Pies in the face, water balloon on the noggin and baby diaper on the bottom. All of these things might sound random but they all add up to one thing, charity.
Every year the local Walmart raises money for the Children’s Miracle Network, a national charity that raises money for children’s hospitals around the country. For the Iola location, this year was different in many respects.
“In years past the CMN was an all-year fundraiser,” Shandie Wrench, asset protection manager at Walmart, said. “This year it was only a six-week period. Plus they raised our goal from last year at $1,200 to $10,000.”
With such a steep increase in expectation from the regional office, there was some initial trepidation as to the chances of the store getting to the mark. The rank and file of the associates however took the new total as a challenge to be met.
“We can’t say enough about the associates,” Jeff Livingston, Iola Walmart store manager, said. “Probably 50 or 60 percent of what we raised came from the associates who really got into the different things we did to get to the point of being close.”
A boxing theme was suggested by CMN this year and after the initial jump rope event on the first Friday of the six week period, the management team decided to chart their own course.
“We just started thinking what could we do different to get people excited about this,” Livingston said.
“Our associates and management team came together to do a lot of thinking and coming up with some fun stuff to do,” Wrench added.
The store was the site of several unique events that had the management team on the receiving end of some interesting hi-jinxs. From buying pies to throw in the face of managers, to water balloons, to a baby triathalon, everyone got into the spirit of what the fundraiser was all about.
“It’s about having a little bit of fun while trying to help a worthwhile cause,” Livingston said. “This community deserves a lot of credit. They stepped up and donated what they could. When this community sets its mind to doing something then watch out because it’ll happen faster than you realize.”
However after having reached the $8,000 mark, time was running out. They turned to a partner in the community for help to get over the hump.
“David Toland over at Thrive Allen County was a big help for us,” Livingston said. “Once we approached him and said, ‘hey we’re close but we could use some help’ he jumped right in and started making calls and made a donation himself.”
Along with Toland came support from other corporate donors as well. Companies like John Deere gave a little bit and pushed the group over the top.
“We are grateful for the community we live in,” Wrench said. “It’s a great place to live and a great place to raise your kids. This community cares and it shows at times like this.”
Area Walmart
CMN Totals
Independence: $2,824
