Preston & Steve Celebrate the Coolest Teachers
Date Posted: 5/31/2022
The Preston & Steve Show from Beasley Media Group’s 93.3 WMMR has announced their tenth annual Coolest Teacher promotion, celebrating teachers in the Philadelphia, Pa., area. This fun initiative invites area high school students to get out and vote for the teacher at their school they think is the coolest. Over 150 schools have been featured over the past nine years of celebrating teachers.
Traditionally, the winning educator has called into the radio show after being awarded the new title and has been given the opportunity to brag about their students and the school.
“A great teacher is someone you’ll remember for you entire life,” said Preston Elliot. “We’re happy to once again spotlight just a few of the great teachers in our area.”
Students at a west Baltimore school received new shoes thanks to a volunteer event on Friday, February 25. Volunteers from WBAL-TV and WBAL NewsRadio joined others in the community, Samaritans Feet International and the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association to give new shoes and a pair of socks to every student at the school.
The 2022 Beaver 100.3 Camp Rainbow Radiothon raised $65,777 in support of Camp Rainbow, a camp for children with medical needs. The two-day event featured Beaver on-air personalities, led by Fletch and Mandi from the “Fletch and Mandi Morning Show,” who shared heartwarming stories from campers, counselors and parents about how Camp Rainbow has touched their lives.
Bee Broadcasting and Rose Communications raised more than $100,000 in toys and food donations for local families during the "12th Annual Toys for Tots Campout for The Kids" on December 9-12. The seven-station radio cluster broadcast live from toy drop off locations in Kalispell, Whitefish and Columbia Falls, MT.
Meruelo Media Group’s KLOS-FM Los Angeles raised more than $1 million during the “95.5 KLOS St. Jude Rocks Radiothon,” held February 27 – 28. Hosts from sister stations KPWR-FM, KLLI-FM and KDAY-FM joined in the live broadcast.
Bicoastal Media’s 
Cox Media Group’s KWEN-FM, KRAV-FM and Fox-affiliate KOKI-TV Tulsa, OK., helped raise nearly $200,000 during the annual St. Jude 5k Walk/Run on September 21. This amount contributed to the more than $1.4 million Cox Media Group’s Tulsa stations have raised for St. Jude in 2019.
The Texas Association of Broadcasters honored CBS-owned KTVT Dallas with a 
Cromwell Radio Group’s WMCI-FM, WWGO-FM and WCBH-FM, serving central Illinois and western Indiana, recently raised $300,00 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. On August 2 - 3, 115 runners and volunteers participated in a 148-mile relay run as part of the “Mattoon to Peoria St. Jude Run.” The run raised over $188,000 and a concurrent radiothon brought the total donated to over $300,000. In nine years, they have raised over $1.1 million.
Hearst’s NBC affiliate WBAL-TV Baltimore surprised young campers at River Valley Ranch in July with a visit from its Skyteam 11. Captain Roy Taylor gave campers an up-close look at how WBAL uses technology to capture captivating footage for its newscasts.
Hearst’s ABC affiliate WISN-TV Milwaukee raised more than $46,000 on August 14 in its seventh annual “WISN 12 Class Act School Supply Drive.” WISN, The Salvation Army and Saga Communication’s WKLH-FM partnered on the campaign involving a live, on-air phone bank, online fundraising and in-person donations. The “Stuff the Bus” initiative filled a school bus with backpacks, notebooks and other supplies. In all, the campaign will provide more than 3,000 backpacks full of supplies for students at five local schools. Additional supplies benefit Salvation Army programs including The Emergency Lodge.
TEGNA’s CBS affiliate KHOU Houston recently surprised eight local nonprofits with community grants of $11,000 each. The grants address education, fight childhood hunger and support at-risk youth. Recipients include:
Beasley Media Group Tampa cluster - WPBB-FM, WQYK-FM, WYUU-FM, WRBQ-FM and WLLD-FM - held its seventh annual “Kids Day” on July 21. Kids took photos with Star Wars and Marvel characters, plus television star Isaak Presley of “Stuck in the Middle” and “Fuller House.” Kids Day featured the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Pirate Ship, face painting, cookie decorating, gaming, and a sports center with hockey, basketball, baseball and bowling. At the petting zoo, attendees could interact with baby alligators and pigs. Kids Day 2019 was free for children 14 and under and $5 for ages 15+. School supply donations were encouraged. Proceeds benefited the Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association.
Alpha Media’s KATU-FM and KBFF-FM Portland, Ore., launched its “Kind is Better” campaign November 1 to address youth mental health. They asked youth to discuss issues they face and suggest solutions,. “By taking a stand with messages of kindness, we endeavor to make an impact on the health and well-being of the communities we serve,” said VP of Sales Amy Leimbach.
iHeartMedia’s WBWL-FM Boston raised $123,000 for St. Jude Children’s Hospital during “An Intimate Evening with Lady Antebellum” on October 26. The exclusive fundraiser at the Chevalier Theatre featured a one-hour acoustic concert. In three years, WBWL has raised over $687,000.
Salem Media’s KRLA-AM Los Angeles partnered with the California Highway Patrol for annual “CHiPs for Kids” toy drive. More than 200 toys and $500 in cash and gift cards were collected.
Beasley Media Group’s WXKB-FM, WJPT-FM, WRKX-FM, WWCN-FM, WRXK-HD2 and WJBX-AM Ft. Myers, Fla., collected 872 bikes and raised over $1,000 during the “Beasley Bike Drive” on December 14 to support Toys for Tots.
Hearst’s NBC affiliate WBAL-TV Baltimore recently profiled two young, local percussionists from Baltimore, Timothy Fletcher and Malik Perry who are known as A1 Chops, following their stint on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. The percussionists caught Ellen’s attention after their Instagram 
California Oregon Broadcasting’s NBC affiliates KOBI-TV Medford, Ore., and KOTI-TV Klamath Falls, Ore., sponsored “Know Your Role.” This initiative encourages good sportsmanship among athletes, parents, coaches and referees, which sets a good example for kids participating in athletics.
Gray’s NBC affiliate KVLY-TV Fargo, N.D., asked viewers to donate airline miles to Make-A-Wish during a drive held March 1. The event collected 545,000 miles that will allow wishes to come through for kids with critical illnesses. In the week leading up to the drive, KVLY featured news stories about kids who were positively impacted by Make-A-Wish. The station utilized all platforms during the March 1 drive, including
live shots and mentions in every newscast.
iHeartMedia’s WDVE-FM Pittsburgh raised over $814,000 during the 10th annual “DVE Rocks for Children’s Radiothon,” which broadcast live September 28 - 29. In 10 years, the radiothon has raised nearly $5 million to benefit the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation, which is the leading provider of pediatric care in the community. On-air personalities shared stories from patients, families, and staff.
Quincy Media’s NBC affiliate WEEK-TV Peoria, Ill. raised $10 million in its annual telethon for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, held August 5. The station has raised more than $118 million in 40 years.
Entravision raised a record $3.2 million for the Children’s Miracle Network in their 10th annual network-wide radiothon, “Un Million Para Los Niños” (One Million for the Children), held August 17. “Entravision continuously looks for ways to support and give back to our local communities and we are grateful for this partnership and pleased to have surpassed last year’s donation, in turn, benefiting even more families,” said Entravision President and COO Jeffery Liberman.
Hubbard’s WTMX-FM Chicago raised $1 million for the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago during its 18th annual fundraising event, held during the week of August 14. WTMX wrapped up the five-day fundraiser with a live broadcast and check presentation at Lurie Children’s.
iHeartMedia’s WGY-AM and WRVE-FM Latham, N.Y., held the “19th Annual Cares for Kids Radiothon” May 4-5. The five-hour live radio broadcast raised a total of $265,000 for sick and injured children at the Bernard & Millie Duker Children’s Hospital at the Albany Medical Center. “I’m proud of News Radio 810 & 103.1 WGY and 99.5 The River for joining our listeners to help local children and families seeking treatment at the hospital, which is an invaluable resource for the community,” said iHeartMedia Albany President Kristen Delaney.
The 
After six tornadoes hit the town of Canton, Texas, the students of Edgewood High School were left without a prom venue. Once a replacement was secured, iHeartMedia’s KHKS-FM Dallas-Ft. Worth assisted with transportation and supplied a photo booth. Big Al and Jenna from “The Kidd and Kraddick Morning Show” emceed the event.
Alpha Media’s KUPL-FM Portland held its third annual “St. Jude Children’s Hospital Radiothon” December 8-9. The station raised a total of $187,560. “This was a total team effort, and the money raised will go directly to stomping out cancer. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but this one is worth about $187,560. Thank you Team Alpha!” said KUPL-FM Program Director MoJoe Roberts.
Alpha Media’s Louisville stations WXMA-FM, WDJX-FM, WGZB-FM, WMJM-FM and WGHL-FM raised more than $890,000 in support of Norton Children’s Hospital during a two-day radiothon.
iHeartMedia’s WOAI-AM San Antonio hosted a radiothon and silent auction that raised a record-breaking $243,034 in two days to benefit The Elf Louise Christmas Project, a local non-profit organization that purchases and delivers toys during the holiday season for the region’s less fortunate children. Louise Locker, the woman behind the Elf Louise Christmas Project, is in her 48th year of delivering toys and other gifts to needy children in the San Antonio area.
iHeartMedia’s KFI-AM Los Angeles radio talk show host Tim Conway Junior touched the life of 11-year-old caller Jack Chavez. Jack, who lost his father three years ago, called the show because his dad listened when he went in for dialysis. When Jack mentioned spending his birthday with his mom in the hospital because of his congenital heart disease, Conway set up a GoFundMe page to send him to Disney World for his birthday. Within a week, they raised more than $34,000. Besides the birthday of a lifetime, the money will help pay off bills and help Jack go to college, which is something his father always wanted for him.
Beasley Broadcast Group’s WNKS-FM Charlotte hosted its fifth annual Secret Santa for the “KISS Kids Radiothon” on November 22. “Working all day to raise money for kids who are hospitalized at the holidays is nothing compared to what these children are going through, all the time,” said a WNKS morning show host. The station’s “KISS Kids” initiative raised over $42,000 last year.
Raycom Media’s ABC affiliate WLOX-TV Biloxi-Gulfport, Miss. participated in the “Pathways 2 Possibilities” event, November 16-17. The two-day career fair exposed eighth graders and at-risk youth to a variety of career paths. WLOX brought cameras and recording equipment for participants to experience hands-on what it’s like to work at a broadcast station. In total, 7,098 students attended the event.
Hearst’s WBAL-AM Baltimore collected 816 coats for local kids during the “
Hearst Television’s NBC affiliate WBAL-TV Baltimore’s Education Reporter Tim Tooten interviewed area students about their participation in the “Every Kid Votes” initiative. “Every Kid Votes” encourages political discourse in public elementary schools, culminating in students making a selection for president. Watch the video 
Centennial Broadcasting’s WBQB-FM Fredericksburg, Va. raised $118,000 to benefit Children’s National Health System in a telethon held November 3 - 4. “On behalf of Children’s National Health System, we are grateful to B101.5 for leading the Care-athon and inspiring their listeners and local community to generously support children and families in Fredericksburg and across the Washington, D.C., region,” said Children’s Hospital Foundation Associate Director of Corporate Sponsorships Erin Stoker. “Because of these critical donations, we are able to develop therapies, improve treatments, find cures, and care for every child in need, regardless of their ability to pay.”
RM Broadcasting’s KPLM-FM Palm Springs, Calif. raised more than $77,000 during its two-day Radiothon on November 1-2. .for Coachella Valley fourth-graders. The money will purchase 400 bicycles, which will be distributed to local students on December 11 along with 400 helmets purchased by Walter Clark Legal Group. Local schools nominated students to receive a bike based on the student’s needs, efforts, sportsmanship, and respect for self, family, teachers and community.
Media General’s ABC affiliate WTNH-TV Hartford obtained bus inspection records from the local school district before they were made available to the public. The investigative team discovered that since September 2015, 244 buses were deemed unfit for service. According to the inspections, brakes were a factor in nearly a quarter of the violations issued. In total, inspectors found more than 380 violations. Investigators spoke with Rainbow Bus Lines President Sterling Viets who said that last year’s poor record has already been addressed. The company fired a maintenance manager.
Hubbard’s WTMX-FM Chicago raised $986,673 in the 17th annual “Eric and Kathy Radiothon” for Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, held September 12 - 16. The “Eric & Kathy Morning Show” broadcast live from Lurie Children’s on September 16. The event has raised over $25 million in total.
iHeartMedia’s WDVE-FM Pittsburgh raised $605,000 in the annual radiothon for Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. On-air personalities Randy Baumann, Bill Crawford, Val Porter, Mike Prisuta, Michele Michaels and Sean McDowell broadcast live from September 15- 17. “We want to thank WDVE and its listeners for their tremendous support,” said Greg Barrett, President, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation. In its nine year-history, the event has brought in more than $4 million.
Graham Media’s NBC WDIV Detroit recently adopted Thurgood Marshall Elementary and Middle School for a ten-month makeover. WDIV’s Consumer Unit, Help Me Hank, developed “
Sinclair’s Fox affiliate KSAS-TV Wichita produced a new PSA for the local Chapter of Girls on the Run.
The program uses interactive lessons and running games to teach girls to be healthy and confident, while they learn life skills, understanding and teamwork. It also show girls that they can achieve difficult goals.
Raycom’s CBS affiliate WTOC-TV Savannah raised $218,000 on September 9 in its annual “Day of Giving,” held in partnership with iHeartMedia’s WYKZ-FM and WTKS-FM. The money will help fund equipment and programs at the Children’s Miracle Network’s Willett Children’s Hospital of Savannah.
Our Town Radio’s WCRL-AM Oneonta, Ala raised 
TEGNA’s ABC affiliate WFAA Dallas hosted “
Connoisseur Media’s WDRC-FM Hartford, Conn. and the Talk of Connecticut (WDRC-AM, WMMW-AM, WCCO-AM and WSNG-AM raised a record $145,000 on August 25 for Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. Shows featured interviews with patients, families, doctors and Senator Richard Blumenthal.
Hearst Television’s KETV, the ABC affiliate in Omaha, partnered with the Salvation Army for the 19th 7 Can Help Kids Back to School Backpack Program. This year they distributed 15,640 backpacks filled with school supplies to help a record number of local children this year. For the past several years the Backpack program has helped around 13,000 local children each year. More than 185,000 backpacks have been distributed since this program started in 1998. View stories 
Ramar Communications’ Fox affiliate KJTV Lubbock, Tx. raises $238,000 in the Texas Boys Ranch telethon on August 20. The telethon included music from West Texas artists and auctions for donated items, including a Kliff Kingsbury-autographed Texas Tech helmet and football, and an LCU basketball signed by the 2016 national championship team.
Alpha Media, Canton announced that WHBC-FM and WHBC-AM joined forces with AultCare to help raise $158,673 during the 9th Annual AultCare Wish-A-Thon, held August 11-12. A storm ripped leveled the Wish-A-Thon tent in the 10th hour of the 36-hour broadcast, but the event continued in the WHBC studios.
