Co-founder of Utah-based Children’s Miracle Network, which has raised billions for hospitals, dies

Joe Lake, who used his skills as a promoter and charity volunteer to help raise billions for children’s hospitals nationwide through the Salt Lake City-based Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, has died. Lake died Friday, according to family, of natural causes. The Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals announced his death Sunday.

He was 82. Aimee J. Daily, the nonprofit’s current president and CEO, said in a statement that the organization is “heartbroken” by Lake’s death.



“His lifelong commitment to children’s health has left an indelible mark on our organization and the many families we impact,” Daily said. “His pioneering spirit and compassionate heart will forever be remembered.” Lake teamed up with Mick Shannon, who, in 1977, had envisioned starting a national telethon to raise money for children’s hospitals.

They enlisted singer Marie Osmond and actor John Schneider, best known for his role on “The Dukes of Hazzard,” to join the cause. After some false starts with national TV networks, Lake and Shannon conceived the Children’s Miracle Network. The first Children’s Miracle Network telethon aired for 21 hours on May 28-29, 1983, on KSL.

The co-hosts for the first several years were Osmond, Schneider, singer Marilyn McCoo and actor and NFL legend Merlin Olsen (who played in college at Utah State University). Since its inception, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals says it has raised some $9 billion to support 170 children’s hospitals across the country. During the height of his career, the organization said, Lake would travel 300 days a year, visiting hospitals, meeting corporate supporters, and championing the mission of supporting children’s health.

“Joe’s legacy is extraordinary,” Osmond said in a statement issued through the organization. Osmond remains on the group’s board. Lake, Osmond said, “helped create a new way of charitable giving — one that could continually improve children’s health care now and for future generations.

I loved Joe dearly, and his passion and heart continue to inspire all of us.” Lake is survived by his wife, Marta, five children, 20 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. One child died previously.

Funeral services are planned for Wednesday, April 23, with a viewing on Tuesday, April 23; times and locations are still to be announced..