Publix breaks fundraising records in 27th annual CMN campaign

EMILY V DUBEC-HUNTER, V [originally featured on the UF Health Bridge’s Empathy Corner]

Publix Super Markets gave Children’s Miracle Network hospitals a BOGO for the books: In a two-week campaign ending June 16, customers bought coupons for donations to CMN and UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital bagged $781,000.

Even with a shortened time frame, Publix raised a record $5,655,244.81 for 27 CMN hospitals across seven states in the 27th annual campaign – more than an 8 percent increase over 2017.

Stores sold $1, $3, and $5 coupons for donations, and this year the cashiers were more actively involved said Kristy Potter, the CMN development coordinator in Tallahassee. Store locations hosted community events showcasing their creativity and connection to the kids, which led to stronger financial support in a shorter campaign window.

“It’s empowering to see the cashiers and employees rallying around our shared cause,” Potter said. “Many locations mentioned how they look forward to this campaign every year because it helps them to know they are making a real difference in the lives of some of their tiniest customers.”

All locally raised funds remained local to UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital to help fund pediatric services including education, renovation, expansion projects, life-saving research and community outreach programs.

Publix is the largest corporate sponsor of Children’s Miracle Network hospitals in the UF Health Shands market, which ranked fourth nationwide in raising money during the campaign. The Gainesville-West Palm Beach market included 169 store locations from south Georgia, Tallahassee, Gainesville, Ocala, Clermont and West Palm Beach.

“I think because of our close proximity to the Publix headquarters and high number of store locations, we have been able to build a great partnership,” said Lindsay Ritenbaugh, CMN senior development associate for UF Health Shands.

Throughout the campaign, some CMN Ambassador families visited their local Publix to share stories and thank donors and employees for their continued support.

“The patients proudly wore Ambassador badges into their visits, emulating what their doctors wear during their visits to the hospital,” Ritenbaugh said. “They were excited to support a cause that has so deeply changed their lives.”

Potter agreed that she and the Ambassador families were honored to have been able to work with Publix on this campaign.

“We look forward to many more opportunities to make miracles with them,” Potter said.

__________________________

Thank you Publix for all your dedication For the Kids and for featuring Izabella in your local ads!

Because of Publix and their customers, we’re able to help kids like Izabella and so many more.