SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH (June 22, 2010) — Children’s Miracle Network, a children’s charity that raises funds for pediatric hospitals, announced today the results of its annual fundraising campaign with its largest partner, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Between May 1 to June 19, the company’s associates, customers and members raised more than $20 million – far exceeding the fundraising goal of $15 million.
During the six-week campaign, Walmart and Sam’s Club customers and members were invited to make a donation of $1, $2 or $5 to their local Children's Miracle Network hospital at the register. Additional in-store fundraisers were held to bolster fundraising efforts.
“Raising $20 million in such a short time period is a significant accomplishment, especially when you consider that most of this was raised a dollar or two at a time,” said Scott Burt, president and CEO, Children’s Miracle Network. “We couldn’t have achieved this amount without the generous Walmart and Sam’s Club associates who understand the power they have to create miracles at children’s hospitals by asking customers to give. We are also grateful to Walmart and Sam’s Club customers and members who responded to the ask, choosing to support their local Children’s Miracle Network hospital.”
“Our annual fundraising campaign allows for customers to donate directly to their local Children's Miracle Network hospital, providing funding to sick and injured children in local communities,” said Margaret McKenna, president, Walmart Foundation. “We’re proud to have exceeded our fundraising goals and to be giving $20 million to children in need.”
The retailer’s support for the Children’s Miracle Network began in 1987. Since then, Walmart and Sam’s Club associates, customers and members have raised and contributed more than $530 million for Children’s Miracle Network hospitals, the most ever raised for children’s hospitals by a Children’s Miracle Network partner.
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 Walmart
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are proud to support the charitable causes that are important to customers and associates in their own neighborhoods. The Walmart Foundation funds initiatives focused on education, workforce development, economic opportunity, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness. From Feb. 1, 2009 through Jan. 31, 2010, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation gave more than $512 million in cash and in-kind gifts globally, $467 million of which was donated in the U.S. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org.
Press Contact: Aubrey Cichelli
Aubrey@childrensmiraclenetwork.org
Phone: 801/661-3054