“While the storm took out some of our technical abilities it never dampened the spirit of the event or the resolve of our staff,” said Alpha Media Market Manager Larry Gawthrop. “What we were able to accomplish was a great example of teamwork at its best.” All donations will go to Wishes Can Happen Inc., a local charity that supports children with life threatening illnesses.
CBS Radio’s KLUV-FM Dallas received the Bonner McLane Public Service Award from the Texas Association of Broadcasters in August. The honor recognized KLUV for raising more than $1 million in “Christmas is for Children” Radiothon last December. The radiothon supports Children’s Health, the nation’s seventh largest pediatric children’s hospital system.
Univision Houston partnered with the Houston Public Library to promote the 2016 Summer Reading Program “Aim for the Stars.” The Summer Reading Program encourages kids and teens to read during the summer months to elevate their reading skills in preparation for the next school year. Univision Houston also promoted the Company’s “Pequeños y Valiosos” campaign, a cross-platform campaign encouraging Hispanic parents to engage in specific actions that will boost early cognitive and social-emotional development among young children ages 0-5.
Manship Station’s ABC affiliate WBRZ Baton Rouge filled four buses with $40,000 worth of school supplies in its ninth annual “Stuff the Bus” campaign, held July 13.During distribution, parents and youth received information regarding school assignments, health, nutrition, safety, school lunch programs and after school programs.
Raycom Media’s HNN Honolulu was honored with a March of Dimes Hawaii Golden K. Award for its support of the “March for Babies” campaign, broadcast through March and April. During the campaign, HNN produced and aired PSAs for the walks at various dates and locations on each island. The station also produced a series of four vignettes featuring premature babies who were helped by the March of Dimes organization. The organization has raised $760,000 in 2016 alone.
Cumulus Media’s KNBR San Francisco partnered with City National Bank to host “Dinner with a Legend,” a dinner reception with Bay Area sports legends and proceeds benefiting TLC for Kids Sports. TLC is a community outreach program aimed at improving youth sports fields throughout the greater Bay Area so that every child can play on a safe and handicap-accessible field. KNBR hosts three of these events per year. Past legends include Will Clark, Mike Krukow & Duane Kuiper, Jerry West, and Ronnie Lott.
The Cromwell Group’s WMCI-FM, WCBH-FM and WWGO-FM Mattoon, Ill. raised $260,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The stations raised $135,000 in a walk from Mattoon to Peoria and $125,000 in a radiothon. “Our WMCI-FM, WCBH-FM, and WWGO-FM make a difference every day as do broadcasters across the country,” said Cromwell Group President Bud Walters. “We can all be proud.” Watch 
Raycom’s Fox affiliate WVUE New Orleans raised $1.2 million in ticket sales for its St. Jude Dream Home giveaway. The campaign launched in March with a phone bank held during the morning newscast. WVUE continued to air regular news stories about St. Jude Hospital, along with PSAs they produced to encourage ticket sales through June. On June 29, WVUE held a drawing to pick the winner and hosted a telethon. WVUE has been named the St. Jude Television Station of the Year.
CBS-owned KYW-TV, CBS’ CW affiliate WPSG-TV and CBS Radio Philadelphia raised a record $4.9 million in the 10th annual “Alex Scott Telethon” on June 9. The telethon supports Alex’s Lemonade Stand, which emerged from four-year-old cancer patient Alexandra “Alex” Scott’s lemonade stand. The CBS event kicked off Lemonade Days 2016, June 10-12, when thousands of volunteers across the country host lemonade stands to raise money. KYW Reporter Vittoria Woodill hosted a lemonade stand in Ocean City, N.J. The Phillie Phanatic, the 76ers Dance Team and Swoop from the Eagles joined personalities from KYW-TV and CBS Radio’s WOGL-FM, WHPT-AM, KYW-AM and WIP-FM. The event has raised more than $17 million in 10 years.
Scripps’ CBS affiliate WTVF Nashville raised a record $2.7 million on June 5 in its Children’s Miracle Network Hospital Telethon. Funds support research, equipment and patient programs at Vanderbilt’s Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital. WTVF features interviews with patients, families, faculty and staff.
TEGNA’s ABC affiliate WHAS-TV Louisville raised $5.5 million in its 63rd Crusade for Children, held June 4-5. All donations fund grants for agencies, schools and hospitals that improve the lives of children with special needs. Since 1953, the event has raised more than $165 million.
Mission Broadcasting’s CBS affiliate WYOU Scranton, Pa. raised $2.66 million for Children’s Miracle network in its 33rd annual telethon, June 3-4. The money pays for hospital infrastructure and equipment, including ventilators for premature babies, car seats, reading programs and camps for children. WYOU aired stories from patients, including four-year-old Carter who has undergone three open heart surgeries. The telethon also included a craft fair, children’s activities and the Motorcycle Miracle Tour.
Heartland Media’s NBC affiliate WKTV Utica, N.Y. raised $502,000 in the 25th annual telethon on June 1 for Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals. The money funds programs and equipment for Maternal Child Services, including a portable neonatal heart monitor to ensure regulatory compliance. It also supports the area’s only Level II Special Care Nursery, which neonatologists staff around the clock.
ABC-owned KFSN-TV Fresno, Calif. aired “Safe From Scams: Protecting kids from identity theft.” The piece highlights a case of an eight-year-old girl whose social security number was stolen, but her parents did not realize it until she turned 18. By then, she was $15,000 in debt and could not qualify for student loans. It took the family a year to clear her credit.
Raycom Media’s Fox affiliate WXIX-TV Cincinnati partnered with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for its "Dream home Giveaway" campaign. Over a two-month period, WXIX-TV anchors and reporters fronted live cut-ins from the Dream Home, hosted a day-long telethon to drive ticket sales, and produced a series of special reports focusing on families’ personal stories and how St. Jude’s supports the entire family, not just the patient, as they battle childhood cancer. Over $801,315 was raised.
Eagle Communication’s KKJO-FM St. Joseph, Mo. raised more than $12,000 in the 11th annual Radio-A-Thon to benefit Camp Quality, held May 27. Camp Quality offers a week-long summer camp for kids with cancer, plus year-round support for their families. It costs approximately $1,300 for each kid to attend, so KKJO’s fundraiser positively impacts many local families. In 11 years, KKJO has raised over $210,000 for Camp Quality.
Raycom Media’s WMC-TV Memphis held its eighth annual “St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway” to support the hospital’s pediatric cancer research and treatment efforts. The station sold all of its giveaway tickets and raised $1.3 million for St. Jude.
Alpha Media’s WNGY Peoria’s Lucky The DJ ran 102 miles in 102 hours to generate awareness for child abuse. On the fourth day of his run, the station received an email from the White House thanking them for their efforts. On the last day of the race, listeners were encouraged to bring a donation to the “Paint Peoria Blue” party. With any donation of a basic-needs supply, the listener was given a free Chik-fil-A chicken sandwich meal. All donations benefitted local crisis nursery centers. In the end, over $1,200 worth of items such as diapers, wipes, formula, clothes and supplies. The drive assisted over 100 families.
Cox Media’s WBAB-FM and WBLI-FM Long Island staff visited the Ronald McDonald House in New Hyde Park, N.Y. to tour the facility and learn about their mission and fundraising initiatives. As a result, WBAB and WBLI are working with the Ronald McDonald House on several events, including the "Walk of Love" and their annual Gala. Ronald McDonald House will be the beneficiary of WBAB and WBLI’s Touch-A-Truck event, where listeners will be encouraged to donate non-perishable food and household goods.
Raycom Media’s NBC affiliate WWBT-TV joined Radio One to promote Miss. Community Clovia’s 9th Annual "Send a Kid to Camp Radiothon." In one day, the station helped raise more than $20,000 to help at risk youth ofcCentral Virginia attend summer camp.
iHeartMedia’s WGY-AM/FM and WRVE-FM Albany, N.Y. raised $280,000 for the Bernard & Millie Duke Children’s Hospital at Albany Medical Center in the 18th annual “Cares for Kids Radiothon,” May 5 – 6.
Raycom’s NBC affiliate WLBT-TV Jackson, Miss. raised $900,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in the "St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway" program on April 17. Viewers were able to purchase a ticket for a chance to win the home amongst other prizes including a dream home valued at $500,000, a car, shopping spree, and gift cards. For the first time, tickets sold out before the broadcast. 
NBC-owned WTVJ-TV Miami partnered with the YMCA of South Florida on a week-long “Swim Week” series, which aired April 18–22. The series addressed the high rate of drowning for children younger than 14. “We hope that our viewers benefit from the information our series will provide so in the end, no one has to suffer from more drowning tragedies,” said General Manager Larry Olevitch. The series highlights stories of families affected by drowning and YMCA resources available to viewers. The YMCA’s mobile aquatic team travels to local communities throughout the summer to offer free swim lessons.
Scripps’ ABC affiliate KNXV-TV Phoenix raised $540,000 for Phoenix Children’s Hospital, in a telethon held April 12. All donations from the telethon go directly to patient care. As Arizona’s only licensed children’s hospital, Phoenix Children’s will treat one in four Arizona children within a five year period.
Townsquare Media, Inc. raised $1.4 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during the group’s third national Country Cares radiothon, March 3-4. Townsquare stations in 16 markets, including Albany, NY; Owensboro, Kentucky; Lafayette, Louisiana; and Tyler, Texas, participated to help St. Jude continue their life saving treatments. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food.
iHeartMedia’s WKKT-FM Charlotte raised more than $20,000 to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during its “Kat Country Jam” concert on April 13. Country artists Kip Moore, Dan + Shay, Brandy Clark, and High Valley performed live to raise awareness and funds for the hospital. “The night was an outstanding social and music event for our listeners and it made a significant contribution to the good work of St. Jude. That’s a heck of a night!” said morning show host Paul Schadt.
Raycom Media’s WMC-TV Memphis partnered with the Memphis Redbirds for “First Alert Weather Fest” on April 14. More than 3,000 area students learned about weather and meteorology before attending a free baseball game.
Univision’s Pequeños y Valiosos (Young and Valuable) encourages Hispanic parents to engage in specific actions that boost early cognitive and social-emotional development among young children ages 0-5. A new “Padres de Univision” (Univision Parents) public community group on 
Alpha Media’s WNGY-FM Peoria, Ill. host Chris Stewart ran 102 miles in 102 hours to create awareness for child abuse. The run took place April 25 - 29. WNGY-FM staff distributed stickers with the child abuse blue ribbon along the course. "An event like this could only happen in such a strong community like the one we have here in Peoria," Stewart said. "We are excited to get out on the streets and spread the message that it shouldn’t hurt to be a child."
Eagle Radio’s KHOK-FM Great Bend, KS raised $42,000 in its sixth annual "Kans 4 Kids Fighting Cancer Radiothon" on April 1. Kans 4 Kids started when a couple of children collected cans to raise money for their baby cousin who was battling cancer and continues to raise money for local families. The KHOK team spent hundreds of hours interviewing families and Kans 4 Kids ambassadors.
Raycom Media’s ABC affiliate WLOX-TV Biloxi, Miss. held a St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway telethon on April 10. The station raised $703,000 for the hospital’s pediatric cancer research efforts.
Univision Houston participated in the 28th Annual McDonald’s Houston Children’s Festival. As one of Houston’s signature events to educate the public about child abuse and the mission of child advocates, the festival welcomed over 50,000 people. Univision Houston engaged with families about Univision Contigo campaigns “Vota por Tu America” and “Pequeños y Valiosos” to empower families in the community.
Radio World 
CBS-owned KTVT and KTXA raised $265,000 for Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer (WOKC) during a telethon held April 12. During the broadcast, the stations aired special segments on the research funded by WOKC and introducing viewers to some of WOKC’s Ambassador Families who are battling childhood cancer.
Alpha Media’s KSDR-FM, KIXX-FM, KDLO-FM Waterton, S.D. raised $81,000 in the 16th Annual Children’s Miracle Network Radiothon, held on April 14 -15.
CBS owned-and-operated KYW-TV Philadelphia raised $1.1 million in the seventh annual “Ronald McDonald House Charities Phone Bank,” on March 22. Since 2010, the fundraiser has raised over $6.2 million to benefit programs for local children hosted by the Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Cumulus Media’s KRBE-FM Houston was the official radio partner for the “NCAA Final Four Dribble Fueled by Powerade.” On April 3, the station held a contest to choose the “Honorary Dribbler,” who would help lead more than 3,500 kids as they dribbled basketballs from Houston’s City Hall to the George R. Brown Convention Center to help kick off the NCAA Final Four Championship activities and game.
Saga Communication’s WINA-AM Charlottesville, Va. raised $60,000 for UVA Children’s Hospital in the “Cares for Kids” radiothon, held March 31 – April 1. UVA Children’s Hospital provides state-of-the-art pediatric care to address complex childhood illnesses and injuries. This 
Community Broadcasters’ WNKI-FM and WPGI-FM Elmira, N.Y. raised $96,000 during the Children’s Miracle Network Radiothon, held March 9 – 11. The money supports local children in the pediatric and neonatal intensive care units at Arnot Ogden Medical Center.
Alpha Media’s WFLS-FM Fredericksburg, VA raised $136,089 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during a three-day fundraising event. WFLS held a radiothon on March 10-11 and “The 93.3 WFLS St. Jude Fun Day” on March 12, with a Washington Redskins Autograph Signing, games and live music.
CBS Radio’s WBZ-FM Boston raised $100,000 in the ninth annual “
Meredith’s CBS affiliate KMOV St. Louis raised almost $64,000 on March 31 for Shriners Hospitals during the “Our Heroes for Kids Telethon,” more than doubling the $31,000 raised last year. Shriners Hospital in St. Louis focuses on orthopedics and treats all children, regardless of their ability to pay. This can include aid for transportation and lodging for families. The telethon featured 12-year-old Clayton Miller, who has undergone 86 back surgeries to correct Congenital Scoliosis, which caused his spine to go from a 128 degree angle to 28 degrees.
NRG Media’s KRNY-FM Kearney, NE raised a record $287,000 in this year’s radiothon for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, held March 31 – April 1. "The fact that we keep going up in numbers is amazing, is incredible, is heart-wrenching and is beyond words," said KRNY’s Lisa Williams. "But the success for us and the goal for us, to spread the word about St. Jude and to get people to be a part of it."
Hearst’s NBC affiliate WBAL-TV Baltimore helped the Maryland Special Olympics raise $2 million in the "Polar Bear Plunge" with a three-day phone bank before the January 30 event. Anchor Jennifer Franciotti was once again a "Super Plunger" who raised at least $10,000 and jumped into the Chesapeake Bay 24 times in 24 hours. The 6,000 participants also included General Manager Dan Joerres and reporter Omar Jimenez. The money supports training and competition for 169 Special Olympics athletes in Maryland. Watch 
Alex Lucas of Entravision’s syndicated morning show, "El Show de Alex ‘El Genio’ Lucas," was awarded Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals’ Hispanic Radio Person of the Year on February 24 for his extraordinary support of CMN. Entravision’s eighth annual network-wide radiothon raised $2.9 million in 2015, benefiting 95 communities. Of that, KALC-FM Denver raised $1.3 million on February 11-12, bringing its 15-year total to $20.7 million.
Alpha Media’s WXCL-FM Peoria, Ill. raised $64,881 in its 26th annual St. Jude Radiothon, February 4-5. "I can’t say enough about the family we are, and the families we strive to help," said Alpha Media Program Director Chris Michaels. "When you think about it, they are all our family, and we have their backs."
