Topeka, KS - Walmart and Sam's Club associates, customers and members recently wrapped up a six-week campaign to raise funds for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH) across the country. St. Francis Health partnered with 10 stores and clubs across northeast Kansas and was able to raise $125,403, helping provide patient visits for more than 11,500 kids each year. Nationally, through donations accepted at cash registers and in-store fundraising activities Walmart raised more than $40.2 million for the 170 hospitals that make up Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and helps CMNH provide patient visits for more than 10 million kids each year.

"On behalf of Walmart and Sam's Club, we would like to express our appreciation to our customers and associates for their contribution to this year's Children's Miracle Network fundraising campaign," said Mindy Ellis, Walmart regional general manager. "With everyone's help, children of local hospitals - including St. Francis Health - can receive the care they need. We are honored to be a member of the Topeka community and look forward to continuing our work with Children's Miracle Network Hospitals."

This year's campaign is the most recent in annual fundraising by the retailers, as Walmart and Sam's Club have collected more than $740 million since partnering with the charity in 1987. Walmart and Sam's Club funds impact each of the 170 Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, which treat 1 in 10 children across North America. Hospitals utilize the funds based on what they need the most-typically for purchasing lifesaving equipment, supporting top therapy programs and providing charitable care.

"The money raised by Walmart in our region is critical to St. Francis. We use these funds to help provide the highest quality of care to our community's most vulnerable patients. Our funds are spent both on equipment and programming as well directly offsetting expenses incurred by families seeking care for their children. These funds make a real impact, one child at a time," said Marshall Meek, St. Francis Health Foundation Executive Director.

To raise funds, St. Francis Health partnered with local Walmart and Sam's Club to host a variety of fundraising activities such as manager lock ups, cook-outs, and manager soaks that propelled giving totals to exceed previous years. St. Francis Health will be using the funds to enhance children's services at the hospital, as well as expand their direct family assistance program. This program serves as a safety net for families with sick children who are incurring significant expenses associated with their child's care that are not covered by insurance.

The retailer's six-week campaign ran May 1 - June 13. Walmart and Sam's Club 2014 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: www.CMNHospitals.org.


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About Philanthropy at Walmart
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are committed to helping people live better through philanthropic efforts. By operating globally and giving back locally, Walmart is uniquely positioned to address the needs of the communities it serves and make a significant social impact within its core areas of giving: Hunger Relief & Healthy Eating, Sustainability, Career Opportunity and Women's Economic Empowerment. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are leading the fight against hunger in the United States with a $2 billion commitment through 2015. Walmart has donated more than 1 billion meals to those in need across the country. To learn more about Walmart's giving, visit foundation.walmart.com.

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.

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