Salt Lake City (Top40 Charts/ Children's Miracle Network) - Children's Miracle Network announced today that the organization will team up with country artist
Mark Wills to raise much needed funds for its 170 children's hospitals through the launch of his new CD, Familiar Stranger. A pre-launch promotional pack - including an autographed CD, a limited edition T-shirt and a customized keychain - will be sold online and generate donations for Children's Miracle Network hospitals throughout North America.
By going to www.markwills.childrensmiraclenetwork.org, fans can purchase the pre-launch promotional pack for $19.95. If buyers agree to make an additional donation of $25 or more, they'll also receive a pair of headphones donated by SkullcandyTM. Proceeds from every sale will benefit the Children's Miracle Network hospital in the area where the purchase was made. The promotion will be featured on both Wills' website and that of Children's Miracle Network. Fans will also be alerted of the pre-launch deal via emails that will be sent to the several million employees of Children's Miracle Network sponsors like Wal-Mart, Marriott, Delta, and RE/MAX. Wills plans to notify the fan bases of his website and MySpace page as well.
"Being a father of two healthy children, I'm always reminded of how blessed I am," says the award-winning Wills. "I'm pleased to be working with an organization that goes the extra mile for children and I'm excited to help raise awareness and money for this much needed cause." Wills has supported the children's charity for a number of years, making appearances at sponsor events, visiting kids in children's hospitals and helping raise funds through a variety of programs. In March he accompanied a group of children who had been hospital patients to the White House to meet with President Bush and encourage support of our nation's children's hospitals.
"We're hoping to create a marketing model that helps artists get their music out to fans and raises funds for our children's hospitals at the same time," said Craig Sorensen, chief marketing officer for Children's Miracle Network.
Wills has scored eight Top 10 hits and has made a name for himself as the gifted interpreter of such tender sentiments as "Wish You Were Here" and "Don't Laugh At Me." The Academy of Country Music's Top New Male Vocalist of 1999, Wills' hit-packed musical legacy includes his unforgettable ballads "Places I've Never Been," "I Do (Cherish You)," and "She's In Love," as well as the seven-week No 1 smash, "19 Something" (Billboard's most played country single of 2002).
Children's Miracle Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children's hospitals. Each year the 170 Children's Miracle Network hospitals provide the finest medical care, life-saving research and preventative education to help millions of kids overcome diseases and injuries of every kind. To learn more go to www.childrensmiraclenetwork.org.