Officials with University of Iowa Children's Hospital at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and Children's Miracle Network announced today that Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. has reached an incredible milestone in the organization's history-donating and raising more than $300 million for Children's Miracle Network hospitals in 18 years.

Donations made to Children's Miracle Network directly benefit 170 children's hospitals in North America, including University of Iowa Children's Hospital. Participation by Wal-Mart in Iowa, southern Minnesota, western Illinois and northeast Missouri this year has grown to 65 Wal-Mart stores, SAM'S CLUB locations, Neighborhood Markets and Distribution Centers, providing a very large support base for University of Iowa Children's Hospital.

"Wal-Mart's associate-based fund raising is unprecedented," said Mick Shannon, co-founder of Children's Miracle Network. "In addition to contributions made through the Wal-Mart and SAM'S CLUB Foundation, associates nationwide band together every year to carry out grassroots fund raising efforts at their locations to help local children's hospitals-and they engage customers and community to take part. It's a unique approach that works extremely well."

Through bake sales, softball and golf tournaments, selling Children's Miracle Network balloons and other activities, Wal-Mart and SAM'S CLUB efforts have helped fund equipment in the Pediatric Cardiology Catheterization Laboratory, facility upgrades and a new l6-bed "in hospital" hotel for families to use.

More than 130,000 patients receive specialized care at University of Iowa Children's Hospital each year. "As the region's only academic medical center, we treat the sickest of children," said Michael Artman, M.D., pediatrician-in-chief of University of Iowa Children's Hospital.

"Wal-Mart associates have a strong commitment to give back and help others," said Betsy Reithemeyer, vice president of Wal-Mart Corporate Affairs. "The dollars raised for Children's Miracle Network stay within the communities where funds are donated, which is in step with our philosophy of giving back locally. It is our customers and associates who help make miracles possible each year for the children at these hospitals."

"We are so fortunate to have the support of Wal-Mart and SAM'S CLUB," said Lisa Baum, director of CMN. "The nurses, physicians, staff and the children at University of Iowa Children's Hospital thank Wal-Mart and SAM'S CLUB associates and customers in our area for supporting the hospital and Children's Miracle Network and for making miracles a reality in our community."

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.

University of Iowa Children's Hospital at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics is the state's longest-serving children's hospital. More than 130,000 children receive care at University of Iowa Children's Hospital and its statewide network of outreach clinics each year.

For more information about Children's Miracle Network, contact Baum at 319-335-8447.

Wal-Mart and Sam's Club Raise $654,871 for Family Suite

Facts About the New University of Iowa Children's Hospital Family Suite
Associates from Wal-Mart and Sam's Club were recognized for their outstanding fundraising efforts benefiting the Children's Miracle Network in March 2005 at University of Iowa Children's Hospital at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

Wal-Mart and Sam's across the region raised over $654,871 for University of Iowa Children's Hospital in 2004. Each location utilizes a volunteer committee to raise funds and awareness for the University of Iowa Children's Hospital.

Wal-Mart and Sam's Clubs have been sponsors of the Children's Miracle Network since 1988 raising a total of over $5.8 million for University of Iowa Children's Hospital. The proceeds have been applied toward the expansion of the Helen K. Rossi Guest House that provides overnight accommodations for visitors to Children's Hospital. The new University of Iowa Children's Hospital Family Suites feature 16 hotel rooms within the hospital to keep families close while having a hospitalized child. The group also will underwrite half of the $30 a night stay for families in need. "The Family Suite is very beautiful and provides quiet, privacy as well as a place for gathering. How generous of the associates to underwrite the stays," says Lisa Baum, Director.

Wal-Mart and Sam's Club associates have raised over $300 million with Children's Miracle Network nationally. "The dollars raised here improve the quality of life for families in the region and I am extremely proud of these associates for their wonderful efforts," says Lee Scott, President and CEO of Wal-Mart.

Facts About the New University of Iowa Children's Hospital Family Suite
The new Family Suite has 16 guest rooms (including one handicap accessible room) for family members of children hospitalized at University of Iowa Children's Hospital, primarily those served in the Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Units.

Guest rooms are furnished with:

• two full-size beds (cribs also available upon request)
• Private bath
• Desk
• Private phone line with voice mail capabilities

Amenities include:

• Kitchenette complete with refrigerators, microwave
• Quiet lounge for relaxation and computing (internet access is available)
• Laundry facilities

The Concierge, on the 5th level General Hospital, is on duty 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. weekends and holidays.

Fee for the University of Iowa Children's Hospital Family Suite: $15 per room, per night (half of the standard $30 fee is off-set by the generous financial support of Wal-Mart and Sam's Clubs.)

Historical Info:
A 14-room Guest House was opened December 1997 on the 5th level of UI Hospitals and Clinics' General Hospital due to the perseverance of Helen Rossi, one of the founders of UI Hospitals Clinics Volunteer Program 30 years ago. Since then, this "home away from home" has accommodated over 4,000 guests.

For more information:

University of Iowa Children's Hospital

Michael Artman, M.D.

Children's Miracle Network

Children's Miracle Network National