With coins and dollar bills, Rite Aid customers have supported Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals for 26 years, with the collective effort surpassing $100 million in lifetime giving following the company’s 2020 Miracle Balloon Campaign.

Much of the $100 million has been raised a dollar at a time from generous Rite Aid customers, through the purchase of Miracle Balloon coupons or straight donations. All funds stay local and fund patient services, critical care, life-saving equipment, pediatric programs and more at children’s hospitals, including Valley Children’s Hospital.

This past summer, Rite Aid customers donated $1.9 million during the annual Miracle Balloon Campaign, which ran eight weeks across more than 2,400 stores. In the Central Valley, 38 Rite Aid stores and The Rite Aid Foundation contributed $138,392 to Valley Children’s Hospital. Rite Aid has donated $765,354 to Valley Children’s since 1994.

“We are so fortunate to have a partner like Rite Aid supporting Valley Children’s and other children’s hospitals around the country,” said Rob Saroyan, president of Valley Children’s Healthcare Foundation.

Recognizing the extraordinary need posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Rite Aid Foundation this year will contribute an additional $3.5 million in grant funding on top of the funds raised in stores to support the 53 CMN Hospitals within Rite Aid’s 18-state footprint. Separately, the Foundation this spring supported children’s hospitals during the acute onset of the pandemic with a $250,000 grant.

In Central California, philanthropic dollars have supported Valley Children’s expansion into a powerful network of care that treats all pediatric patients, regardless of their ability to pay. Earlier this year, U.S. News & World Report ranked Valley Children’s Hospital as one of the best children’s hospitals in the country in seven pediatric specialties.

Read the full news story here

We truly appreciate United States Cold Storage-Western Region's efforts in raising an incredible $43,214 for Valley Children's.

The launch of their inaugural employee giving campaign was held in October as six locations raised funds in their own unique ways, from hosting fun barbecues to raffling off great prizes. Chris Halsted, Regional Human Resources Manager of U.S. Cold Storage, said, "Our team had so much fun with this philanthropy effort! We are humbled to be a small part of the assistance your foundation gives to families in need throughout our community."

U.S. Cold Storage matched employee contributions dollar-for-dollar, bringing the amount to the total listed above.

"We are humbled and extremely grateful for U.S. Cold Storage's leadership and the tireless efforts of the team," says Robert Saroyan, President of Valley Children's Healthcare Foundation. "We can't express enough gratitude for your support. Ultimately, the kids win and that's cause for great celebration!"

We would like to thank the Clovis Rodeo Association for their generous gift of $20,000 this year from the fourth annual Kids, Cowboys & Clays fundraiser. The event included a breakfast, sporting clay tournament, live and silent auctions, and a first-class lunch.

“During a year of extraordinary challenges presented by the pandemic, we are so grateful that the Clovis Rodeo Association was able to continue to support Valley Children’s and the kids we serve,” said Valley Children’s Healthcare Foundation President Rob Saroyan. “The Clovis Rodeo Association’s members have been so generous to Valley Children’s over the last four years, contributing their time and personal resources to make Kids, Cowboys and Clays an extraordinary success.”

Thank you to the Clovis Rodeo Association and all who supported this year's event!

The Souza Group has been working hard and making a big difference in the lives of our patients and their families. The Souza Group has raised $11,000 this year, bringing their total giving-to-date to more than $17,000! We are so grateful for their continued support to Valley Children's and the community. They held a community paper shredding event earlier this year, hosted a shelter-in-place virtual dance off raising funds for Valley Children’s, and also donated holiday pies. Their hearts are as big as a house, and we are thankful for them!

Congratulations to Dutch Bros Coffee Fresno Inc. on the grand opening of their newest location in Clovis on Fowler and Herndon. In celebration of their first location in Clovis they have generously donated $10,000 to support Valley Children’s Hospital. Their ongoing philanthropy allows us to continue to meet our greatest needs to provide the nation’s best healthcare for the kids of the Central Valley. We are grateful to Dutch Bros Coffee Fresno Inc. for their continued generosity and support of Valley Children’s.

The Harlan Ranch community organized a socially distanced Jingle Walk in honor of grateful patients Caroline and Scarlett to benefit Valley Children’s. Both little ones are currently undergoing cancer treatment, and this walk was a way to show these fighters some love and support.

In addition to the walk, funds were raised to support Valley Children’s Hospital’s toy drive for patients and their families during the holiday season. All funds raised will help purchase gifts for the children that will spend the holidays in the hospital.

Shayna Telesmanic, Caroline’s mother, expressed her sincere gratitude. “I am truly blown away by the love and support shown in honor of Caroline and Scarlett. To see people show up not only for the walk, but to contribute their resources, especially during these very difficult and trying times, is incredible. Helping someone else during difficulty is what bonds us together as human beings. I am so very grateful and extremely humbled by those that put this special event together for the girls.

Alison Tatem, Scarlett’s mom, shared similar sentiments. “My family would like to thank everyone that came out and donated. Diagnoses like Scarlett’s and Caroline’s are extremely difficult, and everyone’s support has been such a blessing. My heart is so incredibly full. ”

In total, the Jingle Walk raised $9,250. A community that bonds together for the greater good can do amazing things. Happy Holidays!

Select Central Valley C-Stores are raising funds for Valley Children's Hospital now through February 1, 2021. You can purchase a $1 or $5 Valley Children's paper icon, or drop a donation into one of their change jars. Don't forget to gas up at your local participating C-Store! Click here for locations

You can become a part of the DC4KIDS Touchdown Challenge team and receive one signed Derek Carr Las Vegas Raiders Jersey, a DC4 bag and an 8” x 10” autographed photo of Derek Carr. Plus, members receive an invitation for you and up to three guests to attend a special reception with Derek in 2021! For more information or to learn how to sign up please go online to valleychildrens.org/derekcarr, or call Valley Children’s Healthcare Foundation at 559-353-7100.