Wal Mart Stores : Walmart and Sam’s Club Raise More Than $221,000 for Sanford Health USD Medical Center During Six-Week Campaign in Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls, SD- September 11, 2014 - 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. Sanford USD Medical Center partnered with 12 stores and 1 club across Sioux Falls and the surrounding communities and was able to raise more than $221,000, helping provide patient visits for more than 40,000 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.

"At Walmart and Sam's Club, we believe that a community can achieve great things when everyone comes together and works toward a common goal," said Sharon Power, Walmart regional general manager. "This year's Children's Miracle Network fundraising campaign was an overwhelming success thanks to the generosity of our customers and associates who understand the vital role Sanford Health USD Medical Center plays in Sioux Falls. We look forward to watching miracles unfold for many years to come."

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.

"We're endlessly grateful for the generosity of businesses like Walmart and Sam's Club who rally around our mission and go above and beyond to support sick and injured kids in our region. Whether it's donations of time or money, we can't do what we do without this remarkable support," said Andy Kvernmo, program director - Children's Miracle Network & Cure Kids Cancer, Sanford Health Foundation.

To raise funds, Sanford USD Medical Center partnered with local Walmart and Sam's Club to host a variety of fundraising activities that propelled giving totals to exceed previous years. Sanford USD Medical Center will be using the funds to help enhance programs and services, and are used to purchase the most advanced life-saving medical equipment. Funds raised through Children's Miracle Network help change and save the lives of local sick and injured children.

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.

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.