Wal-Mart Raises $15 Million for Children's Miracle Network During Six-Week Fundraising Campaign

SALT LAKE CITY - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Children's Miracle Network, an international non-profit that raises funds for 170 children's hospitals in the United States, announced today the results of a fundraising campaign with its largest partner, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Between May 1 - June 14, the company's associates, customers and members set out to demonstrate their long-standing commitment to supporting Children's Miracle Network hospitals and raised $15 million.

During the six-week campaign, Walmart and Sam's Club associates, customers and members were invited to make a donation to their local Children's Miracle Network hospital at the register. Additional in-store fundraisers were held to bolster fundraising efforts.

For the first time, a "virtual balloon" allowed customers to make a $1, $2, $5 donation, or a donation in an open amount, upon checkout. The change from paper balloons to the virtual balloon model supports Wal-Mart's core value of sustainability, according to Margaret McKenna, president of the Wal-Mart Foundation.

"By partnering with Children's Miracle Network, Walmart and Sam's Club are infusing millions of dollars annually into the nation's premier children's hospitals," said Scott Burt, president and CEO of Children's Miracle Network. "These resources give families the chance to live better by funding the research, equipment and care critical to the treatment of every injury and pediatric illness imaginable."

"Our annual fundraising campaign allows for customers to donate directly to their local Children's Miracle Network hospital, providing much-needed funding to sick and injured children," said McKenna. "We are proud of our associates who have embraced Children's Miracle Network as an important cause, and stepped up their efforts to raise $15 million."

The Wal-Mart Foundation also committed additional funds to Children's Miracle Network hospitals in recognition of fundraising efforts. Based on the most significant percentage increase in dollars raised over various stages of the six-week campaign, these awards will be given to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Ga.; Driscoll Children's Hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas; CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Children's Hospital in San Antonio, Texas; and Primary Children's Medical Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The retailer's support for Children's Miracle Network began in 1987. Since then, Walmart and Sam's Club associates, customers and members have raised more than $460 million for Children's Miracle Network hospitals.

About Children's Miracle Network

Children's Miracle Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children's hospitals. Each year, the 170 Children's Miracle Network hospitals provide the finest medical care, life-saving research and preventative education to help millions of kids overcome diseases and injuries of every kind. To learn more go to ChildrensMiracleNetwork.org.

About Philanthropy at Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) and the Wal-Mart Foundation are proud to support the charitable causes that are important to customers and associates in their own neighborhoods. Through its philanthropic programs and partnerships, the Wal-Mart Foundation funds initiatives focused on creating opportunities in education, workforce development, economic opportunity, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness. From February 1, 2008 through January 31, 2009, Wal-Mart - and its domestic and international Foundations - gave more than $423 million in cash and in-kind gifts globally. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org.

Children's Miracle Network
Aubrey Cichelli, 801-661-3054
Aubrey@childrensmiraclenetwork.org