Contact:
1900 South Ave.
La Crosse, WI 54601
(608) 775-4424 or (800) 853-6889
Email: cmn@gundluth.org

Gundersen Lutheran proudly sponsors the Children’s Miracle Network, and has since 1986. This network of 170 hospitals throughout the U.S. and Canada raises funds to benefit children with all types of medical challenges. Children’s Miracle Network fundraising helps medical centers like Gundersen Lutheran provide the best possible care for babies and children. This is accomplished through the support of pediatric programs and services, equipment, technology and major capital initiatives that otherwise may not be available. Through its many events, its dense network of sponsors and close relationships with the media, Children’s Miracle Network increases the awareness for pediatric specialty services offered at Gundersen Lutheran.

Children’s Miracle Network also directly assists children and their families with specialized services and equipment, both in their homes and in their communities. Although the scope of Children’s Miracle Network is international, local contributions stay right here in the Tri-state Region to serve area children. Decisions on how contributions are spent are made locally — by a special group of Gundersen Lutheran staff members and community representatives. Anyone may refer a child to Children’s Miracle Network for assistance, and the application process is both confidential and user-friendly. Social workers work very closely with families through the entire process.

Children’s Miracle Network fundraising goes on year-round via events like: the “Blarney Party Challenge,” a radio and cable production; various golf outings; book fairs and carnivals; sales and auctions; craft and bake sales; raffles and business promotions. Gundersen Lutheran employee payroll deductions, memorials, bequests and honorariums are also popular ways for donors to contribute. Children’s Miracle Network is probably best known for its annual television broadcast, called the “Children’s Miracle Network Celebration,” aired live on WXOW TV-19 the Sunday following Memorial Day. More than just a television fundraiser, Gundersen Lutheran recognizes Children’s Miracle Network donors and sponsors, tells the stories of some very special children and features the exceptional pediatric specialty care provided here. And the Radiothon made its debut in August 2003 - a three day fundraising event on Magic 105 and CC106. In 2004 Eagle 102.7 brought the Radiothon to their listeners. Families shared the incredible journey with their childrens' illness.

The mission of Children’s Miracle Network as a national organization is to assist hospitals in raising funds to benefit children. To accomplish this, Children’s Miracle Network has built partnerships with a number of national businesses and developed on-going philanthropic programming. The 170 hospitals associated with Children’s Miracle Network care for all children with any affliction including cancer, AIDS, birth defects, injuries, and muscular and cardiovascular diseases. A shared mission among Children’s Miracle Network member hospitals is to treat the whole child and provide care regardless of the family’s ability to pay. In response to local needs, Children’s Miracle Network provides funding for services that are both socially and medically based.

All money raised through local fundraising efforts stays local. Funds are not used to pay administrative costs nor is it sent to national Children’s Miracle Network.