Children’s Miracle Network Celebration Broadcast Earns $355,008

RAPID CITY, SD – Thanks to the generosity of those in the surrounding area, the final tote board for today's Children's Miracle Network (CMN) Celebration Broadcast was $355,008. The money will be used to help ill and injured children in the area served by Rapid City Regional Hospital. The one-day event was televised live from the Rushmore Mall on Black Hills FOX.

"We once again thank the community for its tremendous support of the Children's Miracle Network at Rapid City Regional Hospital," said Tim Sughrue, CEO of Rapid City Regional Hospital. "The generosity of so many people throughout western South Dakota will help us provide specialized care for our smallest patients. Providing neonatal and pediatric intensive care at Rapid City Regional Hospital allows children to remain close to their families, as opposed to having to travel to distant medical centers."

The broadcast tote board amount includes advance pledges from businesses, civic groups, and the Rapid City Regional Hospital Auxiliary, on-air pledges received during the broadcast, and proceeds from special events such as The Great Black Hills Duck Race. The total also includes $4,112 raised by a CMN Live Radio Broadcast which took place on June 3 on Magic 93.9, KAT 98.7, KKLS, 920 AM, FOX 100.3 and HOT 93.1 radio stations.

“I am deeply touched by the kindness of people in this region,” said Angie Kliewer, Rapid City Regional Hospital CMN and Foundation Services Director. “People here really have big hearts and show how much they care for children, not only during the broadcast, but throughout the year by supporting all of our events.”

Of the many donations received this year, the Rapid City Regional Hospital Auxiliary is specially recognized.

“This is a group that consistently demonstrates their love for children,” Kliewer said. “This year alone, the Auxiliary has donated more than $52,000. I thank all of the Auxilians for their tremendous support.”

Betty Quasney, CMN Project Coordinator, said the broadcast is made possible due to the great team effort by many individuals and businesses in the area. She thanks the Rushmore Mall for hosting the live telethon broadcast. She also thanks several Rapid City Regional Hospital departments for helping make the event successful, including: the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Pediatrics, Maternal/Child Health, Plant Operations, Public Relations and Marketing, Communications, and the Rapid City Regional Hospital Foundation Staff.

Since the first local CMN Champions’ Broadcast in 1988, $5,192,153 has been raised in this area. With money raised through special events, such as the Celebration Broadcast, CMN is able to purchase medical equipment and fund programs for children’s services in the area served by Rapid City Regional Hospital. One hundred percent of the money raised locally stays within the area to help ill and injured children.

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