By LAUREN AULD SCHREGARDUS
Director of Client Services
BAR Communications

INDIANAPOLIS — Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club associates, customers and members recently wrapped up a six-week campaign to raise funds for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals across the country. Across Indiana, 141 stores and clubs raised $1,016,665.69 for Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health Network, a nearly 40 percent increase from the previous year.

This represented the largest year-over-year dollar increase from any market of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Nationally, through donations accepted at cash registers and in store fundraising activities, Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club raised more than $42 million for the 170 hospitals that make up the Children’s Miracle Network.

“We are very pleased to once again increase our contribution to CMN Hospitals as we have each year since 1987,” said Celia Swanson, senior vice president of global associate experience for Walmart and CMN Hospital’s leading campaign supporter. “Over the course of our six-week campaign, we collectively raised more than $42 million that will be used to help save the lives of children across the United States. Money raised through this campaign is critical to providing health care access and sustaining excellence in care throughout Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. I’d like to thank our associates, members and customers for their incredible generosity and commitment to their local communities.”

“For the families who depend upon Riley Hospital for Children for hope, healing and comfort, we genuinely thank Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, CMN Hospitals and customers for their tremendous support of Riley kids and families. Even the smallest donation makes a large impact at the end of the campaign,” said Jim Austin, chief marketing and corporate partnerships officer, Riley Children’s Foundation.

Walmart and Sam’s Club associates have helped raise more than $800 million for sick and injured children since partnering with Children’s Miracle Network in 1987. Funds raised impact each of the 170 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, which treat one in 10 children across North America. Hospitals utilize the funds based on what they need the most —typically for purchasing lifesaving equipment and supporting therapy programs.

“Walmart has supported Children’s Miracle Network for nearly 30 years and the annual contribution from our associates and customers has grown to over $1 million in Indiana alone,” said Wal-Mart Regional General Manager, Marlene Hunter-Lammie. “Riley Hospital for Children makes such an indelible impact on the community that we expect that number to continue climbing for years to come.”

The retailer’s six-week campaign ran May 4 through June 14. Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club 2015 fundraising efforts will continue throughout the year at participating locations through various in- store activities. For more information on the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals visit the Childcare’s Miracle Network website.