Raycom’s NBC affiliate WIS-TV and Cumulus’ WTCB-FM Columbia, S.C. raised $164,000 on February 10 so Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital can build a special playground designed for kids with IVs, in wheelchairs and those diagnosed with autism. This helps 150,000 kids who visit the hospital annually. The event featured Eli Adams, a 10-year-old boy with leukemia whose passions include baseball, basketball and kickball.
iHeartMedia’s WKDD-FM Akron raised $452,000 for Akron Children’s Hospital in its 17th annual 
CBS Radio’s WWMX-FM Baltimore raised a 
Cumulus’ WRWM-FM Indianapolis’ "JC in the Morning" show collected more than 1,000 homemade Valentine’s Day cards, which they delivered to kids at Riley Hospital for Children during a party that the station hosted at the hospital on February 12.
Cox Media Group’s KWEN-FM Tulsa held its second annual “Country cares for Kids Radiothon” on February 11-12. The two-day event raised more than $136,095 for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This year’s campaign saw an 8 percent increase in donations over the 2015 effort.
Media General’s ABC affiliate WTEN Albany raised a record $2 million during the 56th annual Center for Disability Services Telethon, held Jan. 31. Didi Gregorius of the New York Yankees and Jason Pierre-Paul of the New York Giants joined the WTEN morning team for the broadcast. The Center for Disability Services provides a number of resources to empower people with disabilities.
Cumulus’ WJBC-AM Bloomington, Ill. raised a record $90,000 in its annual Radiothon to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, held February 11-12. Country music sensation Luke Bryan donated $500 for every new “Partner in Hope” donor added during the event.
West Virginia Radio Group’s WCHS-AM Charleston raised $188,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in a radiothon held February 11-12. “People respond. They’re listening to the radio; they want their on-air personalities to hit their goals,” said St. Jude ‘s Associate Director of Fundraising Dan Warble. “They want St. Jude to hit their goals. It always happens.”
Media General’s NBC affiliate WDTN Dayton, OH has presented its anti-texting and driving campaign, WAIT2TXT, at over 50 schools. WDNT has devoted free airtime to a PSA made for WDTN by a student who survived a distracted driving accident. “Community service is the most important thing we do,” said General Manager Joseph Abouzeid.
Raycom’s Fox affiliate WBRC Birmingham declared February 2 a First Alert Weather Day. WBRC aired more than three hours of extended coverage of approaching severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, with no commercial breaks. The station reported on emergency plans, damage and storm shelter areas.
Midwest Family Station’s WSJM-FM St Joseph, MI raised a record $29,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in the “Country Cares For St. Jude Kids” radiothon, held Feb. 18-19.
Entercom’s KDND-FM Sacramento changed its name to “
Schurz’s CBS affiliate WSBT-TV South Bend, Ind. discovered that nearly 40 children in Indiana died in daycare facilities in six years. WSBT-TV’s investigation uncovered inadequacies in state law that allow unlicensed daycares to continue operating after receiving violations. WSBT educated parents on how to choosing a safe place for their children and how to report illegal facilities. Watch 
Hubbard Radio’s WJJY-FM, KUAL-FM, KLIZ-FM and KBLB-FM Brainerd, Minn. raised almost $67,000 in the 22nd Annual Radiothon to End Child Abuse, Dec. 3-4. All money raised from the auction will stay in Crow Wing County and benefits Prevent Child Abuse Minnesota and local child protection teams.
On-air personality Joe Winner of Beasley’s WXKB-FM Cape Coral, Fla. participated in the 7th Annual Baby Basics Walking Challenge, which raises money to buy diapers for babies in low-income families whose parents are working but not receiving federal or state assistance. These event raised enough to purchase 120,000 diapers.
A nationwide Amber Alert issued by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and broadcast on radio stations across the country resulted in the safe recovery of a missing two-year-old Knoxville girl on Oct. 29. Investigators believed that Tyler Enix kidnapped two-year-old Brooklynne Enix after killing his ex-wife, the girl’s mother. In northwest Ohio, resident Steve Adams followed the black Chevy Impala described in the alert, confirmed the license plate number and called police. 
Saga Communications’ WDBR-FM Springfield, Ill. raised $157,000 in the "2015 Cares for Kids" radiothon, November 19-20. In 10 years, WDBR has collected more than $1,000,000 for St. John’s Children’s Hospital. (View 
Quincy’s NBC affiliate WREX-TV Rockford, Ill. invited a dozen students from different schools, ages and backgrounds to discuss their experiences with bullying. Many had received death threats from bullies and transferred schools. WREX also brought in child actors to stage a bullying scenario to spark further conversations among the students. One student stood up to the bully, while others expressed fear of becoming victims if they had done the same. WREX’s news segment raised awareness and included resources on bullying. (
Greater Media’s WCTC-AM New Brunswick, N.J., the New Jersey Broadcasters Association and the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey are hosting the "
Nexstar’s ABC affiliate WWTI Watertown, N.Y. launched a backpack program last winter to serve students in grades K-4 at Starbuck Elementary School, as 81 percent of students are in the free/reduced lunch program. WWTI’s Alex Hazard and Starbuck Elementary School’s principal designed PSAs asking for donations. Every Friday, even when school is not in session, 60 kids receive a backpack filled with 10 pounds of food. WWTI plans to expand the program to all five Watertown elementary schools in the near future. (
Hearst Television’s CBS affiliate WLKY Louisville broke a world record with its toy drive on December 16. WLKY collected 6,223 gifts, which equates to eight toys collected every minute for 12 hours. Watch 
iHeartMedia’s WOAI-AM San Antonio raised $277,000 in the "
Nexstar Broadcasting’s ABC affiliate WEHT-TV Evansville, Ind., raised almost $300,000 on December 6 for the Santa Clothes Club. The telethon has been running for nearly 70 years and will provide clothes for 3,000 kids this year. Watch 
Alpha Media’s KKIQ-FM and KKDV-FM Pleasonton, Calif., collected 1,200 new, unwrapped toys for Sleep Train Foster Kids during the "Wayne Coy’s Toys Radiothon" on December 11, hosted by morning show host Wayne Coy. "This is a great example of ’Live and Local’ radio," said Alpha Media’s Phil D’Angelo. "I couldn’t be prouder of our staff and our community that came together to support Sleep Train’s Foster Kids program."
CBS Radio’s WUSN-FM Chicago, WYCD-FM Detroit, WDSY-FM Pittsburgh, KMLE-FM Phoenix and KNCI-FM Sacramento raised $2.4 million in the "Country Cares for St. Jude Kids Radiothon," held the first two weeks of December. Of that, WUSN-FM raised $1.3 million, bringing its 25-year total to $25 million.
Alpha Media’s WPBG-FM Peoria, Ill., raised $539,480 during the 15th annual "
iHeartMedia’s KBKS-FM Seattle raised $804,236 for Seattle Children’s Hospital on December 17. "The impact of ’Bender’s One Big KISS’ over the past 14 years has been so significant to Seattle Children’s for so many reasons," said Seattle Children’s Hospital Chair Michele Smith. "Bender and Molly in the Morning and the 106.1 KISS FM listeners have raised awareness of the hospital’s needs, given the patients a voice to share their incredible stories with the community, and is one of Seattle Children’s largest fundraisers. We have been so lucky to have this incredible partnership that has had such an impact on so many lives."
CBS Radio’s WDOK-FM Cleveland raised $398,000 on December 4 in a radiothon for the UH Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital. WDOK has raised more than $2 million in seven years.
iHeartMedia’s KASE-FM Austin raised $231,000 in its "St. Jude Country Cares Radiothon," held on December 3-4.
Mississippi Valley Broadcasters’ WQCC-FM La Crosse, Wis.; KQEG-FM La Crescent, Minn.; and WKBH-FM West Salem, Wis. raised a record $103,500 for Children’s Miracle Network in a radiothon, Oct. 22-24.
Midwest Communications’ KELO-AM and KTWB-FM Sioux Falls, S.D. raised $204,000 for Sanford Children’s Hospital in their 10th annual radiothon, The money helps fund specialized equipment, hospital programs and services for families. (
Prairie Winds Broadcasting’s KNBZ-FM Redfield, S.D. and KGIM-FM and KBFO-FM Aberdeen, S.D. raised $50,000 for the Sanford Children’s Miracle Network in a radiothon on Oct. 8. (
Cumulus Media’s KSCS-FM Dallas raised more than $205,000 for Cook Children’s Hospital in a radiothon on Oct. 7. According to 
iHeartMedia’s KGLI-FM and KSEZ-FM Sioux City, IA 
Beasley Broadcasting’s WNKS-FM Charlotte raised $44,000 in its November 24 
Eagle Communications’ KINA-AM Salina, Kan., aired a listener call during the November 13 morning show about Salina Christian Academy. The community-funded school was in danger of closing permanently at winter break due to financial trouble. The hosts also talked with the school board president, who said $20,000 was needed by November 30. A generous listener visited the school after listening to KINA and wrote a personal check for $20,000 that day. The school continues to receive donations.
Hearst Television’s NBC affiliate WBAL-TV Baltimore’s "STEM Station" campaign culminated in the first statewide STEM Festival, held November 6-15. More than 100,000 students attended the event, which included labs, robotics and other activities revolving around STEM (science, technology, engineering, math.) The "STEM Station" campaign, launched Feb. 25 by meteorologist Ava Marie, featured weekly stories, 250 activities across Maryland and a 
Univision’s TeletonUSA raised $15.7 million during a live event held in Los Angeles December 4-6 to benefit children with neuromusculoskeletal disabilities, cancer and autism. More than 100 artists participated. Live broadcasts aired in Chicago, Miami, New York and San Antonio and streamed online.
Bonneville International’s KOSI-FM Denver raised almost $300,000 for Ronald McDonald House during its annual "
Cumulus’ KPLX-FM Dallas raised $303,157 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during a radiothon held December 3-4.
Bonneville International’s KIRO-FM Seattle raised $512,000 during its 27th annual "Holiday Magic Radiothon" on December 10. The money supports year-round programs at Treehouse, an organization focused on education for kids in foster care. It also provides each child in the program with a holiday gift.
Hearst’s ABC affiliate WCVB-TV Boston Meteorologist Danielle Vollmar brought an ambulance full of teddy bears to Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital on December 21, where she gave a bear to each patient. Vollmar has run the Boston Marathon several times as part of the hospital’s marathon team, in order to raise money for the facility.
E.W. Scripps’ ABC affiliate WMAR-TV Baltimore collected 85,000 toys in the 17th annual "ABC2 It’s Kindertime Toy Drive," held November 26-December 21. In total, WMAR has helped distribute more than 800,000 toys to the children of fallen officers and firefighters. Photojournalist Pete O’Neal started the toy drive to thank the police officers and firefighters who worked to solve his mother’s murder. 
Fox-owned WTTG-TV Washington, D.C.’s "Season of Wishes" highlighted local kids in the Make-A-Wish program. Eden, a five-year-old cancer survivor, took a limo ride to the studio on December 15, where she and her sister were dressed like princesses and her brother like a prince. Then, the limo took them to the Washington Ballet, the White House, the Hyatt Regency for a fairytale lunch, and the Smithsonian Castle to meet Rapunzel. WTTG broadcast the culmination of Eden’s day live at 5 p.m. She walked down a red carpet to receive her ultimate wish: a ride on a unicorn. Watch 
CBS Radio Dallas - KLUV-FM, KMVK-FM and KRLD-AM - raised $1 million for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in a radiothon held December 10-11. "CBS Radio DFW is one of the strongest supporters in our quest to be by the side of parents across North Texas," said Children’s Health President and CEO Christopher J. Durovich.
Eagle Communication’s KKJO-FM St. Joseph, MO held the annual Toyland Express Toy Drive on Dec. 4. KKJO-FM staff and members of the local Army Reserve, fire and police departments delivered $4,500 worth of toys to the 41 children staying at the Noyes Home. Santa and Rudolph attended the event, which included dinner provided by Olive Garden. On-air personalities Gregg Lynn and Travis Dodge also delivered more than 2,000 toys to Adopt-A-Family, helping to ensure all who applied received gifts.
Emmis’ WLIB-AM New York City held a radiothon to raise awareness for the Partners for Hope program, which collects monthly donations on behalf of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The station raised $121,000 to help end pediatric cancer. View photos 
Raycom Media’s WMC-TV Memphis held its eighth annual “St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway” to support the hospital’s pediatric cancer research and treatment efforts. The station sold all of its giveaway tickets and raised $1.3 million for St. Jude.
Raycom Media’s Fox affiliate KNIN-TV and Scripps TV Station Group’s ABC affiliate KIVI-tv, Boise, partnered with Toys for Tots this holiday season. The stations received over 20,000 donations, whch were then distributed across the viewing area.
Hubbard Radio Group’s WTMX-FM Chicago raised $1.3 million on September 19 during the "Eric & Kathy Radiothon" to support the Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital. During the event, on-air personalities Eric and Kathy shared touching stories about the children, parents, doctors, nurses and hospital staff. The event has raised a total of $26 million in 14 years. Click 
Delmarva Broadcasting’s "2015 Help Our Kids Radiothon" on September 9-10 
Townsquare Media’s KHAK-FM Cedar Rapids, Iowa, raised $130,000 for the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) and University of Iowa Children’s Hospital during its 19th annual radiothon, held September 3-4. KHAK 
Centennial Broadcasting’s WFVA-AM and WBQB-FM Fredericksburg, Va., aired a September 1 interview with Andi McConnell of the Fairy Godmother Project and Ceili, an 18-year-old who had decided to stop her cancer treatments. Ceili wanted to see the Rocky Mountains with her family, but cannot fly commercially due to her weakened immune system. Word of Ceili’s wish spread after the interview, which WFVA also shared via a podcast. Sister station WBQB-FM’s Facebook post resulted in more than 2,000 shares. Within two days, a pilot volunteered to fly her family. Donations covered the $15,000 fuel cost, plus lodging and food for the trip.
Cumulus Media’s WGRF-FM Buffalo 
Midwest Communication’s WIKY-FM Evansville, Ind., 
Saga Communication’s WQNY-FM Ithaca, N.Y., personality Chris Allinger‘s "Walkin’ The Country" campaign collected $32,000 for childhood hunger. In September, he walked to every town in Tompkins County, collecting money for Food Bank of the Southern Tier’s "BackPack Program," which feeds children at risk of hunger. The total is expected to rise as money from collection boxes and online donations are added. View 
Media General’s NBC affiliate WAVY-TV and Entercom’s WWDE-FM Portsmouth, Va., collected more than 40,000 school supplies during WAVY’s "10 On Your Side Operation School Supplies," held throughout August. During the campaign, viewers and listeners could visit a local Farm Fresh store and purchase bags filled with school supplies for five dollars. The bags were then donated to children who attend 13 different local school districts.
iHeartMedia’s WMMX-FM Dayton, Ohio, raised $74,000 for the Ronald McDonald House of Dayton, easily surpassing the $50,000 that the radiothon raised last year. The Ronald McDonald House plans to renovate its 14 rooms for the first time in 16 years, which will cost approximately $300,000. The Ronald McDonald House provides a home for families of critically ill and injured, hospitalized babies and children. Click 
Diversified Communications’ CBS affiliate WABI-TV Bangor, ME is continuing its “End Student Hunger” campaign for three months this fall with public service announcements. Each PSA will highlight a different local teacher who has students who face food insecurities. Viewers will be encouraged to donate food to local schools and food pantries.
