A number of radio stations across the country recently raised money for children’s hospitals and other charities as part of their annual giving initiatives.
In Hartford, country station WWYZ (92.5 FM, Country 92-5) raised over $300,000 for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during a recent radiothon.
The charity event took place Thursday, December 8 and Friday, December 9, during which WWYZ personalities helpd raise funds for the hospital.
“Our Country 92-5 listeners have been incredibly generous over the last 30 years and have donated over $14 million to help the kids of St. Jude,” Joey Brooks, the program director at WWYZ, said in a statement. “St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital does amazing work that helps kids across the world, and we are honored to join in their mission – that in the future no child will die from cancer. Congrats to the entire Country 92-5 team on an incredible 30th radiothon!”
In Houston, KODA (99.1 FM, Sunny) raised over $335,000 to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital there during a two-day event that started on December 8. The total amount collected by the station through listener donations topped $355,000. A second event, the St. Jude Houston Golf Classic, brought in another $336,000.
“Fundraisers like ours help ensure families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food,” Marc Sherman, the senior vice president of programming at iHeartMedia Houston, said in a statement. “All a family should worry about is their child’s well-being. We are grateful for our donors, listeners, and sponsors.”
In Milwaukee, WMIL (106.1 FM) teamed up with Madison country station WMAD (96.3 FM, Star Country) brought i over $261,000 for local St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during the 2nd annual “Wisconsin Cares for St. Jude Kids” radiothon.
“St. Jude is near and dear to our hearts in both Milwaukee and Madison, so it was an amazing thing to see both stations and our listeners come together for the cause,” Shanna Quinn, the program director for WMIL, said.
“Hopefully one day, we won’t have to host a radiothon because we’ve found a cure with the help of our listener!” Chelsey Steinhauer, the program director for WMAD, said on Monday.
In Chicago, the “Lurie Children’s Radiothon” broadcast by iHeartMedia’s station cluster there brought in over $735,000 for Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, one of the top hospitals in the area.
“Hats off to the iHeartMedia Chicago team, advertisers and the Chicagoland community who continue to provide overwhelming support for the Lurie Children’s Radiothon,” Matt Scarano, the president of iHeartMedia Chicago, said on Monday. “The $735,000 raised through donations will have a profound impact on Lurie Children’s patients, parents and families in our local community.”
Also in Chicago, Hubbard’s classic rock station WDRV (97.1 FM, The Drive) held the 7th annual Operation: Santa Paws broadcast and fundraiser with morning show duo Sherman & Tingle.
The fundraiser brought in over $25,000 in pet food, supplies and cash for the Anti-Cruelty Society, a local organization that helps pets find their forever homes, offers veterinary programs and other pet initiatives.
“We could not be more grateful to our loyal listeners for the outpouring of generosity and support,” Sherman & Tingle said in a statement. “This year’s Operation: Santa Paws exceeded our collective expectations. The many homeless and less fortunate pets in our region will certainly have a happier Holiday Season, and a much more comfortable 2022.”
In Boston, a two-day radiothon hosted by WBWL (101.7 FM, The Bull) brought in more than $449,000 in donations for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
“Our listeners are incredibly generous and stepped up to help the kids of St. Jude,” Joey Brooks, the program director for WBWL, said on Monday. “St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is an amazing place, and we are honored to help in the fight to make sure that no child is ever turned away for treatment, and that one day no child will die from cancer. Congrats to the entire iHeartMedia Boston team on another incredible Radiothon!”
Over the last three years, the station has helped raise over $3.1 million for the organization.
In Philadelphia, Audacy’s classic hits station WOGL (98.1 FM) collected over $194,000 for the Child Life, Education and Creative Arts Therapy Department at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) during the 21st annual “Big 98.1 Loves our Kids” radiothon. The organization provides care and support for children and families who are suffering from illness, injury, hospitalization and other health care issues.
“We are so thankful for the generosity of our listeners, fans and clients who donate each year to help the kids at CHOP,” David Yadgaroff, the senior vice president and market manager for Audacy Philadelphia, said on Monday. “Seeing our communities come together to support this radiothon is amazing. We are proud to partner with CHOP to help put smiles on the faces of children and their families each year.”
Audacy’s station group in Richmond collected over $287,000 to benefit the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU during a 36-hour radiothon.
“We are grateful for the generosity of our listeners in their support of CHoR and the families and children the hospital serves in the Richmond community,” Bennett Zier, the senior vice president and market manager of Audacy Virginia, said in a statement. “We are also thankful for the contributions of the many volunteers who donate their time. 36-Hours for Kids could not happen without their dedication and support.”
The event was put on in partnership with WWBT (Channel 12), the local NBC affiliate in the market.
