Tennessee and Mississippi Credit Union Association Hosts Signature Fundraising Event and Leadership Summit

The last place teen Anthony Brantley wanted to be was at a conference. After his father’s brain cancer diagnosis, all he wanted was to stay home and play video games.

“My dad’s cancer diagnosis was a shock to my family,” said Anthony. “It shocked us to the core. We didn’t know what to do. Life just froze. I was watching my mom go back and forth to the hospital, checking on my dad and taking care of my little sister and me. We lost something very important to us—and that was hope.”

But his family chose to attend the conference—the 2024 Inheritance of Hope Legacy Retreat in Nashville—and the experience changed their lives.

“Little did I know that trip would be the most impactful trip of my life,” said Brantley. “Inheritance of Hope brought back something that my life was missing—and that was hope.

Inheritance of Hope was founded in 2007 by Kristen Milligan—a young mother of three after she was diagnosed with a rare terminal cancer at age 30. Kristen quickly realized that her illness affected her entire family, yet resources for families facing similar circumstances were scarce. Determined to fill that gap, she and her husband, Deric Milligan, established Inheritance of Hope to support families like their own.

Inheritance of Hope’s mission is to inspire hope in young families facing the loss of a parent. One way is through Legacy Retreats®, a multi-day destination experience for families to make priceless memories, build a lasting legacy together and receive tools to navigate the challenges of a parent’s terminal illness. Inheritance of Hope hosts Legacy Retreats® throughout the country, with more than 300 families on the waiting list.

Boots & Bowties Charity Fundraiser

The Tennessee and Mississippi Credit Union Association recently hosted the Boots & Bowties Charity Fundraiser to raise vital funds for Inheritance of Hope and Credit Unions for Kids. More than 200 credit union leaders gathered for a night of inspiration on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry.

“It was truly special to stand on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry and recognize the remarkable work of Credit Unions for Kids and Inheritance of Hope,” said Fred Robinson, president and CEO of the Tennessee and Mississippi Credit Union Association. “Beyond raising critical funds, this event helped shine a light on the profound impact these organizations have on families.”

Special entertainment was provided by Ava Paige, who has written with hitmakers behind songs for Lee Ann Womack and Chris Stapleton; Brice Long, with cuts by Garth Brooks, George Strait and Reba McEntire; and Emily Shackelton, writer behind Carly Pearce’s number one hits.

“Boots and Bowties was an absolutely incredible night,” said Ava Paige. “It’s always so inspiring to see the amazing things people can do when we come together to support a cause we all believe in. CMN is so close to my heart and I was honored to help raise funds for such an incredible group of hospitals—and what a venue to do it at! I hope to share more songs and stories with the charity event next year!”

Funds raised will benefit the five Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in Tennessee and the one Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in Mississippi through Credit Unions for Kids, and the Inheritance of Hope Legacy Retreat® in Nashville, Nov. 6-8.

Leadership Summit

While credit union leaders were in Nashville, the Association hosted a Leadership Summit the following day. Among the speakers was Scott Simpson, president and CEO of America’s Credit Unions.

“Credit unions in Tennessee and Mississippi are on the frontline, demonstrating the power of cooperative finance every single day,” said Scott Simpson, president and CEO of America’s Credit Unions. “Amplifying the credit union story is essential to the movement’s success, and the stories shared during the Leadership Summit highlight your commitment to your communities. Thank you for your efforts and leadership to make a difference in people’s lives.”

Thank You to Supporters

This inaugural event would not have been possible without the incredible outpouring of support from people throughout the credit union community.

“We extend our sincere thanks to our sponsors and donors for standing alongside us,” said Kim Bohannon, chief innovation officer at the Tennessee and Mississippi Credit Union Association. “Their generosity and shared commitment help bring hope and support to CU4Kids and Inheritance of Hope in a powerful way.”

The Tennessee and Mississippi Credit Union Association has already begun planning for next year’s fundraiser. If you are interested in supporting the event, please reach out.