On September 3, radio stations across Nebraska participated in the “Team Jack Radiothon,” which raises funds for pediatric brain cancer research for the Team Jack Foundation. This year, the radiothon raised $75,000. More information on the Team Jack Foundation is available here.
Hearst Television’s CBS affiliate WLKY-TV Louisville raised $7,000 on August 25 during a telethon for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. As many as three million Americans are living with the chronic disease, which is usually diagnosed in children and young adults. The telethon featured children living with the disease, as well as experts who discussed diagnosis, treatment and research.
Bonneville International Corporation’s NBC affiliate KSL-TV Salt Lake City, UT raised $49,500 in a telethon on Aug. 12 to support the adoption of children in foster care. The event profiled several children and families.
ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC aired The Entertainment Industry Foundation’s (EIC) one-hour Think It Up program on Sept. 11. The Think It Up initiative aims to build excitement for learning in classrooms around the country through celebrity endorsements and by showcasing positive stories from students and teachers. Kristen Bell, Matthew McConaughey, Ryan Seacrest, Jessica Williams, Jeremy Renner, Stephen Colbert, Scarlett Johansson and Gwyneth Paltrow participated in the show, which included sketches and musical performances. 
Meredith Corporation’s Fox affiliate KVVU-TV Las Vegas collected more than $22,000 in its "
Bahakel Communications’ ABC affiliate WBBJ-TV Jackson, Tenn.’s 32nd annual "Circles of Hope" telethon on Aug. 16 raised $1.3 million for The Exchange Club Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse. Each Carl Perkins Center provides therapy, forensic interviews, parenting groups and community education related to child abuse. In Henderson County, the Perkins Center served about 1,100 children and 1,900 parents in the past year. Therapeutic programming would not be available to many families due to insurance restrictions, but these clinics offer all services free of charge.
Univision Radio’s Vice President of Marketing, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Monica Rabassa was honored for her work with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by MegaFest on Aug. 23.
Rabassa is instrumental to Univision’s partnership with St. Jude. Univision has raised $52 million for St. Jude since 2006. Rassa is also founder and chairperson of the St. Jude Hispanic Advisory Council, which includes Spanish-language radio stations and other Latin entertainment industry groups.
iHeartMedia’s WYKZ-FM and WTKS-FM Savannah, Ga., raised more than $77,000 in the third annual "River Cares for Kids" radiothon for The Children’s Hospital at Memorial University Medical Center, held Aug. 20-21. The radiothon featured stories from local families, including Hunter Stanfield, who was diagnosed with cancer three days before his 13th birthday. The radiothon is critical in ensuring that the doctors at the region’s only childrens hospital have access to specialized equipment designed to treat kids.
Connoisseur Media’s WPLR-FM and WDRC-FM Hartford, Conn. raised nearly $120,000 on Aug. 13 in the "Connecticut Children’s Radiothon." On-air personalities Chaz and AJ broadcast live beginning at 5:30 a.m. from the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. The radiothon, which has raised $2 million in 12 years, included inspiring stories and interviews with patients, families and staff. Click 
Manship Station’s ABC affiliate KRGV-TV Welasco, Texas raised more than $327,000 during its 32nd annual "Teach the Children" telethon on July 26. "Teach the Children" raises funds for school supplies and clothing for economically disadvantaged children entering the first grade. In KRGV-TV’s neighborhood, more than 85 percent of children qualify for this type of programs.
Media General’s CBS affiliate WANE-TV Ft. Wayne, Ind., collected more than 20,000 supplies, weighing 640 pounds, and almost $10,000 for The Salvation Army during its "Tools for School" drive in June and July. The 36-day school supply drive collected items at eight “Pack the RV” stops and from collection bins placed at several local businesses and Salvation Army locations. The supplies have been distributed to needy children who attend Fort Wayne and Allen County public schools.
Univision Communications launched "¡Avanzamos, Conectados!" (Connected, We Advance!) on August 10 to help supply Hispanic students with access to broadband technology. More than 24,000 families have accessed information about affordable broadband, Internet training and guidelines for supervising Internet usage at home via the website 
Cayuga Radio Group’s WFIZ Odessa, N.Y. hosted its annual “Build Your Backpack” program. The program is designed to give children and families in need the opportunity to pick up a backpack filled with school supplies for the upcoming year. The station does six stops where 50 backpacks are distributed.
Hubbard Broadcasting’s NBC affiliate WNYT-TV Albany developed “STEM 13” to highlight the importance of science, technology, engineering anf math for the future of the community. The program increases awareness of STEM initiatives throughout the region, particularly for youth.
Nexstar Broadcasting’s ABC affiliate WWTI-TV Syracuse learned of a local initiative that collected backpacks for in-need children. Through PSAs, the station began encouraging viewers to donate food and other items to the cause. Every Friday, backpacks are filled with nearly 10 pounds of food. Cash donations have exceeded $5,000.
Nexstar Broadcasting’s affiliate WSYR-TV Syracuse runs teen safe driving campaign “Operation 9” from prom season through the summer. Through news coverage, PSAs, safety initiatives and a separate website, the station highlights how teens can stay alert and safe while behind the wheel.
Geneva Broadcasting’s WGVA-AM Geneva, N.Y. aired a series of anti-bullying public service announcements, written and voiced by local high school students. Promotions Director Tiffany Collinsworth spearheaded assemblies at high schools in the listening area, encouraging students to take an anti-bullying pledge. A contest was also conducted soliciting anti-bullying t-shirt and poster designs, giving away concert tickets to the winners.
Skip Finley, marketing and sales director for the Vineyard Gazette Media Group, set up a low power radio station at Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School. The station will be part of the school’s Career Technical Education (CTE) program and will generate funds for college scholarships. Students will survey community leaders to discover important issues and plan for content changes. “It teaches kids not just how to communicate but also how to do so succinctly, especially given modern technology like podcasts or web streaming that forces kids to think how to boil something down and get it across,” said Ty Hobbs, director of the CTE program.
Sinclair Broadcasting Group’s Fox affiliate KSAS-TV Wichita produced a PSA for television and radio on Amber Alerts, at the request of the Kansas Association of Broadcasters. “The AMBER Alert program is a vital tool for safely recovering abducted children,” said Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) Amber Alert Coordinator William Smith. “A strong relationship with regional broadcast partners is essential to the program.”
Hearst Television’s WBAL-AM Baltimore’s "Kid’s Campaign" helped send 400 second, third and fourth grade kids to the local Super Kids Camp to help them escape the turmoil in Baltimore after recent 
Manship Station’s ABC affiliate WBRZ-TV Baton Rouge, La. hosted a live "
Hearst Television’s ABC affiliate WCVB-TV Boston presented seven high school seniors with scholarships worth up to $7,000. The 17th annual Kirby Perkins A+ Scholarship honors a late WCVB reporter who developed weekly "A+" reports to profile high school seniors who overcame hardship to achieve college admission. The 2015 recipients are:
E.W. Scripps’ ABC affiliate KMGH-TV Denver collected 40,000 books in May. This is more than double its goal of 14,000. The drive was inspired by the story of local elementary school teacher Kyle Schwartz, which went viral following a segment on "ABC’s World News Tonight with David Muir." When she asked students to finish the sentence "I Wish My Teacher Knew," Schwartz learned that most of her students lack access to important educational tools, including books. "When they finally get that book in their hands, when it’s theirs, they’ve picked it out, they’re excited about it. It’s just this inspiring sight, they just drop and start reading because it’s their own book," she 
Former CBS Radio President Dan Mason established the Dan Mason Family Audio Scholarship at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications to provide financial assistance to a Newhouse senior majoring in television, radio and film with an audio concentration. The first recipient will be chosen for the 2015-2016 academic year.
Univision owned-and-operated WLTV-TV Miami honored 10 local high school seniors with its "Orgullo de Nuestra Juventud" (Pride of our Youth) award and college scholarships on May 1. Six students were recognized for academic excellence and community service, while four received awards for academic growth in spite of significant personal setbacks.
iHeartMedia and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals received a Silver Cause Marketing Halo Award in the Best Message-focused Campaign category at the 2015 Cause Marketing Forum Conference. In 2014, 35 iHeartMedia stations raised almost $6.5 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. "No medium is more local than radio, and the radiothon program capitalizes on iHeartMedia’s unique and natural role as a community medium to drive both awareness and donations," said iHeartMedia Director of Community Engagement Jessica King.
Saga Communications’ KAFE-FM Bellingham, WA’s "Dave and Mandy in the Morning" show held a "Drive-By Giving" event on May 8 at local coffee shops to raise money for the Royal Family Kids Camps. KAFE-FM collected $31,755 during the event to support the camps in serving abused children that are now in foster care in Washington’s Whatcom and Skagit counties.
Sinclair Broadcast Group and iHeartMedia are supporting the UNCF’s (United Negro College Fund) annual show, "An Evening of Stars," which highlights 20 students and presents $500,000 in scholarships to historically black college or universities (HBCUs). In the past 36 years, UNCF’s "An Evening of Stars" has raised more than $200 million and provided hundreds of thousands of scholarships. Sinclair will air the show in all of its 78 television markets beginning on June 6th and will produce a news feature on a local HBCU when applicable. iHeartMedia is promoting Sinclair’s broadcast of "An Evening of Stars" on 156 radio stations.
Gray Television’s ABC affiliate WBKO-TV Bowling Green, Ky. partnered with local building contractor Sweets Design Build to give away a St. Jude Dream Home for the tenth year. A large portion of the building materials for the home were donated or purchased at a reduced rate. WBKO-TV promoted the giveaway on-air and raised $600,000 through a raffle. In the past ten years, the station donated more than six million dollars to St. Jude Children Hospital, which helps ensure that families do not pay for treatment.
Hearst Television owned NBC Affiliate WESH-TV Daytona Beach, Fla. meteorologists Tony Mainolfi and Amy Sweezey worked to promote national “Read to Me” literacy campaign, which urges adults to read to children. In addition, the two meteorologists encouraged local actors to volunteer for BookPALS, or Performing Artists for Literacy in Schools.
Midwest Communications’ WNCY-FM Green Bay raised $260,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in its 18th annual "Y100 St. Jude Kids Radiothon," held Feb. 12. The station raised $55,000 more than it did in 2014 and has over $4 million in the past 18 years.
iHeartMedia’s WDVI-FM and WHAM-AM Rochester, N.Y., raised $245,000 during the 14th annual "Drive for Miracles" Radiothon, held Feb. 12-13. All donations benefit the Golisano Children’s Hospital, which will cut the ribbon on a new facility this summer. Click 
Alpha Media’s KUPL-FM Portland, Ore., held a two-day radiothon on Jan. 29-30. The event raised $178,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Click 
Midwest Communication’s WDAY-FM and KVOX-FM Fargo raised $155,000 during the 15th annual "Cares for Kids" Radiothon at Sanford Children’s Hospital in Fargo, Jan. 29-30. During the two-day event, parents and children shared their stories of medical miracles on-air. The money ensures that children in North Dakota and northern Minnesota receive the best pediatric care without leaving the region.
Univision Local Media’s "Promesa y Esperanza" (Promise and Hope) Radiothon, held Feb. 5-6, raised $3.5 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The event featured musical artists and popular on-air personalities. Fundraisers are critical to St. Jude, as families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food while their children battle life threatening illnesses.
iHeartMedia raised $3.7 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during the annual "Country Cares" Radiothon, Feb. 19-20. Stations in 34 cities participated, including WACO-FM Waco, TX; WUSY-FM Chattanooga, Tenn; WHLW-FM Montgomery, Ala.; and KWNR-FM Las Vegas. The award-winning Bobby Bones Show, syndicated on 19 participating radio stations, supported the event. Hundreds of iHeartMedia stations fundraise for St. Jude throughout the year, in addition to participating in the "Country Cares" Radiothon. In 2014, iHeartMedia raised $7.5 million for St. Jude and is on track to match that amount in 2015. 
Raycom Media’s CBS affiliate KSLA-TV Shreveport,La. collected 6,000 coats in their annual "Coats for Kids" event. The coats were distributed to needy children in local schools and donated to local Goodwill.
CBS Radio’s KLUV-FM and KRLD-FM Dallas raised more than $1 million for the Children’s Medical Center which is, the seventh-largest pediatric hospital in the country. Twenty patients and families shared their stories on air to share their stories. “CBS Radio DFW has become a very strong ally with us in being by the side of parents across North Texas. We are extremely grateful,” said Christopher J. Durovich, president and CEO of Children’s Health.
Beasley Broadcast Group’s WLLD-FM Tampa raised $12,254 and 305 bicycles in its third annual toy drive benefiting The Children’s Home. The Children’s Home serves abused and abandoned children and their families through therapeutic and traditional foster homes, in addition to supporting relative care-givers. In just three years Orlando’s Toy Drive has raised over $22,000 in gift card and cash donations, 1,100 bicycles and thousands of toys.
Univision’s “TeletonUSA” raised $15.5 million as more than 100 artists and the Hispanic community to come together for children with neuromusculoskeletal disabilities, cancer and autism. The telethon, held Dec. 12-13 with the theme “Corazones con Gente,” or Hearts for People, started in Miami but included live feeds in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and San Antonio. Funds will help more than 600 children from 38 states.
CBS owned and operated KYW-TV Philadelphia and CBS Television’s CW affiliate WPSG-TV hosted its 29th “Joy of Sharing” campaign this December. The campaign has provided toys for more than 100,000 children in need in Philadelphia over the past 29 years. Last year alone, the campaign collected more than 50,000 toys. One of the longest running TV public service campaigns in the region, KYW and WPSG work with all CBS radio stations in the city including KYW-AM, WOGL-FM, WIP-FM, WPHT-AM and WTEL-AM. The Salvation Army distributes the new, unwrapped toys to local children. Watch the video 
Midwest Communications’ WTAQ-FM Green Bay, Wis. host Jerry Bader raised more than $12,000 during his annual fundraiser for Families of Children With Cancer, Inc. in northeast Wisconsin. The Families of Children with Cancer, Inc., is a nonprofit support group for patients, families and long-term survivors of childhood cancer. Members of the Green Bay Fire Department, served bowls of their famous “firehouse chili” to all who stopped by to donate.
CBS Radio KNX-AM Los Angeles hosted its 26th Annual CHiPS for KIDS holiday gift drive. From November 28 through Christmas Eve, the community collected new, unwrapped toys for children and teens. Watch the kick-off video 
FOX affiliate KMPH and CW’s affiliate KFRE Fresno, CA partnered Les Schwab for the largest toy drive in the Fresno Valley. They partnered with Poverello House and Transitions Children’s Services to provide gifts for children in need.
Raycom Media’s NBC Affiliate WAVE-TV Louisville, Ky. hosted an all-day telethon that raised more than $136,000 for Kosair Children’s Hospital Foundation. The telethon helps children from Kentucky and southern Indiana to receive hospital treatments regardless of their ability to pay. WAVE anchors, including Shannon Cogan, participated.
