Walmart and Sam’s Club associates are helping “put the money where the miracles are” again this year with a combined fundraising effort raising $207,712 for Children's Hospital at Erlanger in Chattanooga following the annual Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals campaign. The fundraising efforts are part of a broader national effort that raised more than $35 million in support of the 170 member hospitals across the country.
“There is a great sense of community when our associates and our customers can rally around a cause we all believe in like supporting CMN Hospitals,” said Brad Hodsden, Walmart market manager.
“We always say that every dollar counts, and we are so grateful for our customers and members who donate to help children live better. Their passion for helping kids served by Children's Hospital at Erlanger has never wavered, and it inspires us to go bigger and do more every year.”
All funds raised by Walmart for Children’s Hospital at Erlanger will directly benefit the construction of its new Children’s Outpatient Center, phase one of its new Children’s Hospital. This new facility will serve more than 50,000 children from the region annually. To date, Walmart has raised more than $935,000 for the Believe Campaign which benefits the new Children’s Outpatient Center.
“Walmart and Sam’s Club associates’ support for children treated at our partner hospitals has always been rooted in an authentic desire to help kids in need,” said John Lauck, president and CEO, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. “Their passion is amplified millions of times over by customers and members who believe in our mission to give kids a chance at a better life. Their incredible response to the store- and club-level fundraising efforts are inspiring and impactful.”
"Walmart and Sam’s Club have supported Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals for 30 years. Funds raised impact each of the 170 Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, which treat 10 million kids annually across North America. Hospitals utilize the funds based on what they need most — including lifesaving equipment and research, top therapy programs, charitable care and more.
"Fundraising efforts have evolved over the last 30 years. While donations at the registers drive most of the fundraising at stores and clubs during the campaign, associates also get creative by hosting fundraising events," officials said.