PASCO, Wash. – This Saturday, Love’s Travel Stops will be kicking off their annual Children’s Miracle Network fundraiser with a celebration of fun for the whole family.
Since 1999, Love’s has raised over $60 million for hospitals across the nation, all with help from the Children’s Miracle Network.
CMN is a nonprofit organization that works with hospitals across the United States and Canada, funding treatment, research, and equipment for children and their families.
One of those families, the Summers, recently used CNM to help get their daughter surgery for her cleft palate.
“If we hadn’t had the help, we would have really struggled,” said Gabby Summers, Hannah’s mom.
Lori Gibbons, program director for the Children’s Miracle Network, says partnerships like the one’s with Love’s truly make a difference in the community.
“Each year we look forward to the campaign that they do every August to September,” said Gibbons. “100% of the funds raised serve children throughout Central Washington.”
This year, Love’s Pasco location will be throwing a kick-off fundraising event. Jaimee Frank, general manager for Love’s Store 811 says everyone is invited.
“Some of our team will be out here. We’re going to do face painting, hair glitter. We have different things that we’re going to be selling to be completely donated to the CMN,” said Frank. “This is near and dear to the family’s heart that owns Love’s… and they truly believe in this. That’s why we do it.”
Guests can also expect other festivities this Saturday, like appearances from local high school mascots, knockerball and vendors. Kona Ice of Tri-Cities will be in attendance and will give away 20% of their profits to the campaign.
For families like the Summers, funds raised from partnerships like Love’s have been invaluable to their daughter’s health. Scott Summers, Hannah’s dad, says they helped them out in a very tough spot.
“These people will help you kind of overcome just about everything that you run into. It’s been phenomenal for us, and it might be phenomenal for you,” said Scott.
