Up, up and away

Corporate Giving story for The Commercial Appeal

March 6, 2009

Area Fred’s Inc. stores have been selling Miracle Balloons for $1 apiece since Sunday to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network, the organization that raises funds for children’s hospitals across the country.

Money from the balloons sold at the chain’s 17 area stores will go to Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center, a CMN member hospital.

This is the fourth year for the balloon program, which has raised $1.2 million so far throughout the chain, including $464,950 last year.

“We want to hit the half-million mark this year,” said Ursula Roman, marketing director for Fred’s. “The goal is for each store to sell 800 balloons.” … (read more)