Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals’ Miracle Balloons are one of the most iconic fundraising campaigns, but did you know that purchasing one helps treat children in Southwest Georgia? One of CMNH’s founding commitments is to keep funds within the community in which they are raised – meaning, every penny raised locally to benefit CMNH stays in Southwest Georgia to help medical professionals treat local children.
 
By participating in CMNH events and purchasing Miracle Balloons at local sponsor locations, supporters are helping provide specialized equipment and programs to help babies and children treated at Phoebe. To purchase a Miracle Balloon visit one of these local sponsors during their CMNH campaign:

·         Rite Aid, March 19 – May 6, 2017

·         Fred’s Pharmacy, May 7 – June 17, 2017

·         Publix, June 10 – July 1, 2017
 
“We are so grateful for all of the continued support from our local sponsor locations and their commitment to help improve the lives of the children in our community,” said Becca Miller, CMNH Coordinator. “Every child needing Phoebe’s care has benefited from funds raised through the Miracle Balloon campaign whether from life-saving equipment to help treat our most critically ill newborns to life-enhancing toys in the Pediatric Unit playroom.”
 
Phoebe employees are also getting involved to help raise funds for Children’s Miracle Network with an internal campaign - May is for Miracles. Beginning May 1, departments across the health system will have the opportunity to sell icon balloons to friends and family for $1 and make creative displays in their departments. Participating departments will display the balloons throughout the month of May, and there will be a competition and prizes for the department that raises the most money and the department that has the most creative display.
 
“Some of our employees’ children received the care they needed because of CMNH. This is a fun way for everyone to get involved and give back, plus who doesn’t love a little friendly competition,” Becca added.
 
Last month, area IHOP restaurants participated in National Pancake Day on March 7 by giving away a free stack of pancakes with a donation to CMNH. The Albany IHOP raised more than $6,000, doubling the amount raised the previous year.  Becca credits the increase to local businesses who purchased a VIP table.
 
“This was our first year offering VIP tables. Local businesses were able to purchase a table for their employees to enjoy an hour of fellowship and free pancakes. We truly appreciate every sponsor,” said Becca.  
 
Sponsors for the VIP tables included: Doherty, Duggan, Hart & Tiernan; Miracle Kia of Albany; Miracle Toyota of Albany; Flint Community Bank; Turner’s Furniture; C&C Containers; Homerun Foods; Westover Animal Hospital; Goo-Goo Express Wash; and Complete Carriers. The Kiwansis Club of Albany also supported the event by providing four Kiwanis volunteers every two hours of the event. During National Pancake Day, they were CMNH ambassadors – visiting each table to tell guests about the great work that Children’s Miracle Network does in our local community. “They provided a smiling face and important information that definitely increased donations,” Becca added.