News Room

''Dedicated philanthropic partners like the Children's Miracle Network and Wal-Mart enable us to maintain the highest quality of care for children,'' said Mandell. ''Wal-Mart and SAM'S CLUB associates and their customers have shown a strong commitment to the children of New England, and we're happy to honor their extraordinary accomplishment.''

Children's Hospital began its fundraising partnership with Wal-Mart two years ago through the Children's Miracle Network -- a non-profit organization that raises funds for 170 children's hospitals across North America through special events, fundraisers and corporate-sponsored grassroots initiatives. Of the 138 Children's Miracle Network regions, Boston ranked first in dollars raised through Wal-Mart this year.

Associates at the 72 Wal-Mart and SAM'S CLUB stores throughout Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island collectively raised $1,050,000 through in-store promotions, employee contests, customer contributions and grassroots efforts, including bake sales, lemonade stands and seasonal carnivals. The largest individual donation received through the entire 2004 fundraising program was $300.

Norwell resident Pam Kelley congratulated the associates and shared her motivation for fundraising for Children's Hospital Boston. Kelley's eight-year-old daughter Sabrina, who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at seven-weeks of age, has been a Children's Hospital patient almost her entire life. ''Sabrina's experience made us realize how incredibly fortunate we are to have a place like Children's close by,'' explained Kelley. ''We can never thank the hospital enough for what they've done for Sabrina, and for us. By promoting the hospital and raising money for it, we're ensuring that families will continue to have access to the same extraordinary care that our daughter receives.''

Money raised through the Children's Miracle Network and its corporate sponsors supports patient care, research, medical training and community initiatives at Children's Hospital. Following the dedication ceremony, Wal-Mart and SAM'S CLUB associates toured the hospital and learned about Children's innovative clinical and research efforts.

Shannon applauded Wal-Mart and SAM'S CLUB associates for their ''unprecedented efforts'' and thanked them for helping to raise more than $300 million dollars across North America during the past 18 years. ''Wal-Mart and SAM'S CLUB associate-based fund raising is something no other organization can come close to matching,'' Shannon told the associates gathered. ''Your effort to help Children's Hospital Boston speaks volumes about your commitment to making a difference in your community.''

About Children's Miracle Network
Children's Miracle Network--the alliance of premier hospitals for children--is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children's hospitals across North America. 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 www.cmn.org.