For more than 40 years, the Arrington Management Group has supported Children's Miracle Network. Now, the family-owned restaurant and convenience store operating company is making its biggest commitment yet: a $1 million pledge over the next 6 years through its Round Up campaign. 

For Brian Arrington, vice president of operations and a third-generation member of the family business, the commitment is deeply personal.

“There’s a lot of legacy with that,” Arrington said. “My grandfather was big into supporting Children's Miracle Network. Back in the 80s, they did the $100 dinner deals sponsored by our local Dairy Queens. It was a big fundraiser for Children's Miracle Network. Since then, whether it's been the Balloon Campaign or Round Up, Children's Miracle Network has been near and dear to all of our hearts.” 

The Arrington family originally operated Hugh’s Drive-Up Snack Bar and purchased their first Dairy Queen in 1970. It didn’t take long for them to become the franchisee with the largest support of Children’s Miracle Network. Today, the Arrington Management Group operates 4 Dairy Queens, 3 Bojangles restaurants, and 1 Exxon convenience store across Rocky Mount and Danville. The support of Children’s Miracle Network permeates the culture at every location. 

“Every single transaction, every customer that comes through, we ask them to round up,” said Erin Edwards, a supervisor with Arrington Management Group. “Our community is very giving and we’re able to celebrate that with them.” 

Today, the company's Dairy Queen locations rank No. 2 nationally in Round Up donations benefiting Children's Miracle Network. It is this type of momentum that makes its $1 million goal achievable. Just 2 years ago, its Round Up campaign raised nearly $180,000 to support the children's wing at Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital. 

“It's a little bit of a stretch goal for us,” Arrington said. “But we've proven capable of meeting that commitment, and we believe in Children's Miracle Network.” 

Over the years, the Arrington Management Group has seen firsthand how those donations impact local families. 

“One of our employees had a baby who arrived early and spent time in the NICU,” said Pat Moran, a supervisor with Arrington Management Group. “We love knowing our support helps families receive the care they need during some of life's most challenging moments.” 

“We're giving back to our communities for our children and the generations that follow,” Edwards said. “That's very important.” 

For Arrington, one of the biggest motivators is seeing the impact firsthand. 

“We have a semiannual visit to Carilion Children’s Hospital with our management team, and that's been a huge motivator to actually see where the money goes,” Arrington said. 

The company's $1 million commitment is an investment in children and families across Southwest Virginia and a challenge to other businesses to join in supporting Children's Miracle Network. 

“Take a tour,” Edwards said. “See what the dollars are buying. See what they're providing for these kids and families in need. It's really an easy decision after that.” 

“I challenge you to take the Round Up opportunity,” Arrington said. “Once you make that commitment and see where the benefit goes, it's an easy transition to make it part of what you do every day.” 

Every contribution, whether from a business or an individual donor, helps ensure more children and families have access to the care they need close to home.