During the holiday season, Univision Communications Inc. (UCI) Houston, Tex. worked with the Salvation Army to help 50 underprivileged children the Greater Houston region through the Salvation Army’s “Operation Angel Tree” program. The program collected and distributed toys during the holiday season.
Sinclair’s CBS affiliate KTLV Medford, Ore. collected thousands of toys during their 7th annual toy drive this December. The toys were distributed by Community Works, a nonprofit that helps citizens overcome a severe life crisis or trauma. A Community Works spokesperson said that this campaign has an unimaginable impact on their clients.
Gannett Broadcasting’s NBC affiliate KGW-TV Portland, Ore. organized its 30th annual KGW Great Toy Drive. KGW enlisted more than 300 businesses in the area as drop-off points for toys. The toys are distributed to less fortunate families in Oregon and southwest Washington. Volunteers from more than 130 nonprofit organizations distribute the toys. Over 30 years, the KGW Great Toy Drive has provided hundreds of thousands of toys. This year, the drive served more children than ever before. The KGW Great Toy Drive is “truly a community event, and we’re thrilled to once again be expanding the opportunities for giving this year,” said D.J. Wilson, KGW-TV president and general manager.
iHeartMedia’s WUSY-FM Chattanooga, Ten. raised $147,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research hospital with their “No Shave November” fundraiser. During the annual “Beard Bash,” individuals and teams were recognized for their fundraising efforts. Amongst those that were recognized, KRWQ-FM Medford, Tenn. won the award for largest radio fundraising team with more than $15,000 collected.
The Radio People’s WYOY-FM Jackson, Miss. worked with the Salvation Army for its ninth annual “Operation Angel Tree,” which helped thousands of local children celebrate the holidays. During the trip to the “North Pole,” 60 kids and their families were chosen to take a flight to the North Pole on a C-130 plane. Santa, Mrs. Claus and 100 eager elves awaited the kids arrival to personally deliver gifts.
LIN Media’s ABC affiliate WTNH-TV New Haven, Conn. collected more than 1,000 toys for Toys for Tots during the station’s GR8 Holiday Give. WTNH-TV turned the toy drive into a fun competition between the station’s news and weather teams by asking participants to choose a "team tag" of news or weather when donating a toy. The station tracked each team’s progress online using a bar graph.
NRG Media’s KOIL-AM Omaha, Neb. raised $73,000 for the Child Saving Institute during a radiothon on Dec. 12. The Child Saving Institute serves children and teens facing difficult situations by providing emergency shelter, adoption, foster care, therapy and day care assistance. KOIL-AM beat its goal of $60,000 by nearly 25 percent.
iHeartMedia’s KXKT-FM Omaha, Neb. raised $900,000 during The Woodhouse Challenge 2014. The Woodhouse Auto Family challenged morning personality Gina to not eat for 24 hours to better appreciate the daily plight of children who do not have enough food. The Woodhouse Auto Family contributed $400,000 and challenged listeners to match this amount. KXKT-FM listeners stepped up, more than doubling the contribution. The money KXKT-FM raised will provide meals to 5,600 local children through the Food Bank for the Heartland’s school lunch program.
E.W. Scripps’ ABC affiliate WMAR Baltimore collected 50,000 toys in the annual ABC2 It’s Kindertime Toy Drive. This year’s drive benefited needy families and kids of fallen firefighters and police officers. WMAR has helped distribute more than 400,000 toys in 16 years.
Alpha Media’s KTSA-AM San Antonio hosted its 16th annual Wrappin With Jack campaign. During the event, 700 volunteers wrapped over 5,000 gifts that had been donated to benefit the Family Service Association of San Antonio. Host Jack Riccardi wanted to ensure that no child was told that Santa couldn’t come this year because the family is going through tough times.
CBS Radio’s KLUC-FM Las Vegas broke records with the 16th Annual Chet Buchanan & The Morning Zoo Toy Drive. The station raised $323,000 and filled 29 trailers with new toys, including 5,146 bikes, to benefit HELP of Southern Nevada. HELP assisted 3,000 local families this holiday season.
iHeartMedia stations KMJX-FM and KSSN-FM Little Rock, Ark. held their 2014 Toy Hill Toy Drive from Dec. 5-7. During the 72-hour toy drive, KMJX-FM and KSSN-FM collected $24,000 and filled three 18-wheel trucks with 20,000 new toys. The donations benefitted the Marine Corp’s Toys for Tots Program.
Manship Stations’ ABC affiliate WBRZ Baton Rouge, La. raised more than $111,000 to distribute 7,500 coats to children in 171 schools. Since its inception 26 years ago, Pat’s Coats for Kids has distributed more than 200,000 winter coats to local children in need.
Townsquare Media’s WCYY-FM Portland, Maine raised $50,000 for the Center for Grieving Children during "The Markathon." Host Mark Curdo stayed on air for 102 hours, playing requests from people who donated. The Center for Grieving Children helps 4,000 youth annualy who have lost a family member or who came to Maine from areas facing war and genocide.
Cumulus Media’s WPLJ-FM New York City partnered with Make-A-Wish to grant 13-year-old Olivia’s wish to be a pop star for a day. Olivia, who has a life threatening brain tumor, visited WPLJ-FM’s Madison Square Garden studio for an interview with Ralphie, host of Ralphie Tonight, to talk about her album release and life as a pop star. Her superstar treatment included a Green Room stocked with her favorite foods, drinks and presents.
Media General’s ABC affiliate WTEN-TV and Fox affiliate WXXA-TV Albany teamed together for “Coats for Kids.” The program collects winter coats, which are then dispersed to area children in need. One local donation alone included 500 new coats.
Reiten Television’s CBS affiliate KXMB-TV Bismarck, ND raised $10,000 during its 44th annual Kiwanis Bids for Kids auction on Dec. 12. The Bismarck Kiwanis used the money to support programs for local children in need.
Sinclair’s KPLZ-FM and KVI-AM Seattle collected $14,000 to help Northwest Christian School in Puyallup replace musical instruments and other equipment stolen during a burglary. The burglars took guitars, hand bells, trumpets, other instruments, a laptop computer and a TV. 
Premiere Networks’ The Bobby Bones Show helped raised more than $150,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in honor of cast member Amy Brown’s mother Judy, who inspired the program’s Pimpin Joy campaign. The Pimpin Joy campaign encouraged listeners to perform random acts of kindness. After Judy lost her battle with cancer in October, her family asked that donations be made in her name to St. Jude. Initially, the Bobby Jones Show set a fundraising goal of $20,000. The final tally of $150,000 far surpassed this goal. The Bobby Bones Show raised an additional $60,000 for St. Jude during a benefit concert held on Nov. 18, bringing the November 2014 total raised for St. Jude to $210,000.
Dave and Chuck "The Freak" of Greater Media’s WRIF-FM Detroit hosted a .5K on Nov. 22 to benefit Toys for Tots. The run was a manageable distance for the crowd, as it is about 500 yards. During the event, 27 bags stuffed with toys were collected. 
Ingstad Family Media’s KQDJ-FM Valley City, N.D. donated 200 toys to local kids. Santa Clause gave the gifts to the kids at a local event held this month.
Hearst Television’s NBC affiliate WLWT-TV Highlights student athletes from local high schools each week through its Blitz5 program. Blitz5 also featured the Don’t Text and Drive campaign in partnership with Shopperformance.com. Each Thursday from September through November, students who pledged not to text and drive had the opportunity to win a $100 gas card. At the end of the campaign, the school with the most pledges was given a $2,500 scholarship to present to a deserving student.
Raycom Media’s NBC Affiliate WAVE-TV Louisville, Ky. raised more $136,000 for the Kosair Children’s Hospital foundation during a telethon in late October. The funds help children from Kentucky and southern Indiana receive hospital treatments. In preparation for the telethon, WAVE-TV produced and aired PSAs and sold raffle tickets.
CBS Radio’s WIP-FM Philadelphia’s 2014 Eagles Radiothon raised a record $290,000 ($100,000 more than 2013). Proceeds benefit Eagles Youth Partnership, which provides education and health programs to 50,000 low-income children each year. "The kindness and generosity of WIP listeners and Eagles fans never fails to astonish me. Radiothon is a source of pride among everybody at WIP," said WIP-FM’s Marc Rayfield.
Scripps’ ABC affiliate WFTS Tampa reunited a missing boy with his family. Paul Ezekiel Fagan, who has a mild learning disability, was last seen playing in his front yard on September 25. WFTS anchor Cameron Polom saw a child fitting his description after a press conference on his disappearance the next day. After confirming the child was Paul, Polom brought him home. Click 
Hubbard Radio Group’s WTMX-FM Chicago raised more than $1.4 million through the 15th Annual Eric & Kathy Radiothon for the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital. Morning show hosts Eric & Kathy broadcast live from Lurie Children’s with stories of children battling critical or fatal conditions. Since 2000, The Eric and Kathy Radiothon has raised $26 million for Lurie Children’s.
Manship Station’s ABC affiliate WBRZ Baton Rouge, La., kicked off the 19th year of The Fans’ Choice Awards, which recognize outstanding high school athletes. Every Friday, coaches, players and fans nominate an athlete on WBRZ.com. After viewers vote for the finalists on Tuesday, the high school athlete of the week is announced on that night’s newscasts. Click 
Idavend Broadcasting and Inland Northwest Broadcasting in Pullman, Wash., hosted the sixth annual "Stuff the Bus Drive" to collect K-12 school supplies for local students. The drive helped collect backpacks filled with school supplies for more than 650 area students.
Univision’s KXLN-TV Houston partnered with the Houston Public Library to promote its summer reading program during the months of June and July. The program encourages school children to read during their summer vacation, use the library as a place tehy called, "Your Space to Dream," and develop the habit of reading. Children are rewarded for reading a certain amount of books. The program also provides an opportunity for families to spend time together.
Cumulus Radio and Westwood One’s Boston cluster recently rallied around a local little boy, Danny Nickerson, who is battling a rare form of cancer. Danny’s sixth birthday wish was to receive a "big box of birthday cards." Danny’s cancer is inoperable and since his diagnosis last October, he has not been able to attend kindergarten. The local Cumulus and Westwood One stations encouraged listeners to send cards to Danny, who says he sometimes gets lonely, but cards with his name on them make him happy. The request went viral, and by Danny’s birthday, he received over 100,000 cards, along with thousands of gifts and messages on Facebook.
Raycom Media’s CBS affiliate WOIO-TV and MyNetworkTV affiliate WUAB-TV Cleveland were busy supporting children this month. Continuing their partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio, the stations sponsored the organization’s Race for Kids and Wellness Festival at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. WOIO-TV and WUAB-TV promoted the event on air, while station talent emceed the day’s events. The stations helped raise $70,000 to support local children in need with many afterschool programs, nutritious meals and caring, adult mentors.
For two weeks during July, the employees of Univision Radio’s Miami stations collected nearly $500 and several boxes of food and non-perishable items for the children of His House Children’s Home located in Miramar, Fl. His House Children’s Home is a private, nonprofit, faith-based group that provides residential care for abused, abandoned and neglected children in a home-like setting. The radio stations assisted the organization, which is constantly receiving and supporting children in need of help.
Eagle Communication’s KKJO-FM St. Joseph, Mo., held the 10th annual Radiothon for Camp Quality on June 23. KKJO-FM’s morning hosts Gregg and Aaryn 
Clear Channel’s WHAS-AM and Gannett-owned ABC affiliate WHAS-TV Louisville hosted the 61st annual "WHAS Crusade for Children" radio- and telethon. The event helped fire departments collect donations across Kentucky and southern Indiana for special needs children. This year the fundraiser raised more than $5.6 million for area children. Since its inception in 1954, the Crusade has collected more than $160 million.
CBS-owned KYW-TV and The CW affiliate WPSG-TV Philadelphia hosted the eighth annual "Alex Scott Phone Bank," a 14-hour on-air benefit for the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, which supports pediatric cancer research. The day-long telethon raised more than $2 million, a record for the fundraiser which began in 2007. Over the past eight years, the event has raised more than $9 million for the cause.
Hubbard Radio’s WTOP-FM Washington partnered with the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington for "Send a Kid to Camp," a one-day, on-air and online fundraising campaign to help local kids in need attend summer camp. The brief initiative raised more than $25,000, which will allow more than 100 kids to spend a week at YMCA summer camp this year. Click 
Gannett-owned WUSA-TV Washington recently launched the "Bring Them Home" project, a multiplatform initiative that aims to significantly raise awareness about missing local children. During Thursday newscasts, WUSA-TV airs photos and information about missing kids and provides the number to contact local police. Viewers are encouraged to share the information on social media or retweet WUSA-TV’s related posts. The 
Raycom Media’s CBS affiliate WOIO-TV and MyNetworkTV affiliate WUAB-TV Cleveland partnered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio for the annual Race for Kids and Wellness Festival at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. The event featured a 5K and a one mile run/walk and demonstrations from local healthcare providers and fitness experts. More than 550 people attended the event, which raised more than $70,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland. Proceeds will support over 8,000 local kids through one-on-one tutoring, recreational activities, character building programs and more.
Mid-West Family’s WWQM-FM and WJQM-FM Madison, Wis., hosted the 10th annual American Family Children’s Hospital Radiothon. The three-day, 39-hour radiothon broadcast live from the lobby of the American Family Children’s Hospital in Madison and featured the inspiring stories of patients, families and staff at the hospital. The 2014 radiothon raised more than $680,000, a new record for the stations.
Schurz Communications’ radio stations in Rapid City, S.D., including KKMK-FM, KOUT-FM, KFXS-FM and KRCS-FM, hosted the "One Call, One Miracle Radiothon" last month to support the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN). The event broadcast live from the Rapid City Regional Hospital and featured stories of local children and families. The radiothon raised more than $87,000 to support the local hospital.
Clear Channel’s Albany stations, WGY-AM/FM and WRVE-FM, hosted the 16th annual Cares for Kids Radiothon, a 30-hour live broadcast that supports the Children’s Hospital at Albany Medical Center. The event raised nearly $650,000. WGY-FM Program Director Hosh Everett said, "It takes a dedicated team of hospital and radio station volunteers to make the Cares for Kids Radiothon a success, but the true heroes are the children and families being helped by these efforts. Their courage and willingness to share difficult and painful experiences -- along with their victories -- is truly what compels others to give so generously."
Beasley Broadcasting Group’s WPOW-FM Miami recently held an anti-bullying rally for a local nine-year-old boy after learning of his struggles at school. WPOW-FM staff reached out to local sponsors to give the student, Osmany Franco, the royal treatment on his way into school. He drove in a convertible to Redland Elementary School and was joined by WPOW-FM’s morning show host "Big Al," the Miami Marlins team van, and a police escort. Osmany, who suffers from developmental issues, will also receive VIP seats to a future Miami Heat game, and will participate in the halftime free throw contest.
Three NRG Media radio stations in Omaha – KQKQ-FM, KOPW-FM, and KMMQ-AM – raised more than $94,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during a two-day radiothon in early April. The three stations broadcast extensive live, local coverage from 7 am to 7 p.m. each day. This year’s total exceeded last year’s by more than $7,000.
