Children's Miracle Network, Wal-Mart Raise Awareness For Children's Hospitals with "Champions Across America"

Walmart stores, Sam’s Club associates, customers, members raised, contributed $460 million for CMN since 1987

SALT LAKE CITY (Feb. 18, 2009) — Children’s Miracle Network, an international non-profit that raises funds for 170 children’s hospitals in the United States, today announced support from Walmart and Sam’s Club for Champions Across America.

The Champions Across America program is designed to raise awareness of the vital work taking place in children’s hospitals. The 2009 program is officially known as Champions Across America presented by Walmart and Sam’s Club.

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 $460 million for Children’s Miracle Network hospitals.

The Champions Across America program designates in every state a Champion child who has bravely battled and triumphed despite a serious injury or illness. Champions serve as ambassadors for the 17 million children treated at Children’s Miracle Network hospitals each year. The 2009 Champions have dealt with a variety of hardships that include suffering from illnesses, such as brittle bone disease, brain tumors and cerebral palsy, and surviving car accidents and plane crashes.

“Children’s Miracle Network has been inspired for more than 20 years by the way Wal-Mart has rallied behind our cause all to benefit courageous children in their communities,” said Scott Burt, president and CEO, Children’s Miracle Network. “Wal-Mart understands that our fundraising empowers hospitals to improve health for children around the country, and essentially the world, by supporting important research and treatments. It is a privilege to work with them on Champions Across America, an initiative that deeply impacts the lives of everyone involved with the program.”

In March, Walmart and Sam’s Club will sponsor the Champions and their families as they travel to Walt Disney World and to Washington, D.C., where they will meet with their senators on Capitol Hill.

“Over the past two decades, Children’s Miracle Network, its hospitals and especially the children treated have found a very special place in the hearts of Walmart and Sam’s Club associates,” said Margaret McKenna, president of the Wal-Mart Foundation. “Our support for Champions Across America builds on the emotional connection our associates have with the children cared for by these hospitals.”