CHILDREN’S MIRACLE NETWORK RAISES MORE THAN $327,000 FOR LOCAL CHILDREN’S HEALTH CARE

KINGSPORT – Residents of Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia still believe in miracles. In an overwhelming display of generosity, local residents and businesses this year contributed a total of $327,370 to the Children’s Miracle Network to benefit children’s health care in the region.

This year’s contributions were up more than $26,000 from the 1999 campaign, which raised $301,000 locally.

The 2000 CMN Broadcast of Champions aired Saturday and Sunday, June 3 and 4, on WKPT-TV. Hosted by news personalities Bob Haywood, Morgan King, Betty Payne and Ken Ulmer at MeadowView Conference Resort and Convention Center, the broadcast featured the “miracle” stories of local children who have overcome incredible odds with the help of healthcare providers at Wellmont Health System.

During the 21-hour broadcast, local viewers called in pledges to benefit the provision of children’s health care. Wellmont is the region’s only CMN-affiliated hospital system, and all money raised in the region through CMN stays in the region.

In addition to funds raised during the broadcast, corporate sponsors in the region participate in CMN by holding fund-raising events throughout the year. The $327,370 raised this year includes both pledges from the broadcast and funds raised by corporate sponsors.

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