LIN Media-owned ABC affiliate WTNH-TV New Haven, Conn., teamed with the Connecticut chapter of the Boys and Girls Club, New England Subaru dealerships and Connecticut high schools for the first annual SportsEdge Sports Equipment 
Radio One’s network of stations partnered with other inspirational music stations to raise more than $1.3 million for kids fighting cancer, sickle cell and other deadly diseases at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during the seventh annual Radio Cares for St. Jude Kids radiothon. "Gospel music’s message of faith and inspiration go hand-in-hand with the lifesaving work of St. Jude in providing help and hope to some of the world’s sickest children fighting for their lives," said Richard Shadyac Jr., CEO of St. Jude. "Thank you to Radio One, all of the volunteers, celebrity supporters and loyal listeners across the country for their continued support. Because of them, we are truly making a difference in the lives of kids everywhere."
Nexstar Broadcasting’s ABC affiliate WOI-TV West Des Moines, Iowa, recently aired the 40th Annual Variety Telethon to support Variety-the Children’s Charity, which is dedicated to improving the lives of underprivileged, at-risk and special needs children throughout Iowa. This year’s 20-hour telethon raised more than $4.1 million, the highest amount WOI-TV has ever raised for Variety in one year. Since its inception, the telethon has raised nearly $100 million in Iowa.
Clear Channel Media and Entertainment helped raise $3 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during the group’s annual Country Cares radio event on February 27 and 28. Stations in 31 cities hosted the two-day radiothon. "For the past 25 years, Clear Channel’s country stations have rallied together to raise hundreds of millions of dollars for St. Jude through the Country Cares program. Our local programming, promotions, and on-air staff work together to effectively convey to listeners the impact the hospital has in communities around the globe," said Clay Hunnicutt, EVP/GM national programming platforms for Clear Channel.
Townsquare Media Group raised more than $1 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during the group’s first national Country Cares radiothon on March 6 and 7. Radio listeners from cities across the country, including Atlantic City, N.J; Owensboro, Ky.; Rockford, Ill.; and Tyler, Texas, tuned in to pledge their support to St. Jude by making a donation of $20 per month. During more than 26 hours of radio programming over two days, St. Jude patients shared their stories. Thanks to donations from Townsquare’s loyal listeners, patients’ families will never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food.
CBS-owned KYW-TV and WPSG-TV Philadelphia held the stations’ fifth annual Ronald McDonald House Charities Phone Bank. Fundraising segments aired throughout the day on March 25 and collected more than $1 million to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Philadelphia Region, a nonprofit that creates, finds and supports programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children in the community. Since 2010, the stations have raised more than $4 million for Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Entercom’s KALC-FM Denver hosted the 13th annual Children’s Miracle Network radiothon to benefit the organization’s local hospital, the Children’s Hospital of Colorado. The three-day event broadcast live for 12 hours each day and raised a record-breaking $1.87 million. KALC-FM has raised $14 million for the cause over the past 13 years.
CBS Radio’s WWMX-FM Baltimore hosted the 25th annual radiothon to benefit the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. WWMX-FM broadcast live for the two-day event and featured stories from patients, their families and doctors. The radiothon raised more than $886,000. Video from the event is available 
Saga Communications’ KDXY-FM and Raycom-owned ABC affiliate KAIT-TV Jonesboro, Ark., partnered to host the 16th annual Have-A-Heart Wishathon to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s Mid-South Chapter. The Foundation helps to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. Together KDXY-FM and KAIT-TV raised more than $323,000. Click 
The Radio People’s WTVY-FM Dothan, Ala., held the 13th annual radiothon for the Children’s Miracle Network. The fundraiser supported the local Children’s Hospital of Alabama in Birmingham. In total, the event raised more than $107,000, bringing the station’s 13-year total to more than $1 million.
Cumulus-owned WGKX-FM Memphis hosted the station’s 25th anniversary Country Cares Radiothon to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospitals. The event raised more than $308,000 to support pediatric cancer research. Over the past 25 years, WGKX-FM has raised more than $4.6 million for St Jude.
Midwest Communications’ WNCY-FM Green Bay hosted the station’s 17th annual radiothon to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospitals. The event raised more than $204,000 for the local St. Jude Hospital. WNCY-FM has raised more than $3.8 million since the radiothon began 17 years ago.
Clear Channel’s WDXB-FM Birmingham held the "Heartstring for Hope" benefit concert to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital on February 25. The sold-out event featured acoustic performances from several local artists and raised more than $11,000 for the local St. Jude Hospital.
Midwest Communication’s KMJO-FM Fargo’s 3rd Annual Dine to Donate event, held in January 2014, raised nearly $8,000 for the Sanford Children’s Hospital! All proceeds support special programs for sick and injured children treated at Sanford Children’s including state of the art, high tech medical equipment, research and education for the Children’s Miracle Network at Sanford Children’s Hospital.
Hearst’s CBS affiliate WLKY-TV Louisville hosted its 27th annual Wednesday’s Child Adopt-athon to help provide supportive services to children awaiting adoption in Kentucky and further recruitment efforts for adoptive families. The event raised nearly $64,000 and generated 40 calls from prospective adoptive parents. Since 1980, WLKY-TV has helped find permanent homes for more than 4,000 special needs children.
Bonneville’s KIRO Radio Seattle partnered with Treehouse, an organization that helps kids in foster care, to host the 25th annual Holiday Magic Radiothon. The 12-hour event raised more than $489,000 through listener donations and sponsor matching funds. All the proceeds helped to purchase a gift for each child in the program, along with financial support for Treehouse’s other programs and services throughout the year.
Saga Communications’ WZID-FM Manchester, N.H., held its 15th annual "Christmas is for Kids Radiothon," to support the Child and Family Services of New Hampshire, which is dedicated to advancing the well-being of children by providing an array of social services to strengthen family life and by promoting community commitment to the needs of children. The event raised a record-breaking $175,000. The proceeds provided gifts for children this Christmas and critical support for the Child and Family Services’ programs.
Entravision raised $1.4 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals during its 6th annual "Un Million Para Los Niños (One Million for the Children) Radiothon" in December. The three-day radiothon broadcast live from the lobby of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and was aired on numerous stations across the country, from Honolulu to New York City.
CBS Radio partnered with Children’s Medical Center for the "2013 Christmas is for Children Radio." The eighth annual four-day event was supported by CBS Radio and broadcast live on KLUV-FM and KMVK-FM Dallas. The radiothon raised more than $1 million, and all of the funds raised will go to support patient care and hospital programs and services.
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Bold Gold Media’s General Manager Michael Stanton hosted the 12th annual Shower for Charity event to support the Wayne County Children’s Christmas Bureau. In 18 degree weather, Santon showered on Main Street in Honesdale, Pa., for several hours donning nothing but Santa Claus boxers, in the hopes of encouraging listeners to donate money for kids in need during the holiday season. In total, the event raised more than $21,000. To date, the Michael G. Stanton Shower for Charity has raised over $150,000 for the Wayne County Children’s Christmas Bureau.
Beasley Broadcasting’s WRDW-FM Philadelphia’s Big Philly Show hosted a bicycle drive for local children in early December. Despite heavy snow, the event collected more than 300 bikes, along with $1,800 in donations. All the proceeds were used to purchase a new helmet to accompany each bike.
Clear Channel Augusta, Ga., held its 13th annual Care for Kids Radiothon to benefit the Children’s Hospital of Georgia. The three-day event featured stories from young patients and their families, along with interviews from doctors and nurses describing the hospital’s lifesaving work. In total, the radiothon raised $184,000. Over the past 13 years, Clear Channel Augusta has raised nearly $1.7 million for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.
Each year, WGY organizes The WGY Christmas Wish Campaign benefiting children in the Northeast, with a particular attention to critical care services and recreational programs for ill, underprivileged and homeless youths. Though taking place over the winter months, this multi-faceted fundraising effort reaches long and deep to help support local nonprofits in their year-round efforts to improve the lives of children 19 and under. In 2012, the campaign raised more than $94,000, directly benefiting more than 100 nonprofit children’s organizations who applied for grants from WGY. In addition to the administering of these grants, the station’s many activities included online and on-air promotions for the campaign, a live broadcast from a Breakfast with Santa Event, a 240 minute minithon fundraiser highlighting numerous local charities, testimonials and stories of impact and countless hours of support from WGY staff. What began as WGY’s wish has become a sustained and successful mission to fight for our children.
In a state ranked last for per-student spending, KSL-TV recognized the great need for public awareness and action around literacy. With the creation of the Read Today grassroots movement, KSL has made great strides in ensuring elementary students read at grade level. Partnering with AmeriCorps, United Way, Prosperity, Scholastic and Reading Tree, Papa Murphy’s Pizza, Big O Tires and other community groups, KSL-TV’s mission has already made a tremendous impact in the state. Of the 2,601 students who started the year in Read Today tutoring, 2,043 finished at grade level. Through half hour news shows, weekly literacy stories, PSA campaigns, a Readtoday.com website and helicopter visits to participating schools, 3,689 students are now being tutored by 2,376 volunteers. In addition, $960,000 worth of books were donated to schools and four of the state’s worst 10 scoring schools were moved off of the “worst” list. All were Read Today schools. The KSL initiative is transforming the lives of thousands of students, and indirectly transforming our economy and future.
Greater Media’s WBT-AM Charlotte host Keith Larson’s has written a book, "That Season of Hope," to help raise money for the Make-a-Wish Foundation, the Carolina Panthers’ Keep Pounding Cancer Fund and the March Forth with Hope Foundation. In 2003, a 12-year-old cancer patient, Hope, told the Make-a-Wish Foundation, "I am lucky…I have been to Disney World, swam with the dolphins in Cancun and go to the beach all the time. You say there are 155 kids on the waiting list? Well, my wish is to grant all their wishes, all 155 of them. And to do it just as soon as possible." Larson interviewed Hope on WBT-AM, and his book will continue her legacy of support Make-A-Wish.
Entercom’s WKSE-FM Buffalo treated four-year-old Cassidy, a little girl who is undergoing chemotherapy for kidney cancer, to a sweet Halloween. After Cassidy’s pumpkins were stolen from her front porch while she was in the hospital for treatment, Cassidy’s mom called WKSE-FM to ask if any advertisers delivered pumpkins. After personality Jud Heussler posted the story online, listeners donated pumpkins. 
CBS Radio’s WIP-FM Philadelphia teamed with the Philadelphia Eagles to host the two-day Eagles Radiothon. The live broadcast event raised $183,000 for the Eagles Youth Partnership, an organization that supports programs that serve over 50,000 children in the Philadelphia community every year. Marc Rayfield, senior vice president/market manager, CBS Radio Philadelphia, said, "We are proud and fortunate to be able to partner with the Eagles and give back to the community with the help of generous WIP listeners and Eagles fans."
Hubbard Broadcasting’s WTMX-FM Chicago hosted the 14th Annual "Eric and Kathy" Radiothon to support the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. With help from several local sports celebrities and area businesses, the 14-hour event raised more than $1.4 million dollars for the hospital. All the proceeds will be used for pediatric research, patient care, education and advocacy efforts. Since 2000, the radiothon has raised more than $23 million for Lurie Children’s Hospital.
Bold Gold Media’s WDNB-FM Liberty, N.Y., hosted the third annual Country Cares for St. Jude’s Kids Radiothon, a fundraising event for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, to help in the fight against childhood cancer. The two-day event, broadcast live on WDNB-FM, raised more than $38,000, with donations from listeners, local businesses and a local casino and raceway.
Univision Radio’s KLNO-FM Dallas won the coveted St. Jude’s Radio Partner of the Year, Promesa y Esperanza Award for raising $762,000 for the 2013 campaign during the station’s annual radiothon. Over the past 15 years, KLNO-FM has raised more than $6 million for the local hospital. All proceeds go directly to research, patient treatments and hospital costs.
Clear Channel’s KXKT-FM Omaha, Neb., raised more than $303,000 for Omaha’s Children’s Hospital and Medical Center during the station’s 11th annual Children’s Miracle Network Radiothon. Over the past 11 years KXKT-FM has raised nearly $3 million for the local children’s hospital. All proceeds go directly to the medical center.
Buckley Radio-owned WDRC-FM Bloomfield, Conn., held its 11th annual Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Radiothon to benefit the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford. The three-day live broadcast from the hospital raised more than $200,000. Since 2002, WDRC-FM has collected more than $2.1 million for the hospital.
ESPN Radio hosted the 9th annual "Don’t Give Up ESPYS V Foundation Auction," which raises money and awareness for The V Foundation for Cancer Research. The on-air and online auction included autographed apparel, footballs, baseballs, basketballs and other sporting "experiences," such as a tour of an ESPN radio station with a radio personality. This year the auction raised more than $781,000. ESPN Radio has raised more than $6.5 million to fund cancer research since the first event.
Clear Channel’s WOBB-FM and WGEX-FM Albany, Ga., hosted their annual Children’s Miracle Network Radiothon on July 25 and 26. The stations broadcast live from the local Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in Georgia, and together raised more than $58,000 for CMN, setting a new record for the yearly event.
Emmis Communication’s KPWR-FM Burbank, CA received California’s Small Business Volunteer Program of the Year. Its All-Star Basketball Team raises approximately $400,000 per year ($2 million to date) for Los Angeles area public schools through the games it plays with high school basketball teams. The schools determine the entrance fee, which averages $3-$10, and keep the proceeds. In-game entertainment has included surprise performances from recording artists such as Justin Bieber and Chris Brown. KPWR-FM staff and celebrity guests volunteer 3,000 hours per year to plan and execute the All-Star Basketball Team’s 80 games at 80 different venues.
Hubbard Radio’s KSTP-FM St. Paul staff met Zach, a teenager with osteo-sarcoma, at a radiothon. Market Manager Dan Seeman arranged for a professional recording of Zach’s song "Clouds," which led to a formal signing with BMI. After Zach passed away, "Clouds" reached 26 on the Billboard charts. The Dallas Symphony is doing an arrangement and recording artists are covering the song. "Radio AND the people who work in the industry do really wonderful things and make their communities, the country and the world a little closer and a little better," said Hubbard’s Ginny Morris.
Belo Corporation’s WHAS-TV and Clear Channel Media and Entertainment’s WHAS-AM Louisville, KY hosted the annual Crusade for Children. For the second time since the Crusade for Children began 60 years ago, the event raised over $6 million for children with special needs in Kentucky and Indiana. In addition to the event’s telethon, firefighters go door-to-door to collect money in fireman’s boots. Local businesses and civic groups also contribute to the cause.
Cumulus Radio’s WABC-AM New York and the annual Imus Radiothon for The Imus Ranch for Kids with Cancer raised $1.3 million this year. Since 1998, 1,000 children with cancer or blood disorders and kids who have lost siblings to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome have experienced the life of a cowboy at the Imus Ranch near Ribera, New Mexico.
Allbritton’s WSET-TV Lynchburg, Vir., has launched the Here to
Help Kids campaign to support the local Centra Virginia Baptist
Hospital raise funds for an eleven-bed Pediatric Center at Lynchburg
General Hospital. WSET-TV has provided extensive coverage of the
fundraising effort, developed a 
Newport Television’s Fox affiliate KSAS-TV and MyNetworkTV affiliate KMTW-TV Wichita, Kan., teamed up to promote the second annual Art for Arthritis event on March 10. Fourteen youth arthritis patients each joined a local artist to create artwork including photography, paintings, clay pieces and three-dimensional puzzles for the event. Their work was auctioned off during the Art for Arthritis gathering, with some of the pieces selling for more than $500. In total, the event raised $36,000 for the Arthritis Foundation of Kansas.
