It might seem unusual to see competing retailers gathered so closely together. Still, each year, representatives from convenience stores, gas stations, big-box stores, grocery chains, quick-service restaurants and more unite for a common cause at the annual Partner Recognition Reception hosted by the Upstate Foundation to celebrate retail partners that conduct fundraising events throughout the year to benefit Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital.  

Spanning more than 400 locations across the hospital’s 22-county service area, more than 20 retail partners including Walmart, Speedway, Tops Friendly Markets and Carrols Corporation participate in drive-to-retail fundraising campaigns. Each company brings its unique flair to the initiative, choosing a variety of cause marketing and point-of-sale methods that will work best for their customer base and community. Such shop-and-give initiatives include rounding up change at the register, buying a special branded item, or participating in a fun event at a retail location. Nonetheless, the goal of all these retail partners via all of these different means remains consistent: to benefit Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital.

“The bond between retail and Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital transcends mere transactions. It’s about communities rallying together, creating miracles and making a lasting impact on children’s lives,” said Walmart market manager Michael Laux. “This partnership is a testament to the power of collective effort, showing that when businesses and communities unite, they can achieve extraordinary things for the most vulnerable amongst us.”

Danielle Bright, director of Children’s Miracle Network Hospital partnership programs at the Upstate Foundation, explained, “The beauty of these shop and give campaigns lies in their accessibility for everyone. When people hear 'donate,' they often think of writing a large check, which can feel daunting. However, the concept of collective giving—contributing just $1 at a time—turns philanthropy into a community-wide effort with a significant local impact.”

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals was established 40 years ago. It is a national organization to assist local member hospitals with fundraising to ensure every child has a healthier future. Upstate has been a member for all four decades. All money raised locally stays within the community and is administered by the Upstate Foundation in support of the Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital.

Over the past three years, these retail partners—which involve thousands of employees—have made a remarkable impact, collectively raising more $1 million per year to support the hospital's most critical needs. This funding has been instrumental in upgrading equipment, covering costs beyond what insurance allows, enhancing family amenities, and supporting the staff and programs that make the children's hospital extraordinary.

To learn more, visit https://www.upstatefoundation.org/shopandgive