JACKSONVILLE, FL, February 7, 2007- Children’s Miracle Network and the pediatric programs of UF & Shands Jacksonville & Wolfson Children’s Hospital announced today that Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club associates met their goal to raise $10 million during the month of May in celebration of the 20th anniversary of their partnership with Children’s Miracle Network. UF & Shands Jacksonville & Wolfson Children’s Hospital are two of 160 Children’s Miracle Network hospitals that will benefit from the May campaign.  Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club associates, customers and members in the Jacksonville/Brunswick market raised $54,160.45 of the $10 million total during the month of May totaling $94,092 thus far in 2007.  Miracle Balloons were sold for $1.00 during the month-long campaign, and each dollar raised benefits the life-saving care of the two pediatric programs.

“Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club associates continued to be amazing partners with UF & Shands Jacksonville and Wolfson Children’s Hospital,” said Nicole Ortman, Director of Children’s Miracle Network.  “The enthusiasm of associates to continue to raise funds and awareness for the pediatric programs of UF & Shands Jacksonville and Wolfson Children’s Hospital is truly inspiring.  We could not help so many children without the support of our friends at Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club.

On May 31, in-store 20th anniversary celebrations were held in Wal-Mart stores and Sam’s Clubs throughout the country. Jeff Lageman, former NFL player and local voice of the Jaguars, joined Emily Locklear, a local miracle child along side Miss First Coast Teen USA Kayla Perry at Sam’s Club located off of Youngerman Circle to celebrate 20 years of local miracles as well as a truly successful May campaign. Celebrities participating in events around the country ranged from government officials and local athletes to pageant winners and radio personalities. Marie Osmond, LeAnn Rimes, Mary Lou Retton and Miss America Lauren Nelson also lent their support of the month-long celebration by traveling across the country, visiting stores and clubs, and speaking to the media to raise awareness about Children’s Miracle Network hospitals.

“May was a remarkable month for Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club and the Children’s Miracle Network,” said Pat Curran, Executive Vice President, Wal-Mart Stores People Division.  “We always set ambitious goals at Wal-Mart, but $10 million in one month was a record-breaker, even for us.  Thanks to our associates and customers, children across the country will get the care they need and deserve.  Our success with this fundraising campaign is just one example of how Wal-Mart associates and customers have a positive impact on the world.”

In 1987, moved by a desire to impact the medical needs of children, Sam Walton, founder of Wal-Mart, partnered with Children’s Miracle Network.  As evident by May’s activities, Wal-Mart and Children’s Miracle Network continue to celebrate that decision and the impact it has had on children throughout North America. In total, Wal-Mart associates have raised more than $387 million for children’s hospitals since 1987, and that number continues to grow as 1.3 million associates in over 4,000 locations support Children’s Miracle Network.

All funds raised within Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia stay local to purchase medical equipment, child life activities and educational resources for the pediatric programs at UF & Shands Jacksonville and Wolfson Children’s Hospital.

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