National campaign crosses $1 billion in children’s hospital fundraising since 1987

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. – Walmart and Sam’s Club associates, customers, and members in Hampton Roads put their money where the miracles are during the annual Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals fundraising campaign.

Local stores raised $346,200 during this year’s campaign, reaching a milestone of $12 million in donations to CHKD over the past three decades. This effort is part of a national annual campaign for CMN Hospitals; $36.5 million was raised in 2018 in the U.S. and Canada, pushing the donation total since 1987 over the $1 billion mark.

Walmart and Sam’s Club associates held a variety of in-store fundraising activities from August 27 to October 7, and asked customers and members to donate at the register to help kids live better. “Our associates understand that they’re making a real impact and helping a lot of people they know who have needed CHKD,” said Ashley Rambo, store manager of Walmart’s Neighborhood Market on Kempsville Road in Virginia Beach. “The hospital has helped my own family so much, and it brings joy to my heart to help other kids in the community.”

Funds raised by Walmart and Sam’s Club stores throughout the country go to help the local CMN Hospital in their area. The 170 hospitals in the Children’s Miracle Network treat one in 10 children across North America. Hospitals use the funds based on what they need most – typically providing lifesaving equipment and research, supporting top therapy programs, and providing charitable care.

All funds raised in Hampton Roads this year will go to support CHKD’s mental health initiative and radiology program. “We are so fortunate to have a world-class pediatric hospital taking such great care of our local kids,” says Chris Mehler, manager of Walmart’s Virginia market. “I can think of no better way to help the communities Walmart serves than to support CHKD.”

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About CHKD

CHKD is the only freestanding children’s hospital in Virginia and serves the medical and surgical needs of children throughout greater Hampton Roads, the Eastern Shore of Virginia, and northeastern North Carolina. The not-for-profit CHKD Health System operates primary care pediatric practices, surgical practices, multi-service health centers, urgent care centers, and satellite offices throughout its service region. 

About Children's Miracle Network Hospitals

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® raises funds and awareness for 170 member hospitals that provide 32 million treatments each year to kids across the U.S. and Canada. Donations stay local to fund critical treatments and healthcare services, pediatric medical equipment and charitable care. Since 1983, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more than $5 billion, most of it $1 at a time through the charity's Miracle Balloon icon. Its various fundraising partners and programs support the nonprofit's mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Find out why children's hospitals need community support, identify your member hospital and learn how you can Put Your Money Where the Miracles Are, at CMNHospitals.org and Facebook.com/CMNHospitals.