DAYTON, Oh. -- Speedway, the nation’s second largest company-owned and -operated convenience store chain, raised more than $2 million to support 19 different children’s hospitals through the 24th Annual Speedway Miracle Celebration and Golf Tournament.  The event involved more than 700 golfers and raised funds for the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) of hospitals, which treats children throughout the United States and Canada.

The money will be used for the costs of pediatric medical treatments, services and equipment for many sick or injured children who receive care at hospitals in the network, which provides about 32 million treatments every year.

“This event is so much more than a golf tournament,” president and CEO of CMN Hospitals John Lauck said in a statement. “Players meet the kids who directly benefit from the funds they help raise. They see first-hand how their generosity helps member hospitals fund critical treatments, purchase medical equipment designed just for kids and provide charitable care. We are grateful to Speedway and their unwavering commitment to raise awareness and funds for kids in their communities.”

Famous golfer Jack Nicklaus and Miss America 2015 Kira Kazantsev both participated in the event, which included the golf tournament, a dinner and an art auction that featured some artworks created by children who have been patients at CMN hospitals. 

Speedway has raised funds for the CMN cause since 1991. So far, the retailer has raised more than $68 million for CMN Hospitals, in ways that include donation campaigns in its stores and employee payroll deduction programs.

“There is no greater cause than helping the kids in our own backyards,” Speedway President Tony Kenney said in a statement. “Through the generosity of our employees, customers and vendor partners, we are able to ensure that the children in our local communities receive the care they need through our support of CMN Hospitals.”