Joplin Love's Travel Stop raises funds for local Children's Miracle Network Hospital

JOPLIN, Mo − More than $13,000 was raised for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals during the Joplin Love’s Travel Stop fundraising campaign during August and September.

The campaign kicked off August 25 at Love’s Travel Stop, Highway 43, to support children at Freeman Health System, the Joplin Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. Several fundraisers were held throughout the month, with the local travel stop taking first place in the district for raising the most money. They doubled the amount of money raised in 2013.

“Manager Bob Davis and his crew at the Joplin Love’s Travel Stop went above and beyond for local families,” said Freeman Assistant Director of Development and External Relations Heather Lesmeister. “Love’s Travel Stops generously donated 100 percent of the proceeds from fundraising efforts to our local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. Every dollar will stay local to help sick and injured children in our 14-county service area.”

A total of $1.86 million dollars was donated during the national company’s five-week fundraising drive, which included 330 Love’s stores in 39 states.

Fundraising events at the Joplin store included a tribute to NASCAR fans, in which donors entered into a drawing for a David Gililand autographed NASCAR tire, cook-outs and car washes for patrons, and a costume contest featuring superheroes and princesses.

“We are so grateful for the generosity displayed by both Love’s employees and their customers during this annual campaign,” Lesmeister said. “This money will make a difference in the lives of the families and children served by our local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.

About Freeman Health System
Locally owned and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital and Ozark Center – the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services – as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics and a variety of specialty services. A not-for-profit health system, Freeman provides cancer care, heart and vascular care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, children’s services, and women’s services and has more than 300 physicians on staff. Additionally, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com or facebook.com/freemanhealthsystem or follow Freeman President and Chief Executive Officer Paula Baker at twitter.com/freemanceo.