Annual Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Broadcast Raises $1,011,904 | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Press Release:

    GREENVILLE, N.C.     Miracle children and their stories of remarkable courage during life-threatening illnesses and injuries helped make the 32nd annual Celebration Broadcast a tremendous success.

    Thanks to Children's Miracle Network Hospitals' longtime television partner, WITN, which produces the two-day fundraiser, this year's miracle children were able to share their heartwarming stories of complex illnesses and traumatic injuries. The children and their families also shared their experiences regarding the quality medical care they received from James and Connie Maynard Children's Hospital at Vidant Medical Center.

    The theme of this year's Children's Miracle Network Hospitals campaign has been "Put Your Money Where the Miracles Are," which shows how important donations are in helping shape a healthier tomorrow for patients served at Maynard Children's Hospital.

    This also marked the 15th year that Krispy Kreme has partnered with our Children's Miracle Network program by generously providing certificates for a free dozen glazed doughnuts for each $12 x 12 donation made. In addition to supporting our televised broadcast on WITN, they also support the 107.9 Radiothon by providing their listeners the same delicious treat to say "thank you" for supporting sick and injured children in eastern North Carolina.

    The annual event, held June 2 and 4 to raise money for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, featured contributions from long-time supporters from across eastern North Carolina that included Walmart / Sam's Clubs, Speedway and Log-A -Load for Kids.

    "It is amazing to see eastern North Carolina come through with tremendous support and generosity for sick and injured children year after year," said Lindsey Griffin, chair of the Vidant Health Foundation Board of Trustees, of which Children's Miracle Network Hospitals is a part. "To all those who made a donation or gave of their time to volunteer for the event, we give our heartfelt thanks. Because of the generosity of others, a tremendous difference will be made in many children's lives here in eastern North Carolina who may need Children's Hospital."

    The Celebration Broadcast featured guests and sponsors who have contributed during the past year, as well as callers who pledged their support.

    The Music for Miracles Radiothon on 107.9 WNCT raised more than $77,000 during the 20th year of their special event bringing their total raised to more than $3.4 million.

    The largest donor to this year's campaign came from a long-time corporate partner of Children's Miracle Network, Walmart/Sam's Clubs who raised $152,316 bringing their all-timing giving to our local program to more than $2.6 million.

    Other major donors and their gifts were Speedway with $141,666; Log A Load for Kids with $120,000; and Jersey Mike's Subs (eastern North Carolina stores) with $66,805.

    Several local fundraising initiatives proved successful for this year's campaign, including Bryson's Birdies for Kids that raised $33,000; The International Taste of Greenville with $30,000; Dance Arts Theatre's Nutcracker Ballet with $20,841; and Extra Life with $12,289.

    Other campaign contributors were Carmike Cinemas with $25,952; Dairy Queen with $18,383; RE/MAX with $12,175; The Electric Cooperatives of Eastern Carolina with $10,000; Rite Aid with $8,742; Phi Mu Chapter of ECU with $5,243; IHOP with $5,145; Dubose National Energy Services; Pepsi/Minges Bottling Group; The Service League of Greenville; Eastern Radiologists, Inc.; and Harris, Creech, Ward and Blackerby, P.A. each contributed $5,000.

    Additional gifts were from Barnhill Dairy Trail Ride with $3,200; Panda Restaurants Group with $3,060; Ace Hardware with $3,168; Securities Lending Hand Foundation with $2,500; Greater Greenville Kiwanis Club with $3,976; Pungo Christian Academy and 3HC Home Health and Hospice each with $3,000; Greenville Little Leagues with $2,042; Driven Brands (Maaco/Meineke) with $2,020; MSL Health Care Partners, Inc., Baynor, Inc. Central World Heating and Air Conditioning; and Grady White Boats with $2,000; Care-O-World Enrichment Center with $1,856; Oasis Shrine Temple with $1,500; United Networks of America with $1,248; Vidant Edgecombe Blue Jeans for Babies with $1,150; Ollie's Bargain Outlet with $1,147; Combined Federal Campaign with $1,016; and brothers, Arun and Ajay Ajmera each with $1,100. Aldridge and Southerland Realtors, AKA of Kinston; Team Lighting; Potash Corporation; Greenville Pediatrics, and the Kiwanis Club of Greenville each gave $1,000.

• Contact: Amy Holcombe
•     amy.holcombe@vidanthealth.com