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August 30, 2024
Costco Partnership Brings Healing and Support for Shodair Patients
It is not every day you get to see the real and tangible impacts of your giving efforts. But for one month each year, that is exactly what happens as Montana’s five Costco stores rally together to raise hope and support for Shodair – the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in Montana.
Costco Wholesale has been supporting Children’s Miracle Network hospitals for more than two decades. And at the heart of that support is an annual fundraiser reaching far beyond financial success. Every May, thousands of Costco employees, members, and suppliers join forces to raise critical funds for local member children’s hospitals across the U.S. and Canada. And while the impact is certainly felt nationwide – raising $52 million in 2023 – it’s more than money that impacts Montana but rather the overwhelming care and support for the state’s most vulnerable children and families.
“May is a really exciting month around here,” said Kristi Lunberg, Costco Billings Team Member. “Because Shodair is the only CMN hospital in the state, all the funds raised across our five Montana warehouses goes directly toward supporting Shodair patients – which is huge! But it’s also much more than that. Shodair’s mission is one that reaches home for everyone and getting to be a part of that is truly life changing.”
Starting on May 1, Costco employees go into full fundraising mode. Cashier competitions are held (friendly, of course), team goals are set, excitement stirs across the community and local businesses, and as a result many young children and families are given another chance at hope. The real impact for Costco employees, however, comes at the end of the campaign when top cashiers, managers, and team members get to witness the true and tangible effects of their month-long efforts.
“Throughout our partnership, we’ve built a relationship with Shodair,” said Kristi. “As such, our team has had the opportunity to see where the money is going and how it’s helping these children. We’ve been able to tour Shodair, talk to the families, and even hear from young patients like Brooke Glennon – the 2023 CMN Champion. It’s been really special and puts it all into perspective for our team.”
Earlier this year, Shodair was thrilled to celebrate the overwhelming success of Costco’s efforts by hosting several Thank You BBQs at store locations. Together, the five Montana Costco stores raised $344,854 for Shodair Children’s Hospital in May 2024 – one of the largest totals in recent years during May. It’s because of the support of local businesses, Montana residents, and dedicated CMN partners like Costco that Shodair can continue providing care for thousands of individuals each year from Montana’s 52 of 56 counties.
$344,854
Raised in May 2024
“We are so appreciative of the leadership, employees, and others involved directly with the Montana Costco Stores in providing resources to the Youth of Montana,” said Keith Meyer, Children’s Miracle Network Development Officer. “Costco continues to exhibit their strong support for families and youth, and we couldn’t be more grateful. Thank you, Costco stores of Montana!”
Shodair has been creating a healthy and hopeful Montana since 1896.
To learn more about our mission, Shodair services and ways you can give, visit shodair.org or head back over to Blueprint of Hope – where you’ll find more inspiring stories of success.
