Cox Media Group Atlanta’s WSB (WSB-AM/WSBB) set a new milestone for its annual Care-a-thon for the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, achieved a record-breaking $2,037,439 in pledges this year and counting.
The WSB Care-a-thon replaced the station’s regular programming of political talk on July 25 and 26, featuring current WSB hosts Chris Chandler, Eric Von Haessler, and Mark Arum, along with former station talent Clark Howard and the recently retired Scott Slade, who originally conceived the Care-a-thon.
Last year’s Care-a-Thon got close to the threshold with $1.9 million. Over the event’s 24-year history, the talk station has raised a cumulative $34 million to support the nonprofit’s research and family support programs.
CMG Atlanta Market Manager Jaleigh Long commented, “Two million dollars raised in 38 hours to find more cures and better treatments for children’s cancer is a true testament of first-class local radio, strong partnerships and enthusiastic teamwork.”
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta VP of Development Denise Barnes said, “We want to thank our 95.5 WSB Radio family for their continued support of the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and for helping us reach an incredible milestone this year— over $2 million raised through the 24th annual 95.5 WSB Care-a-Thon! We are beyond thankful to the station, the hosts, and the Atlanta community for standing alongside us in our mission to make kids better today and healthier tomorrow.”
WSB Program Director Ken Charles expressed the emotional impact of the achievement to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, stating, “There was not a dry eye in that room when the $2 million announcement was made. We all do this to make a difference. The feeling of helping during these two days each year can never be duplicated.”
