First place: Cathy and David Brown, 1955 Ford F100 pickup
- Second place: Harrell Denson, 1972 Chevrolet C10 pickup
Truck: 1974 – present
- First place: Matt Poole, 1979 Dodge Little Red Express
- Second place: Bill Watkins, 1985 Chevrolet Silverado
Custom/modified truck: Pre 1974
- First place: Denny Cratky, 1049 Chevrolet pickup
- Second place: Joe McGarity, 1973 Chevrolet El Camino
Custom/modified truck: 1974 – present
- First place: Sonny Rickets, 1985 Chevrolet Truck
- Second place: Jerry Jackson, 1977 Chevrolet C10
Sports Car
- First place: Steven Shroeder, 1958 Lotus Clone Westfield II
- Second place: Red Parrish, 1965 Chevrolet Corvette
Work in progress
- First place: Mike Colestock, 1972 Chevrolet Nova
- Second place: John Kuzmicki, 1967 Dodge Charger
Muscle car
- First place: Chad Wilkening, 1971 Chevrolet Nova
- Second place: John and Sharon Utendorf, 1955 Ford F100
Special interest
- First place: DeWayne Mathews, 1965 Everett-Morrison Cobra
- Second place: Fortunato Mercado, 1991 Nissan Figaro
Motorcycle
- First place: Chris Blackford, 2003 Harley Davidson Road King
- Second place: Michael Moore, 2004 Harley Davidson Fat Boy
4 x 4
- First place: Terry Brongardt, 1970 Jeep J2000
Best paint
- First place: Tim Hawk, 1955 two-door hardtop
Best interior
- First place: Olen Holcomb, 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air
Best engine
- First place: Billy Brown, 1941 Willis two-door coupe