Iowa City, Iowa - Sept. 12, 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. University of Iowa Children's Hospital partnered with stores and clubs located throughout Iowa, southern Minnesota and western Illinois to raise $538,722. 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.

"We're humbled by the overwhelming number of Walmart and Sam's Club customers, members and associates who made a contribution to our Children's Miracle Network fundraising campaign during this year's six week fundraising campaign," said Shane Miller, Walmart regional general manager. "Our fundraising goals were not only met but exceeded thanks to generous donations from the community. It's through these contributions that children at the University of Iowa Children's Hospital will receive fundamental services to ensure they can live healthier lives."

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.

"Gifts from Walmart and Sam's Club associates and customers send a strong message about their commitment to children's health care," says Scott Turner, executive director of UI Children's Hospital. "We're grateful for their support, and for their ongoing dedication to supporting children throughout Iowa and the Midwest."

University of Iowa Children's Hospital will be using the funds to help build a new 14-story, 195-bed children's hospital which will be Iowa's only comprehensive children's hospital and academic medical center that serves patients in each of Iowa's 99 counties and beyond. By building a new hospital, University of Iowa Children's Hospitals will be able to offer the specialized facilities and enhanced health care for children at one hospital, as current services for the youngest patients are spread throughout the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

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.www.CMNHospitals.org.


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