A genuine love of children is one of the many positive values that Costco employees share, so it was not surprising when the Issaquah, Washington-based mass merchandiser began raising money for Seattle Children’s Medical and Research Center in 1988 as a local sponsor. Over the years, Costco’s participation in Children’s Miracle Network has expanded along with the growth of the company, raising money for Children’s Miracle Network-affiliated children’s hospitals in every community where Costco warehouses are located. To date, Costco has raised over $123 million to help ill children across North America. While different company units hold small internal fundraisers throughout the year, Costco holds its big Children’s Miracle Network campaign in the “Miracle Month” of May each year, when employees work hard to outdo each other with fun and creative fundraising events. Many of the regional offices hold Children’s Miracle Network golf tournaments, giving executives and the invited guests an opportunity to contribute. But the heart of Costco’s campaign has always been the sale of Miracle Balloons. By the end of the month, each warehouse is dripping with thousands of paper balloons, purchased by generous members and employees. In 2009, its vendors, employees and members in both the United States and Canada together raised more than $17 million for children’s hospitals—making Costco the second largest Children’s Miracle Network sponsor.