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Miracle Makers: No Kids, No Problem

Miracle Makers is a series of 30 stories from Walmart and Sam’s Club associates to celebrate the companies’ 30th anniversary of fundraising for CMN Hospitals

Gary Danek has a lot to be proud of.

He and his fellow associates, Charlene Hatter, Rose Marie Martinez, and Dorothy DeVargas are known around their New Mexico Walmart as the champion team when it comes to fundraising for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Be it cookouts, Valentine’s Day gift baskets, craft shows, gift wrapping, Easter baskets, or bake sales, Gary and his team have organized community events for almost every month of the year. In 2016, their Albuquerque store raised $30,000 for UNM Children’s Hospital — the highest of any Walmart location in the state.

Though Gary loves creating planning fundraising events, he’s most passionate about giving his fellow associates a sobering, first-hand look at all that CMN Hospitals does for the community.

“Every couple of months,” Gary says, “We take a small group of the cashiers on a tour through the hospital, so they can see those little babies for themselves. It really helps our associates because as they’re at the register they can do more than just ask people if they want to donate. They can share their experience.”

For the past 18 years, Gary has felt compelled to do all he can to fundraise. “I have no children; I’m single. But Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals is my baby. It’s my Number One.”

Help make a difference in the lives of families in your community by donating at your local Walmart or Sam’s Club today!