Cole Sitzlar performs at a concert held by Love's Travel Stop in Charleston, Tn. to benefit Children's Hospital at Erlanger
Chattanooga area Love’s Travel Stops (Love’s) store employees wrapped up a five-week campaign for Children’s Hospital at Erlanger, the local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. Stores raised a total of $30,377, a 78 percent increase in funds raised during last year’s campaign.
From Aug. 26-Sept. 30, Love’s team members sold CMN Hospitals’ Miracle Balloons for donations and organized numerous events. Many cookouts, bake sales and even a concert contributed to the total funds raised. Love’s showed additional support for Children’s Hospital at Erlanger on National Coffee Day, which took place on Sept. 29. In honor of the day, all 24-ounce hot beverages were discounted to $1, with all proceeds going to the local CMN Hospital.
“Pediatric medical care is among the most expensive to provide, in part because of all the different sizes of equipment needed to treat kids ranging from a one-pound micro-preemie to a seven-foot high school football player,” said Rebecca Brinkley, director, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, Erlanger Health System Foundations. “Thank you to Love’s team members and customers for going above and beyond to raise funds to benefit children of the Chattanooga region.”
More than 430 stores in 41 states participated in the national campaign that raised a record $2.7 million for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. Since 1998, Love’s has raised more than $20 million for the nonprofit.
“Every year, our employees show passion and dedication for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, and this year they also demonstrated perseverance,” said Jenny Love Meyer, vice president of communications for Love’s. “Hurricanes Harvey and Irma hit during our campaign, forcing many of our Texas and Florida locations to temporarily close. Other locations stepped up their fundraising efforts so we could still make a difference for kids, while employees in storm-affected areas focused on recovery efforts. We’re thankful for the customers who support this cause every year and really proud of our employees who endured through the challenges.”
The money raised through this year’s Love’s campaign will stay local to benefit sick and injured children in the Chattanooga community. All funds will be donated to the Believe Campaign to benefit the new children’s hospital. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.webelieve.build.