In 1996, an idea was born to help make a difference to children’s healthcare in the Mohawk Valley. Now, 30 years later, the annual Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) $100,000 Miracle Drawing has raised more than $10 million to help transform children’s healthcare throughout Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS). Every ticket purchased over the years represents a shared commitment by our community to the children and families we care for.
“The impact of the Miracle Drawing is everywhere you look at MVHS,” says Debbie Wainwright, CMN Program Director. “Thanks to our community’s support, one $100 ticket at a time, we are able to provide life-saving care, innovative treatments and vital equipment to those in need. Together we’re not just raising funds, we’re raising hope, possibilities and futures for all children and it’s so rewarding to be a part of it.”
One child who has a bright future thanks to the community’s support of the $100,000 Miracle Drawing is local 2026 CMN Champion, Christian, from Utica.
When Christian’s mom developed preeclampsia at 33 ½ weeks into her pregnancy, her life was saved when he was delivered by emergency C-section. Weighing just 3 pounds, 9 ounces, Christian received oxygen and was immediately intubated, saving his life. During his 22 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), he continued to receive lifesaving care by a full team of specialists.
Christian was initially treated for jaundice and required a feeding tube. He worked with physical therapists who helped to promote calming and self-regulatory behaviors using positioning equipment such as Dandle wraps. Occupational Therapists helped him to develop sensory and motor skills and Speech Therapists helped with feeding and swallowing. Christian’s parents were cautioned that he may need a feeding tube for a while and there may be a delay in reaching some milestones. However, not only did Christian grow without the need for a feeding tube, but since leaving the NICU, he has met or exceeded every milestone! Today, he is a happy, healthy and very active 3-year-old who enjoys gymnastics and sports – especially Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills.
“Stories like Christian’s are what makes my job so meaningful and fulfilling,” Wainwright notes. “Year after year, while we are out in the community selling tickets we see so many of the same people supporting us. I’m constantly inspired by so many of them who share their own miracle story. What’s amazing is that this whole project is about chance – a chance to win $100,000, but it’s also about a chance to change a child’s life. Even if you don’t win the big prize you will definitely achieve the second.”
$100,000 Miracle Drawing tickets are still on sale and the grand prize drawing will be held on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 6 p.m. in the Sammon Family Birthing Center lobby at Wynn Hospital.
Purchase your tickets with cash, check or credit card*
AmeriCU Credit Union Locations Herkimer – EFK Plaza, 326 E. State Street North Utica – 401 Herkimer Road Yorkville – 4957 Commercial Drive
Chanatry’s Hometown Market
485 French Road, Utica*
Countryside Stove & Chimney
9509 River Road, Marcy
Curtis Lumber
8448 Seneca Turnpike, New Hartford
GPO Federal Credit Union Locations Barneveld – 8585 State Route 28 Dolgeville – 39 North Main Street Downtown Utica – 301 Bleecker Street Ilion – 3 Central Plaza
New Hartford – 4311 Middle Settlement Road South Utica – 2711 Genesee Street
Mohawk Valley Federal Credit Union
9212 River Road, Marcy
Mohawk Valley Health System
Foundation Office – 4th Floor
Faxton Campus, 1676 Sunset Avenue, Utica*
Remington Federal Credit Union
39 Central Plaza, Ilion
Special Metals Federal Credit Union
4340 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford
Utica Gas & Electric Federal Credit Union
215 Old Campion Road, New Hartford
*These locations accept credit cards.
Request Your Ticket Online!
Scan the QR Code with your phone’s camera to submit your request for a ticket. A member of the MVHS Foundation Office will contact you for more information.