California Oregon Broadcasting Inc.’s KOBI-TV Medford, Ore., hosts an ongoing initiative entitled "Don’t Turn Away," which builds awareness of child abuse and its effects to the broader Southern Oregon community. In partnership with the Mail Tribune and the Jackson Country Child Abuse Network, "Don’t Turn Away" provides news coverage of local instances of child abuse, a list of the warning signs in a child of possible abuse, experts’ tips for ending this mistreatment in the community, as well as local resources for seeking help.
Clear Channel’s 
Scripps’ WMAR-TV Baltimore hosted its annual Kindertime Toy Drive for Maryland families and the children of fallen firefighters and police officers. The drive has helped distribute more than 400,000 toys during its long history. The station encouraged listeners to bring new, unwrapped toys to one of several donation locations. On December 20, a caravan of emergency vehicles picked up the toys and distributed them throughout the community.
New Vision’s KIMT-TV in Mason City, Iowa, invited the station’s "Giving Your Best" partners – Diamond Jo Casino and First Citizens National Bank – to support the Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign during the holiday season. KIMT-TV staff bundled up outside a local Shopko from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. collecting toys for the drive. During those four cold hours staff received 271 toys and several cash donations. Because of the generosity of the viewers in North Iowa, more than 1,000 deserving children had presents under their tree on Christmas morning.
Clear Channel-owned KAJA-FM San Antonio, Texas helped raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during a two-day radiothon. The station successfully raised $407,236 during the 28-hour event, which represents an increase of almost $100,000 from KAJA-FM’s total last year. Over the past two years, the San Antonio station has raised more than $714,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases.
The partnership between the Cumulus Media Networks-syndicated Michael Baisden Show and The Black and Missing Foundation has been directly responsible for finding three missing children in one month. In one recent case, Jhada Clark had been missing for more than a month after her father took her out of state. After the father’s co-workers heard Jhada’s story during the show, they convinced him to turn the missing girl over to local authorities. Jhada was reunited with her mother, Rose Walker.
Bonneville International Corp.’s KIRO-FM Seattle raised almost $320,000 during its 23rd annual foster child holiday magic radiothon. Listeners donated online and via phone during the 14-hour drive. Donations were used to purchase holiday gifts for 4,431 children in Washington. 
Fisher Communications’ KVAL-TV in Eugene, Ore., recently held its third annual "Miles For Smiles" telethon, to benefit The Make-A-Wish® Foundation of Oregon. Viewers were invited to call with their donations via live broadcasts or donate through the KVAL website before and after the telethon. Seventy-five percent of Oregon wishes are travel-related. KVAL and partner businesses teamed up with The Make-A-Wish® Foundation of Oregon to help bring hope, strength and joy into the lives of children and their families during a time when the families need it most. Thanks to generous viewers, the event raised over 1.7 million frequent flier miles.
CBS Radio’s WNKS-FM Charlotte recently changed its name to "Victoria 95.1 FM" for a day to honor Victoria Waters. Victoria is a local five year-old girl who was born premature and has been fighting for her life ever since. WNKS-FM’s John Reynold’s noted, "Not only are we naming the station after her for a day in celebration of her strength and courage, but this day is about our listeners who will be able to give back to Levine Children’s Hospital, which has given so much to this community." WNKS-FM’s listeners were invited to make song requests throughout the day in exchange for a donation to the local hospital. In just 12 hours, the station raised more than $18,000.
Dispatch Broadcasting’s WBNS-TV and Clear Channel Media and Entertainment’s WCOL-FM Columbus, Ohio, joined The Salvation Army and Walmart for the "A Helping Hand for the Holidays" campaign, which provides toys and food for central Ohio families. WBNS-TV and WCOL-FM promoted the event by asking viewers to donate new, unwrapped toys or cash. One week before Christmas, The Salvation Army converted the Ohio fairgrounds into a toyshop and food pantry with thousands of toys and pounds of food. Click 
Scripps Television’s WCPO-TV Cincinnati collected more than 8,000 toys during its second annual holiday toy drive, which included a one-hour news special. Six local Kroger grocery stores were staffed with two WCPO-TV news anchors and meteorologists, and radio personalities from Cumulus Media’s WGRR-FM and WRRM-FM. The toys were donated to Child Focus, The Salvation Army, Brighton Center and Toys for Tots.
CBS Radio’s KLUC-FM Las Vegas held its 14th annual Chet Buchanan & The Morning Zoo Toy Drive, hoisting morning show host Chet Buchanan up on a 30 foot-high scaffolding. Buchanan stayed there for 12 days to encourage listeners to donate toys and money to benefit HELP of Southern Nevada. In total the drive collected 3,280 bikes, $268,000 in cash and gift cards and 19 trucks full of donated gifts for local children. Click 
Honesdale, Penn.-based Bold Gold Media Group’s Market Manager Michael Stanton surprised holiday shoppers on December 15 by performing his private bath time dance routines in public as part of the 11th annual Michael G. Stanton Shower for Charity. Wearing nothing but Santa Claus boxers, he showered on Main Street in Honesdale, Penn., in 30 degree temperatures for several hours. The event surpassed the goal of raising $20,000 for the Wayne County Children’s Christmas Bureau, which brings holiday toys to children.
Citadel Communications’ KCAU-TV Sioux City, Iowa, held its annual toy drive to benefit The Salvation Army’s Operation Toys program. For a month, viewers were encouraged to donate a new toy to a deserving child. News anchors Tim Seaman and Jenna Rehnstrom were featured in the on-air campaign. With the help of viewers, KCAU-TV collected toys for over 800 families. KCAU-TV has supported Operation Toys for over 20 years.
Journal Broadcasting Group’s WTMJ-AM Milwaukee held its 7th annual Kids 2 Kids Christmas campaign, urging parents to take their children shopping to select and purchase toys for less fortunate kids. The Salvation Army distributed the toys to children across southeastern Wisconsin. This year, Kids 2 Kids collected more than 19,000 toys.
Hearst-owned WGAL-TV Lancaster, Penn., recently held the 25th annual "Coats for Kids" coat drive and 18th annual telethon to benefit the local Salvation Army. The exact number of coats donated to The Salvation Army is still being tabulated, but is expected to be in the thousands. WGAL-TV’s telethon also raised $229,000 for the Salvation Army.
By the end of this year’s “104 Hours for Kids” campaign, KWPK-FM in Bend, Ore., had collected more than 2,000 toys, making the holidays brighter for local families who have been hit hard by the economy. For five days, morning show personality Dave Clemens lived in a recreational vehicle where he broadcast live and encouraged listeners to drop off gifts. In addition to airing promotional spots starting two weeks prior to the event, the station used its Web site, Twitter account, and MySpace and Facebook pages to get the community excited about taking part. “It was great to see our listeners come together to support the communities we serve,” said Clemens. “The toys we collected will make a huge difference for less fortunate families this holiday season.”
California Oregon Broadcasting Inc.’s KOBI-TV Medford and KOTI-TV
Klamath, Ore., sponsor a year-round initiative, The Southern Oregon
Meth Project, which educates local kids about the dangers of methamphetamines
and their devastating impact on individuals, families and the
community. Based on recent reports, 75 percent of local foster
children are being cared for due to parental absence as a result
of meth abuse. Eight out of 10 area arrests are also related to
the substance. The Southern Oregon Meth Project combats meth through
reality-based television 
WRCB-TV Battles Bullying in Chattanooga
Sarkes Tarzian’s WRCB-TV Chattanooga, Tenn. recently launched a six-part series on bullying awareness and prevention, which culminated in a one-hour forum featuring a panel of local experts. The "The Bully Battle" forum aired on WRCB-TV on Saturday, May 19 and was rebroadcast the next day on Chattanooga’s PBS affiliate. The entire program is now available online. WRCB-TV has been dedicated to running stories on the issue over the past years, in an effort to reduce the number of children affected by bullying. To learn more about WRCB-TV’s "The Bully Battle" click 
Belo’s NBC Affiliate KGW-TV Portland collected nearly 45,000 toys for children during the 2010 holiday season as part of the station’s annual "KGW Great Toy Drive." KGW-TV and its partners distributed the presents to more than 100 local nonprofit agencies that serve tens of thousands of children in the Portland area. DJ Wilson, KGW NewsChannel 8 president and general manager noted, "The generosity of our community in this time of need and the incredible resources our partners brought to the toy drive [was] truly exceptional."
Freedom Broadcasting-owned KTVL-TV Medford, Ore., joined Grange Co-Op and Wendy’s Restaurants for the 3rd annual Community Toy Drive, which collected more than 3,000 new toys valued at more than $30,000. KTVL-TV’s event helped to insure that every child in Medford would receive at least one gift during the Christmas holiday. "It is so heart-warming to see such tremendous generosity in these difficult times," said KTVL-TV’s General Manager Kingsley Kelley. "We can all be very proud to live in communities where people are so willing to give when there is a need, without expecting anything in return."
Nicolet
Broadcasting Inc. will kick off its annual "Technology to
the Classrooms" spring campaign on its four Door County,
Wis., radio stations, WBDK-FM, WRLU-FM, WRKU-FM and WSBW-FM. Nicolet
has partnered with area Rotary Clubs and others to host a series
of presentations in which school officials explain the need for
new technology in local schools. During the programs, partners
sell raffle tickets for a $3,500 flat screen television, with
proceeds going to fund new technology. Nicolet hopes "Technology
to the Classrooms" will educate the public and support schools’
efforts to innovate.
Newport
TV-owned KSAS-TV Wichita, Kan., joined the local Big Brothers Big
Sisters in providing 10 mentors and their "littles" with
free tickets to a local Wichita State University (WSU) basketball
game. During the game, the Big Brothers Big Sisters program was
spotlighted on the scoreboard in a video for the organziation’s
new "Start Something" campaign. All fans at the game had
the chance to text and win an autographed WSU Shocker jersey. More
than 350 texts were recieved, with 100 individuals opting to learn
more about becoming a mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters.
NRG Media’s KBBK-FM, Omaha, Neb., will sponsor the annual Polar
Bear Plunge for Special Olympics on February 26, 2011. The "bone-chilling"
event invites participants to collect pledges from their families
and friends for plunging into the icy waters in Omaha. All the
event proceeds support more than 4,000 athletes who are involved
in the Special Olympics Nebraska.
Cumulus Broadcasting joined LIN Media’s WLUK-TV Green Bay, Wis.,
and the Salvation Army to collect new and used coats for needy children
across Northeast Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. The annual Coats
for Kids campaign enjoyed another successful drive as approximately
11,349 coats were collected throughout the area. Click 
The Radio People-owned KLSM-FM Vicksburg, Miss., held an annual
Chili for Children competition, a fundraising event aimed at assisting
the abused, neglected and homeless children of Warren County and
surrounding areas. "We jumped at the chance to cook up something
fun to raise money for our local children’s shelter," said
Deloris Evans, KLSM-FM’s sales manager. Local celebrities were
also on hand for the contest including Patrick House winner of
NBC’s "The Biggest Loser," and CNN Top 10 Local Hero
Linda Fondren. More than 20 teams participated in the chili cook-off
which raised $4,000, shattering KLSM-FM’s previous record of $2,400.
The "Chris and Dee in the Morning Show" on Centennial Broadcasting’s WBQB-FM Fredericksburg, Va., hosts a monthly reading series featuring Buzzy, the station’s bee mascot. Buzzy and the B-crew joined Chris and Dee at the Spotsylvania Towne Centre to read stories with local children. The monthly event is a free program that engages children in reading and serves as a family-friendly outing for area parents and their kids.
Journal Broadcast Group-owned WWST-FM Knoxville, Tenn., held a radiothon recently for East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. The event was hosted by the station’s morning show, "Mac and Kim and Frank in the Morning," and aired live from the local West Town Mall from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. In just 12 hours, WWST-FM raised $227,226 in funds that will be used to purchase equipment to help Children’s Hospital care for its patients.
Citadel Communications-owned WOI-TV, Des Moines/Ames, Iowa, KCAU-TV, Sioux City, Iowa and WHBF-TV, Rock Island, Ill., combined to host the 37th Annual Variety Telethon in March, raising $3,016,441 to support the local children’s charity. Since its inception on WOI-TV in 1975, the Variety Telethon has raised more than $84 million. Through the generous support of individuals and the corporate community, the Variety telethon has provided funding for capital projects, essential medical equipment and special programs to more than 300 charities throughout Iowa and neighboring states and has put more than 400 "Sunshine Coaches" on the road transporting children to new adventures.
Shurz Communications-owned WSBT-TV Mishawaka, Ind., has been committed to supporting the teachers, students and parents in its viewing area since 1997 in their challenge to improve and encourage reading skills for young people. WSBT’s "I Love To Read Challenge" is an annual month-long reading contest that has become an anticipated event among elementary schools in the area. Teachers from across WSBT’s viewing area register their classrooms, and students are then supplied with daily log sheets to track how many minutes they spend reading each day. Several schools are featured daily, and parents, teachers, students, friends and family are encouraged to vote online and by phone for their school. Every day, the winning school receives a visit from one of WSBT’s news anchors who talks with the kids about the importance of education and the joy of reading. The winning classroom is also featured on the evening newscast.
In recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month, the "K99 Good Morning Guys," Brian and Todd from KUAD-FM in Windsor, Colo., stayed on-air for 28 hours straight for their 10th annual "28 Hours of Hope" radiothon. The event raised more than $105,000, which went directly to local community organizations that work to end child abuse and provide aid to abused children in northern Colorado. Just as importantly, the radiothon raises awareness about the prevention of this all too real problem, providing information for abusers to seek the help they need. Highlights of the event include celebrity country western recording artists calling in to give their support. Station staff dedicated 150 hours to the planning and execution of the event. In a letter to the station, one listener wrote "You guys reach so many people and raise awareness so much every year with your ‘28 Hours of Hope.’ Thank you for helping those who are too young to help themselves, and even more, for getting the word out there so other people can help them, too." KUAD was a National Association of Broadcasters Crystal Award finalist in 2008.
Once again, WDRC-FM in Bloomfield, Conn., raised more than $200,000 to benefit the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center during its annual Children’s Miracle Network Radiothon. The three-day fundraiser aired live from the medical center’s cafeteria, where interviews with patients, families and staff provided a glimpse of the phenomenal impact the center has on the health of Connecticut’s children. Many of the station’s on-air personalities took part, including morning show hosts John "Cadillac" Saville and Marianne O’Hare. More than 250 promotional announcements were aired leading up to the event, and the station’s Web site acted as a gateway to a special site where listeners could make donations online and listen to podcasts of interviews. Since it began in 2003, WDRC’s radiothon has generated more than $840,000 in donations. The money raised goes toward the purchase of sophisticated medical equipment and supports special programs at the medical center. "WDRC-FM and their listening audience are extraordinary people," said Martha Schall, vice president of the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center Foundation. "Their generosity is an inspiration to everyone at Connecticut Children’s."
