2018 Miss America Cara Mund Celebrates in the Windy City
Our 2018 Miss America, Cara Mund, made a memorable visit to Chicagoland this past Wednesday. Beginning pageantry as a child, Cara has always had a heart and dedication towards pediatrics. While visiting Chicago, Cara had the opportunity to thank some very notable Chicago Children’s Miracle Network partners!
Cara’s first stop of the day was at Sam’s Club in Hodgkins, Illinois. Hodgkin’s raised over $43,000 during the August-October campaign that contributed more than $402,000 for Lurie Children’s. Not only was her visit memorable for the community, she was an inspiration and motivator to the staff who help raised crucial funds for the hospital. The day kicked off with a celebration that was much deserved!
Next up, Cara stopped by Panda Express in Oak Lawn, Illinois to congratulate store manager Erica Corona and her team on their outstanding fundraising this year. By fostering a strong culture of personal inspiration and giving back, the Oak Lawn restaurant has already raised more than $40,000 in donations for Panda Cares this year. During the visit, Cara joined the team in celebrating the additional birthdays they’re helping give kids treated at Lurie Children’s, as well as the 30th Anniversary of Panda Express’s signature Orange Chicken!
Cara ended the day at Walmart #844 in Morris, Illinois with a pizza party celebration to congratulate the store on raising nearly $25,000 for Lurie Children’s during the company’s Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals campaign. Over the course of nearly seven weeks, the Morris store collected donations through popcorn sales, employee jeans days, team fundraising challenges, consistent cashier asks at the register, and many other unique activities – helping them win their local Walmart bracket competition!
Chicago was excited to meet Miss America and welcome her to the Children’s Miracle Network Family! Cara’s time spent visiting our Sam’s Clubs, Panda Express and Walmart locations was an amazing way for Lurie Children’s to show how much we value our partners and the amazing funds they raise for our kiddos and families! #ForTheKids!