Regional Wal-Mart and Sam's Club stores in the Bangor market, including the Wal-Mart stores in Presque Isle and Houlton, were recently recognized for being number one in the nation in average funds raised per store for Children's Miracle Network (CMN) in 2006. This accomplishment was celebrated at all regional Wal-Mart stores on Tuesday, May 1 and the day was declared Children's Miracle Network Good Works Day by Governor John Baldacci.

Funds raised for Children's Miracle Network support pediatric healthcare at CMN member hospitals, which include The Aroostook Medical Center, Eastern Maine Medical Center, and the other hospitals of EMHS located throughout eastern, northern, and down east Maine. Children's Miracle Network funds have allowed for the purchase of a birthing tub, fetal monitoring system, pediatric exam tables, and many other pieces of equipment at The Aroostook Medical Center.

At the Presque Isle and Houlton Wal-Mart stores, a proclamation from the governor was read and associates were thanked for their hard work. Associates at both stores made the achievement possible by selling balloons to customers and participating in barbecues, bake sales, and other activities.

"Today recognizes all of the hard work our associates have done over the years," said Chad Gray, manager of the Presque Isle store. "Every day in our meetings we make sure that we're increasing awareness of it. We have 380 associates that work here in the building. We're a store within this community and all of us live here. We're concerned about the people in the town and about the children because there are a lot of medical needs out there. So for us to be able to give back to the community, it's nice to be recognized at the national level for that."

A banner will be placed in the Presque Isle and Houlton stores to remind associates and customers of the achievement, and all associates will be given pins recognizing them for their commitment to Children's Miracle Network.

"Without this leadership from Wal-Mart stores and the support of their customers, we would have a much more difficult time delivering the high quality pediatric healthcare guaranteed by The Aroostook Medical Center and all the hospitals of Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems," said Children's Miracle Network Director Nancy Dysart. "These stores and their customers raised $150,000 for Children's Miracle Network this past year and have contributed almost $2 million for children's healthcare in the region since 1993."

Wal-Mart and Sam's Club stores throughout North America forged a partnership with Children's Miracle Network in 1988, and since that time, over $388 million has been raised nationally. The average amount raised per store in the Bangor market for 2006 was $14,447.67.

Store associates from both Aroostook County stores helped the Bangor region stores become number one in the nation, but the accomplishment wouldn't have been possible without the community's support. Customers of the Presque Isle and Houlton stores helped the Bangor market become number one in the nation by supporting these activities during the year.

"An accomplishment like this wouldn't have been possible without the generous support of the community," explained Dysart. "The spirit of giving has always been strong among the people of Maine. The great thing about Children's Miracle Network is that all the proceeds stay right in the community, so money raised by Wal-Mart and through other projects makes an impact right at The Aroostook Medical Center."

The AroostookMedicalCenter is a member of EMHS. EMHS stands behind its members as a tireless advocate so that both immediate and ongoing healthcare services will be available when and where they are needed.