The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio partnered with 57 Walmart and Sam’s Club stores across San Antonio, Victoria and Laredo to raise $483,303 for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals). Because of an additional incentive of $25,000 to the hospital in the market that raised the most funds, the total gift to The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio totals $508,303.

The Laredo Walmart on San Bernardo Ave. raised $67,282 and was the top fundraising store in the nation. The gift will help the Children’s Hospital advance its mission to bring an unprecedented level of pediatric health care to San Antonio and its entire service area, including Laredo. The store’s fundraising campaign was championed by Walmart associate Jody Perez. Perez, who has worked for Walmart for 13 years, led store associates in various fundraising events, in addition to the in-store Miracle Balloon sales.

“Working for Walmart gives me the opportunity to not only give our customers the best service in store, but also, to support the needs of the communities and children we serve. I thrive when I’m able to help others, especially when my family is able to join and support noble causes like this one,” said Perez.

“Offering low prices to our Walmart customers is just one way that we help our community,” said Travis Bailey, Laredo Walmart Market Manager. “Participating in the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals campaign is another way we strive to help the children and families in our community. Our associates rally behind this cause every year to make a difference in the lives that we serve. I’m proud to be a part of this wonderful group of associates that find that helping children in need is just a part of their everyday routine.”

“The funds collected at the Walmart and Sam’s Club’s stores will help fund medical care, research and education at The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio,” stated John E. Bel, President of The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio Foundation. “With the support of our community we are improving lives of children treated at our hospital and we are truly grateful for their continued support.”

Walmart and Sam’s Club associates helped raise more than $800 million for sick and injured children since partnering with Children’s Miracle Network in 1987.