Children’s
Miracle Network, an international non-profit that raises funds for
170 children’s hospitals in the United States, announced today the
results of a fundraising campaign with its largest partner, Wal-Mart
Stores, Inc. Between May 1 – June 14, the company’s associates,
customers and members set out to demonstrate their long-standing
commitment to supporting Children's Miracle Network hospitals and raised
$15 million.
During the six-week campaign, Walmart and Sam’s Club associates,
customers and members were invited to make a donation to their local
Children's Miracle Network hospital at the register. Additional in-store
fundraisers were held to bolster fundraising efforts.
For the first time, a “virtual balloon” allowed customers to make a $1,
$2, $5 donation, or a donation in an open amount, upon checkout. The
change from paper balloons to the virtual balloon model supports
Wal-Mart’s core value of sustainability, according to Margaret McKenna,
president of the Wal-Mart Foundation.
“By partnering with Children’s Miracle Network, Walmart and Sam’s Club
are infusing millions of dollars annually into the nation’s premier
children’s hospitals,” said Scott Burt, president and CEO of Children's
Miracle Network. “These resources give families the chance to live
better by funding the research, equipment and care critical to the
treatment of every injury and pediatric illness imaginable.”
“Our annual fundraising campaign allows for customers to donate directly
to their local Children's Miracle Network hospital, providing
much-needed funding to sick and injured children,” said McKenna. “We are
proud of our associates who have embraced Children's Miracle Network as
an important cause, and stepped up their efforts to raise $15 million.”
The Wal-Mart Foundation also committed additional funds to Children's
Miracle Network hospitals in recognition of fundraising efforts. Based
on the most significant percentage increase in dollars raised over
various stages of the six-week campaign, these awards will be given to Children’s
Healthcare of Atlanta, Ga.; Driscoll
Children’s Hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas; CHRISTUS
Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital in San Antonio, Texas; and Primary
Children’s Medical Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The retailer’s support for Children’s Miracle Network began in 1987.
Since then, Walmart and Sam’s Club associates, customers and members
have raised more than $460 million for Children’s Miracle Network
hospitals.
About Children's Miracle Network
Children's Miracle Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to
saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for
children’s hospitals. Each year, the 170 Children's Miracle Network
hospitals provide the finest medical care, life-saving research and
preventative education to help millions of kids overcome diseases and
injuries of every kind. To learn more go to ChildrensMiracleNetwork.org.
About Philanthropy at Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) and the Wal-Mart Foundation are proud
to support the charitable causes that are important to customers and
associates in their own neighborhoods. Through its philanthropic
programs and partnerships, the Wal-Mart Foundation funds initiatives
focused on creating opportunities in education, workforce development,
economic opportunity, environmental sustainability, and health and
wellness. From February 1, 2008 through January 31, 2009, Wal-Mart – and
its domestic and international Foundations – gave more than $423 million
in cash and in-kind gifts globally. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org.
Children's Miracle Network
Aubrey Cichelli, 801-661-3054
Aubrey@childrensmiraclenetwork.org
