FLORIDA CHILD MEETS PRESIDENT OBAMA AT WHITE HOUSE

Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children & Shands Children’s Hospital Patient also meets with Senator Bill Nelson & Congressmen in D.C. 

as part of Children’s Miracle Network’s program, Champions presented by Walmart and Sam’s Club

Photos available at www.ChildrensMiracleNetwork.org/ChampionsDC

Orlando, FL (June 9, 2010)—A Florida child had the opportunity to meet President Barack Obama at the White House today.

Carson Chorney, 9, met the President along with child ambassadors from every state, all of whom are representing the 17 million children treated each year at Children's Miracle Network hospitals across the country. The children are participants in Champions presented by Walmart and Sam’s Club.

The Champions program designates a Champion child in every state who has bravely battled and triumphed despite a serious injury or illness Carson was treated at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Shands Children’s Hospital at the University of Florida for Stage IV Neuroblastoma. 

“It is always a privilege to be at the White House and we hope that President Obama was inspired by the children he met today,” said Scott Burt, president and CEO, Children’s Miracle Network. “They truly are the future of this great country and by investing in children’s hospitals; we are ensuring that they will be here to lead us tomorrow.”

The Champions and their families went on a tour of the White House prior to meeting with President Obama for a photo opp. They were accompanied by executives from Children’s Miracle Network and the Walmart Foundation, as well as associates from Walmart and Sam’s Club stores who have helped to raise more than $500 million for Children’s Miracle Network over the past 23 years.

Joining the Champions in DC were Miss America 2010 Caressa Cameron, country music star Mark Wills, and pop star and American Idol runner-up David Archuleta. “One of Miss America’s most important and most rewarding duties is to serve as the official Goodwill Ambassador for Children’s Miracle Network,” said Cameron. “Being able to get to know each of these Champions on a personal level has connected me forever to them and their families. I look forward to visiting their hospitals and helping them raise money throughout the year.”

In addition to the White House visit, the Champions had the opportunity to visit with their Senators and Congressman during a luncheon on Capitol Hill where Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) addressed the group. The Champions were also guests at a Nationals baseball game, where Archuleta sang the national anthem and Idaho Champion, Zach, 13, threw out the opening pitch.

This is Walmart and Sam’s Club’s second year as the Champions program’s title sponsor. The retailer’s support for the Children’s Miracle Network began in 1987. Since then, Walmart and Sam’s Club associates, customers and members have raised and contributed more than $500 million for Children’s Miracle Network hospitals, the most ever raised for children’s hospitals by a Children’s Miracle Network corporate partner.

The 2010 Champions presented by Walmart and Sam’s Club will reconvene at Children’s Miracle Network’s annual Celebration event at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla. from November 10 – 14, 2010.

About Children's Miracle Network

Children's Miracle Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children’s hospitals. Each year, the 170 Children's Miracle Network hospitals provide the finest medical care, life-saving research and preventative education to help millions of kids overcome diseases and injuries of every kind. To learn more go to ChildrensMiracleNetwork.org.

About Philanthropy at Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) and the Wal-Mart Foundation are proud to support the charitable causes that are important to customers and associates in their own neighborhoods. Through its philanthropic programs and partnerships, the Wal-Mart Foundation supports initiatives focused on creating opportunities in education, workforce development, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness. In 2007, Walmart, Sam’s Club and the Wal-Mart Foundation gave $296 million to communities across the United States. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org.