Ascend Federal Credit Union Donates $100,000 to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt

TULLAHOMA, Tenn., Nov. 3, 2025 – Ascend Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in Middle Tennessee, deepened its commitment to children’s health by contributing $100,000 to Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt during the Champions for Children charity event held on Oct. 29. All proceeds from the night will help give Monroe Carell leadership the flexibility to meet emerging needs across the hospital and focus on areas that will make the biggest impact for the growing number of patients and families. Held on the stage of Ascend Amphitheater, Ascend served as the presenting sponsor of the event.  

In addition to the fundraising efforts, superstar country artist Kix Brooks, of Brooks and Dunn, was honored with a star on the Walk of Champions at Monroe Carell for his longtime commitment to Monroe Carell’s patients and families. The event featured performances by country artists Jamey Johnson and Brothers Osborne. Ascend attendees included various executive leadership and board members, including former President and CEO, Caren C. Gabriel, as well as current President and CEO, and Champions for Children host committee member, Matt Jernigan.  

In addition to the Champions of Children donation, Ascend will be the title sponsor of the 20th “River of Hope” Radiothon on 107.5 The River, held Dec. 11-12 at Seacrest Studios at Monroe Carell. As part of its sponsorship, Ascend donated $10,000 to support the Radiothon, an annual event that raises funds for Monroe Carell, Nashville’s local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital®.  

“Monroe Carell’s work to bring hope and healing to children and their families is a source of pride for all of Tennessee,” said Ascend President and CEO, Matt Jernigan. “We are honored to continue our support and partnership with such a respected institution through initiatives like Champions for Children and the River of Hope Radiothon. Ascend remains dedicated to uplifting the organizations and neighbors who make a difference in our communities.” 

Ascend's support for Monroe Carell is part of an extensive relationship. In 2023, Ascend donated $200,000 to help expand inpatient pediatric rehabilitation services at the hospital. Additionally, the credit union has been a presenting sponsor of the "River of Hope Radiothon" for over 10 years, and Jernigan currently serves on the Monroe Carell Advisory Board.  

“Ascend’s longstanding support of Monroe Carell advances our mission to provide world-class care for children,” said Erin Morrison, associate vice president for community and corporate relations for Vanderbilt University Medical Center. “Thanks to the generosity of our supporters like Ascend, we are able to further our work in innovative research, training, and compassionate, expert care.”  

In total, Ascend has given more than $500,000 in donations and fundraising event sponsorships to support Monroe Carell since 2013. 

About Ascend Federal Credit Union 

With more than 260,000 members and more than $4.4 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, digital 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. In 2025, Monroe Carell was again named among the nation’s “Best Children’s Hospitals” for the 19th consecutive year by U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, the hospital earned the distinction as the No. 1 pediatric hospital in Tennessee and shares first place in the Southeast region for the fifth consecutive year. 

Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, a nonprofit organization, opened in 2004, expanded its physical space in 2012, and in 2016 began construction to add 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