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Wal-Mart event benefits Akron Children’s Hospital
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Wal-Mart employees, and those part of the extended Wal-Mart family, came together to celebrate their Fun Day to benefit the Children's Miracle Network. Some of the guests were, from left, Stephanie Krugel, Mark Lund, Kayleigh White, Serenity White, and Carol White.
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Sisters Casey (left) and Cory Wert, who attend Robinwood Lane Elementary in Boardman, enjoyed the hula hoop station at the Wal-Mart Fun Day.
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Fun Day guests Chloe Hosteau (far left), Allie Sahyoun, and Alexa Schaefer enjoyed shooting some hoops at the festivities.
By SARAH FOOR
Since 1987, Wal-Mart stores have donated more than $550 million to Children’s Miracle Network, an organization that supports children’s hospitals around the country. Although the program has a national focus, charity to the organization still happens on a local level.
On June 24, Boardman/Poland Wal-Mart supported Akron Children’s Hospital, a Children’s Miracle Network member, by hosting a family fun day and fundraiser open to all Valley residents.
Family fun day volunteer Carol White said the event benefits everyone involved.
“Of course, we support the program because it is a great cause and the Wal-Mart company is very involved in the Miracle Network. However, there is also a personal connection for many of those in our own Wal-Mart family whose children or younger relatives have found excellent care at Akron Children’s Hospital.”
White especially understands that connection. Her adult daughter, Kayleigh White, experienced the care the hospital has to offer when she had an eye muscle surgery there as a child.
Although the goal was serious, the event was all fun. Local kids enjoyed carnival-style games, including a ring toss and another where they aimed ping-pong balls at fishbowls. Kids were free to play around with hula hoops and shoot basketball free throws.
Wal-Mart employee Mark Lund performed clown duties as co-workers sold goods in a bake sale to raise money. Every year, the Boardman/Poland facility aims to donate $10,000 to Akron Children’s. Since May, the store has raised $6,413. The store hopes to host a community event every month to raise further funds.
“It’s a great event,” White mentioned. “We get to bring together our Wal-Mart family with area families and raise money for a wonderful cause.”