The 22nd annual Miracle Ball raised a record-breaking $178,000 for Children's Miracle Network at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital. A total of 580 people attended the "Thanks for Giving" themed Ball on Nov. 19 at Hershey Lodge. During the event, Sheryl Raught, the mother of Miracle Child Samantha Hill, shared her family’s story. Sammy was critically injured by a tree branch in 2008.
“As a parent, anytime someone takes your baby out of our arms you feel helpless, but because of Children’s Miracle Network and the doctors and nurses at the Children’s Hospital, we can be thankful that we are putting them into the best hands possible. Because of you, I have the true blessing of having the chance to love two Sammy’s – the one before the accident, and my inspiration, the Sammy after the accident. Thank you for my miracle,” said Sheryl.
During the program, the inaugural Miracle Innovator Award was presented to Rick Herring, president of GIANT Food Stores, for his invaluable leadership and support of Children’s Miracle Network. GIANT Food Stores has raised more than $5 million for Children’s Miracle Network since 1998. “I am in awe and inspired by all the children who have shown courage and perseverance in the face of overwhelming health issues. I have seen first-hand the dedication, passion and professionalism of the men and women devoted to saving children’s lives. The work they do is an inspiration to me and my team, spurring us on to do more,” Herring said.
Children’s Miracle Network thanks all of the businesses and individuals who supported the 2011 Miracle Ball. This year’s top $10,000 Miracle Makers sponsors were GIANT Food Stores, Kraft Foods, Highmark Blue Shield, Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, Johnson Controls, The Hershey Company and Universal Media. To view photos from the event, visit PennStateHershey.org/CMN. The 23rd annual Miracle Ball will be held Nov. 17, 2012 at Hershey Lodge.