ONALASKA, Wisconsin (WXOW) - For 25 years, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals at Gundersen Lutheran have offered a holiday card featuring the artwork of local children. Sales have raised more than $250,000 to help local children facing challenges due to illness and injury and to fund community programs.
But they couldn't do it alone. One local business has been lending a hand by doing more than just bring the card designs to life.
25 years ago, Children's Miracle Network went to Empire Screen Printing to have some Christmas Cards printed up. The plan was to sell the cards and use all the profit for the many families that use their services.
The owner refused to take any money.
Mandy Nogle, a Program Specialist at Children's Miracle Network Hospitals says, "I think it's really a testament to the owner, Jim Brush, his desire and willingness to give back to the community that he was born and raised in. I really think it just reflects his personality and generosity."
A young woman who has a long history with CMN Hospitals designed one of the cards.
Mariah Wehrs said, "I remember going to a doctor appointment with my sister and my mom and they had the forms out, just blank cards and of course my Mom just thought oh here's something that will keep my daughter busy and keep her preoccupied for a while, and we never really expected it to win-so when they chose mine it was a huge surprise."
Mariah's card, and many before, and after hers have reflected the lives of children and families helped by CMN.
And 100% of the money raised from the cards goes directly to Children's Miracle Network Hospitals all because one man, and the workers at Empire Screen Printing dedicated their time to help others. This year was no exception.
Douglas Billings, the VP of Sales and Marketing at Empire Screen Printing "This year even we did the initial run-in but we had such an overwhelming demand for the cards that they asked to do another run-in and he said ...without even flinching.....I asked him about it and he said.....just go head and run 'em so we did another 10,000 cards on top of the original amount."
So next time you're out shopping for the perfect Christmas Card, why not choose one that will remind you of your blessings, and help someone else receive theirs.
You can buy a box of these specially designed Holiday Cards at Festival Foods, Fayze's restaurant or Credit Unions in the area.
For a complete list of locations or for more information, go to Gundersen Lutheran's website www.gundluth.org/cmnhospitals
