Since 1994, “Rite Aid employees and customers have demonstrated their commitment to children’s health year after year, raising an impressive $50 million since that time,” says CEO of Children’s Miracle Network.
Drug store chain Rite Aid has raised more than $50 million for children’s hospitals since becoming a partner in 1994, the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has announced. 
Rite Aid is only the sixth Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals sponsor to hit this significant milestone.
The $50 million milestone was reached this spring during Rite Aid’s annual paper Miracle Balloon campaign, where customers are asked to donate by “purchasing” paper Miracle Balloon icons for $1 each. This year, Rite Aid’s campaign has already raised $2.9 million. Miracle Balloons will be available in Rite Aid stores nationwide through May 28, when the in-store campaign wraps up.
Rite Aid will continue to raise funds for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals throughout the year through special events organized such as bake sales, community carnivals, car washes and sporting events. The company hopes to raise a total of $5 million in 2011.
“When Rite Aid joined Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in 1994, it immediately proved its strength as a fundraising partner,” said John Lauck, president and CEO, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. “Rite Aid employees and customers have demonstrated their commitment to children’s health year after year, raising an impressive $50 million since that time. These efforts have benefited the lives of countless children and their families, and for that reason, we are proud to call Rite Aid a partner.”
All donations raised by Rite Aid stay local, benefiting 117 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in the communities Rite Aid serves. Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals use the money raised by Rite Aid funds to provide critical care, purchase life-saving equipment, fund groundbreaking research and cover medical costs for uninsured or underinsured pediatric patients.
“I’m so proud of the long-standing commitment Rite Aid and our associates have had to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals,” said John Standley, Rite Aid president and CEO. “Year after year, Rite Aid associates give their all when it comes to raising funds for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. All of their hours and efforts have paid off, as they’ve raised more than $50 million to help improve the lives of sick and injured children, right in their own community.”
