Early last week, we received reports of how riots, destruction, and looting were impacting some of our strategic partners.  These impacted partnerships included Ace Hardware, Dairy Queen, Speedway and many others.  We heard of locations decimated by looting, some that had even been burned.  Out of compassion for our partners, it was imperative that we reach out to express our concern for their business, employees, families, and community.

Clark Sweat, Chief Experience Officer, sent the message below to key contacts with the impacted strategic partners:

Since its inception, CMN Hospitals has been dedicated to improving the health of children and families through the support of children’s hospitals no matter their race, gender, religion, belief, orientation, nationality, or ability to pay. We believe that all children deserve to grow up in safe, just, and healthy communities. We believe that through the power of our network, communities will unite for a bigger purpose. This couldn’t be more applicable today as we face the challenges of not only the continuing impact of COVID-19 but also the unrest brought about by racial inequalities.

As I’ve watched the events of the past week, both the peaceful protests as well as the riots, destruction and looting, I’ve experienced a complex set of emotions.  I am sure you have as well.  I am saddened by the impact looting is having on your store locations, just as many of those same locations were starting to emerge from the restrictions of COVID-19.I wanted to reach out today to express my concern on behalf of the team here at CMN Hospitals.  Please know that we hurt for you and appreciate your partnership.  Our partners, their employees, and their businesses undoubtedly are an integral part of our network, and we empathize with the impact the looting and unrest has caused – to your business, employees, families and community.

Please know that we will continue to be side-by-side in these unprecedented times. No matter the challenges brought our way, we will continue to Change Kids Health, Change the Future. Together.

The responses we’ve received from our partners have expressed gratitude for the outreach. As Clark has reminded us so often, we are in a relationship business.  Knowing and understanding the circumstances impacting our partners, as people, is critically important – now more than ever.

The impacted partners who received the message above were Ace Hardware, Dairy Queen, Game Stop, Great Clips, Panda, Rite Aid, Speedway, Walgreens, Walmart, and Wawa.  Clark also sent a variation of the message to Life Time, a partner headquartered in Minneapolis.