Dear CMN Hospitals: A Letter from Walmart Associates
This post was submitted by Glenda Fleming Willis for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals through childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org/guest-post.
When the co-founders of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals) approached Walmart to be a corporate partner in 1987, our founder, Sam Walton, had one promise for them. He said, “Our associates will amaze you.”
Thirty-one years later, I think it’s safe to say that we held to that promise. As a CMN Hospitals board member and Walmart associate myself, I’m so proud of the good work that’s been accomplished between our two organizations. After over three decades of annual fundraisers, I want to thank each of you at CMN Hospitals who continue to make it a truly great cause for our people to champion.
You might not know this, but CMN Hospital fundraisers are actually one of our associates’ favorite programs to participate in. A big reason for that is the potential they offer our people to get involved in their communities. Walmart associates often dedicate their own time to volunteering at a local Children’s hospital. They also contribute to the fun initiatives that help inspire our customers to donate. No matter how associates choose to participate, they’re excited to get together for a great cause that everyone is passionate about: helping kids.
Another one of the exciting things about these fundraisers, for our associates working in stores across the country especially, is knowing that the money raised – whether at the register or a chili cook-off – goes to someone in their community who is in need. We all know someone whose child has visited a CMN Hospital, and you might even be surprised to know how many Walmart associates at the register have their own personal story with CMN Hospitals. What an awesome thing to be able to say you’re raising money to help a neighbor, a loved one, or a customer!
As we support this year’s CMN Hospitals fundraising campaign, I would encourage anyone to check out some of the associate stories on our blog, and of course, donate at your local Walmart store! These campaigns mean a lot to our associates, and we’re grateful to be a part of your community.
As Senior Vice President of the Southeast Division, Glenda is responsible for the operations of 989 stores in eight states. Glenda has been with Walmart for 23 years. She received her Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology from Western Kentucky University. Glenda lives in Bentonville, AR, with her husband Ken and their daughter Maysa.