OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 1, 2013) — Love's Travel Stops and Country Stores has raised $2 million to benefit 92 Children's Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals across the country.
Love's recently wrapped up a five-week fundraising campaign at its 304 travel stop and country store locations in its 15th campaign for CMN Hospitals.
"I can't say enough about the commitment our team members have for helping sick and injured kids in their communities and for the overwhelming generosity of our customers," said Tom Love, founder and CEO of Oklahoma City-based Love's.
"We have a company of difference makers and the best customers who keep coming back each year and opening their pocketbooks for CMN Hospitals. We are very appreciative."
During the campaign, Love's said team members sold paper hearts for donations and organized grassroots fundraising events—like golf tournaments, bake sales, cookouts and music concerts—for their communities. Some managers shaved their heads, took pies in the face and even kissed pigs to motivate their teams to raise money, Love's said.
"Our member hospitals are so thankful for the incredible support and fundraising spirit Love's employees and customers exhibit each year," said John Lauck, president and CEO of CMN Hospitals,
"Love's has been an exceptional partner for 15 years, and they are instrumental in helping us make miracles happen for children and families across the U.S."
Love's said store teams and customers raised $1.5 million, and the additional $500,000 came from golf tournaments organized by employees at corporate offices in Oklahoma City and Houston, as well as corporate donations and money donated at air pumps at Love's locations.
All funds benefit the local CMN where the money was raised, Love's said, so 92 of CMN's 170 hospitals will benefit from Love's $2 million donation. In total, Love's has raised $9.5 million in 15 years supporting Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.
Love's operates more than 300 locations and 175 truck tire care centers in 39 states.