WLJA-FM in Jasper, Ga., went above and beyond in its 2007 Toys for Tots Campaign, which spanned 18 counties and involved three different Marine Corps jurisdictions in two states. WLJA committed all available on-air and human resources to the campaign. In addition to airing more than 300 custom promotional announcements over a six-week period, WLJA provided six live remote broadcasts and dedicated two public affairs programs to the drive. The station also put up a billboard on a prominent highway to promote the campaign. To further encourage donations, the station arranged for Santa to make special appearances at Toys for Tots events. To collect as many toys as possible, WLJA staff supplied and maintained drop boxes in locations not covered by the Marine districts. Staff picked up and distributed these toys to the appropriate agencies. WLJA even turned its own studios into a toy drop-off location. At the end of the campaign, the Marines and affiliated agencies informed WLJA that every request for a toy was able to be filled, due in large part to the generosity of the WLJA listeners and WLJA’s support.
Mayors, local celebrities, highway and border patrol agents, and announcers from KSEN-AM and KZIN-FM in Shelby, Mont., took turns being hoisted by a crane to scaffolding above the station studio to raise money for the Special Olympics. Money from the stunt, which has been repeated several times over the past seven years, goes to support dozens of local Special Olympians at the games. In 2008, KSEN’s "Stand Up for Special Olympics" event raised $16,500, an amount well over its goal. The station invites the town of 10,000 people to be a part of the fun with a promotional campaign involving recorded spots and talk by the station’s announcers. To bring the excitement surrounding the games to all, KSEN also provides listeners with reports from the Special Olympics Montana Law Enforcement Torch Run, where hundreds of law enforcement representatives run beside Special Olympians in a 2,000 mile relay throughout the state, concluding at the opening ceremonies in Great Falls.
For the 19th year, four-time Crystal Award winner KBHP-FM, KKZY-FM and KLLZ-FM in Bemidji, Minn., supported the 24-hour "Radiothon to End Child Abuse." The event, which took place in December 2007, set a record by raising more than $56,000. The radiothon begins with a live broadcast from a local mall where there are informational booths for parents, free child identification kits and child finger printing services from the Hubbard County Sheriff’s Department. In addition, families gather for live music, games and entertainment. "Groups proudly bring in their collected donations, and we invite them to tell how they raised the money on air," said broadcast group owner Mary Campbell. "There are many special stories of how the community becomes a part of the radiothon. It seems to get better and bigger each year." The fundraising continues with a "Pizza Night" emceed by a KBHP announcer and concludes back at the stations. Intervention experts record messages that are repeatedly aired each hour of the radiothon to help increase awareness. Since the radiothon’s beginning, more than $660,000 has been raised to end child abuse. The funds go to four local county child abuse prevention agencies and one statewide organization, Prevent Child Abuse Minnesota.
KUSO-FM in Norfolk, Neb., broadcasts to a small town with a big heart. The community of 25,000 raised $143,000 during the two-day local St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Radiothon in 2007. As the sponsor of this event for the past eight years, the station always dedicates the fundraiser to Makayla, a local toddler who lost her battle to cancer but whose life was extended by treatment at St. Jude’s. In addition to the radiothon, the station’s idea to compile and sell a local-edition cookbook has become an annual event in support of St. Jude’s. Listeners submit their favorite recipes and the best of the best appear in "Cooking for Kids." Every year, the publication sells out. At St. Jude’s request, the station has presented to other media and organizations about "Cooking for Kids," which is now being duplicated as a fundraiser in other parts of the country.
More than 230,000 children have been protected from cold winter weather as a result of a 19-year effort by KOAT-TV in Albuquerque, N.M. The station’s "KOATS for Kids" project has reached needy children throughout New Mexico. Each year, the station partners with a local cleaner and the New Mexico Army National Guard to ensure donated coats are cleaned and transported across the state. In 2007, the station ran 750 promotional announcements and distributed informational posters about the program. In addition, newscasts throughout December helped direct viewers to drop-off points and provided a toll-free number for assistance with donating or receiving a coat. "On behalf of our students and parents, I would like to sincerely thank you for your assistance in providing winter jackets to some of our wonderful children," wrote Dr. Patricia Rael, superintendent of Belen Consolidated Schools, in a letter to the station. "You all truly reflect and have advanced the spirit of caring that the ‘KOATS for Kids’ program has come to represent."
The cold and snow don’t stop Kevin Dean, morning personality on KTMC-FM in McAlester, Okla., from camping out on top of a building in the dead of winter to raise money for the March of Dimes. For the past five years, Dean has been taken by crane to a makeshift rooftop campsite on a day in January. From this high perch, he broadcasts the morning show, staying put until he meets his fundraising goal. To accept donations from listeners, he lowers a bucket. In 2008, Dean camped out for two days, bringing in $12,000 to help the March of Dimes further its goal of improving infant health. For two months before the event, representatives from the March of Dimes were guests at least twice each week on the daily talk show of KNED-AM, sister station to KTMC. All four McAlester Radio stations promoted the event and gave listeners updates on Dean’s progress throughout the campout.
In the wake of a tragic shooting that took the life of police officer Timothy Brenton, talk show duo Ron Upshaw and Don O’Neill of KIRO-FM in Seattle, Wash., planned “Arms Around Our Officers,” a community event to raise funds for the fallen officer’s family and honor the sacrifices police make to protect their community. During the four-hour live broadcast from the base of the Space Needle, cards and messages from school children and neighbors poured in along with donations of more than $19,000 for the Brenton Family Assistance Fund. Upshaw and O’Neill were awarded the Citizen Appreciation Award by the Seattle Police Officers Guild for their support following Brenton’s death and for their extensive on-air coverage of the story, which helped locate the officer’s alleged killer. Later in the year, when another tragedy struck and four police officers lost their lives in the line of duty, the station planed a second “Arms Around Our Officers” event, which raised more than $48,000 for the families.
Kids at Children’s Mercy Hospital and elderly in nursing homes had reason to smile last February when the morning show from KUDL-FM in Mission, Kan. delivered more than 30,000 handmade Valentine’s Day cards. The station’s annual "Valentine Card Shower for Children’s Mercy Hospital" has become a community-wide art project. Last February, the station inspired its listeners to take out the scissors, glitter and glue through on-air promotional announcements, a feature story and email blast to 33,000 people. Hundreds of area schools, Boy and Girl Scout troops, church groups and offices joined the long-time effort. Station talent dedicated 20 hours to the event, helping children at the hospital decorate bags to hold their valentines and celebrate the holiday. "We look forward to it for months," said Tom McCormally from Children’s Mercy Hospital. "Children with oxygen and on crutches all make it from their rooms to where we have thousands of valentines spread out. They get as many as they want. It makes Valentine’s special here." KUDL was a National Association of Broadcasters’ Crystal Award Finalist in 2008.
Broadcasting live from dawn to dusk in their jammies, on-air personalities from KCYE-FM, KKLZ-FM, KFRH-FM and KDWN-AM in Las Vegas, Nev., collected more than 12,000 pairs of pajamas and sleepwear for local children in need at the sixth annual "DJs for PJs" donation drive. During the all-day event, the stations broadcast live from collection sites, where local celebrities, elected officials, concerned citizens, civic and business group representatives, firemen, policemen, school kids and parents all dropped by to donate new pajamas. The sleepwear is distributed to Child Haven, a part of the Clark County Department of Family Services that takes care of children who have been abused, abandoned and neglected, and six other local organizations. As long as there are children without necessities like sleepwear, these DJs are committed to being seen in their PJs each spring. Since its inception, the event has grown from one collection site to four.
With the help of KAZX-FM and KKFG-FM in Farmington, N.M., thousands of dollars are raised each year at the “Cops and Lobster” event for the Special Olympics. For two days, 100 local, county and state law enforcement officers can be found volunteering their time to sell donated items from local businesses, such as t-shirts and knickknacks, to patrons at a local seafood restaurant. In 2008, a record-breaking $12,000 was raised to support 40 local Special Olympians. The event kicks off on a Friday at lunchtime, and both stations broadcast live with their morning show teams. The stations make continuous on-air mentions throughout the event. As the exclusive media sponsors, both KAZX an KKFG gear up listeners in advance with mentions starting two weeks before, a presence on their Web sites, and in-studio interviews with members of the police department and representatives from the San Juan County Special Olympics. “It is an awesome, small-town, warm-fuzzy event,” said Jennifer Dennis from the KAZX morning show.
Staff at WVAQ-FM in Morgantown, W.Va., has a favorite event: the station’s annual radiothon in support of the West Virginia University Children’s Hospital. For well over a decade, the “WVAQ for Kids Radiothon” has helped raise funds for the facility, which provides care to high-risk mothers, premature infants and children with serious illnesses. The three-day event allows patients, their parents, doctors and nurses to tell their stories and is broadcast from the hospital. A videocast of the radiothon plays on the station’s Web site, allowing listeners to see the action behind the audio. The most recent radiothon raised $165,000, an increase of $15,000 from the year before. The long-term partnership between the station and the hospital extends throughout the year, including the promotion and broadcast of the annual Mountaineers spring football game where all proceeds from ticket sales go to the hospital. WVAQ was named the Marconi Radio Awards 2007 Contemporary Hits Radio Station of the Year.
All hands at KGWY-FM in Gillette, Wyo., and two of its sister stations are on deck when it comes time for the yearly radiothon to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. From answering the phone bank to making appeals to listeners on the air, the event takes a station-wide effort. During the 2008 radiothon, staff put 500 man hours into the event. Their hard work paid off; Wyomingites gave more than $112,000 to provide treatment for children suffering from cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. Two months worth of planning went into working out the details surrounding the radiothon, including getting other organizations and businesses involved in the cause. Part of this outreach led to a “Penny Challenge,” where collection jars were placed in the public schools, allowing children an opportunity to donate the contents of their piggy banks to help other children. “We went into this project with the idea if we raised $5,000 it would be a success,” said General Manager Don Clonch. “This is an event that has grown, and we get tremendous local support.”
Santa’s workshop comes alive every holiday with the help of listeners and staff from KONY-FM in Washington, Utah, and sister stations KPLD-FM and KZHK-FM. The stations’ "Coins for Kids" campaign brings Christmas to the doorsteps of underprivileged children with the delivery of presents from Santa himself. What began as an idea among a small group of KONY employees has grown over 17 years into its own nonprofit, operated with the help of thousands of volunteers. Last holiday season, more than $100,000 in donations made it possible to serve 2,600 children and 800 families. Station staff is involved in each step of the process, from promotion and fundraising to shopping, wrapping and delivering presents. Efforts begin with live and recorded announcements encouraging listeners to adopt a family or to volunteer. Fundraising occurs throughout morning programming for weeks, with almost nonstop jock talk about "Coins for Kids." All three stations air live remotes from street corners where on-air personalities collect cash donations. Once enough money has been collected, listeners and staff partake in organized shopping and wrapping events. When all of the presents are ready to go, Santas fan out throughout the community to make personal visits, some in horse-drawn carts.
Whether it’s a tip on how to wear a bike helmet properly or encouragement to stand up and tell the truth, KUSI-TV in San Diego, Calif., has dedicated a regular public service announcement (PSA) series to its youngest audience. The station’s "Tips for Kids" campaign provides advice on an array of topics and airs each Saturday during the station’s children’s programming. In addition to tips featuring KUSI news anchors and reporters, this year the station gave kids the opportunity to share tips with their fellow youngsters by inviting all first- through sixth-grade teachers in the county to write PSAs with their classes. Morning meteorologist Renee Kohn, accompanied by a camera person, visited each school to record the announcements. During these classroom visits, the children also appeared live on "Good Morning San Diego," where they were able to pass along their tips to the many adults tuned in throughout the viewing area.
More than 3,800 students from 44 schools went bald and beautiful, along with anchor Patrick Elwood and other staff from WFLD-TV in Chicago, Ill., as part of St. Baldrick’s, the world’s largest volunteer-driven fundraising event for childhood cancer research. Thousands of students answered the call when Elwood asked them to take the “Fox Chicago School Challenge,” where students asked for pledges to shave their heads, an act of moral support for all those going through cancer treatment. In its fourth year, the effort generated more than $1.1 million to benefit cancer hospitals across the country, including eight in the Chicago area. Keeping viewers throughout the city involved, Elwood profiled a different participating school each week, allowing students to share stories about how cancer has touched their lives. Many students shaved their heads in honor of a loved one or classmate battling the disease. After the campaign concluded, Elwood, who is shorn each year at his alma mater, Brother Rice High School, said, “I’m so proud of all the students across the city that went bald for this great cause.” Elwood ended each of his “School Challenge” visits with the same message: “Together, we can make a difference.”
There are nearly 100,000 children without health insurance in Southern Arizona. In hopes of changing this reality, KOHT-FM and KXEW-AM in Tucson, Ariz., banded together with four sister stations to host a 12-hour broadcast and phone bank about KidsCare, a state-funded low-cost health insurance program. During the KidsCare Phone-a-thon, listeners heard interviews with experts about the program, as well as stories from families whose children have benefited. Ninety volunteers staffed a phone bank, where listeners could sign up for the program or receive additional information. By the end of the day, more than 1,500 families in need of health coverage had called in, setting a KidsCare Phone-a-thon record. “We have children in our community that need health insurance, but their families may not know where to turn,” said Tom Zlaket, market manager for Clear Channel Radio in Tucson. The KidsCare Phone-a-thon helped change that.
Newport Television’s Fox Affiliate KSAS-TV and Mercury Broadcasting’s MyNetworkTV affiliate KMTW-TV Wichita, Kan., arranged several community activities during the final months of 2010. Among the campaigns, KSAS-TV and KMTW-TV hosted a hats and mittens drive for Child Start and Head Start of Wichita. More than 1,020 preschoolers were outfitted with warm apparel for the Wichita winter.
Chet Buchanan of CBS Radio’s KLUC-FM Las Vegas, braved wind, rain and cold temperatures in December to host the stations’ 12th annual "Twelve Days of Toy Drive." Buchanan spent 12 full days living in a tent atop a 30-foot scaffolding to encourage listeners to donate items. KLUC-FM collected 2,287 bikes, enough toys to fill fourteen 15-foot semi trucks and $145,069 in gift cards and cash. "It is so amazing to see all these people come together and be part of something so positive." said Buchanan. 
KTPK-FM, Country Legends 106.9 and Gray Television’s WIBW-TV Topeka, Kan., held their annual "Battle of the Elves," a toy drive competition between KTPK-FM’s Chris Fisher and WIBW-TV’s Jeremy Goodwin to benefit the Topeka Rescue Mission. Both stations’ responses were overwhelming, together collecting a record $47,000 worth of toys. While 4,739 items were received, WIBW-TV raised 133 more than KTPK-FM, squeaking out a victory that forced Country Legends’ Goodwin to dress like an elf for a day.
LIN Media-owned WANE-TV Fort Wayne, Ind., has been a key community supporter of the Voices of Unity Youth Choir (VOU), an award-winning local ensemble of youth, ages 8 - 19. Recently, VOU was chosen as one of four U.S. choirs to compete in the World Choir Games in Shaoxing, China. In order to compete, the group needed to raise close to a half a million dollars in less than six months to send 83 singers, plus chaperones and musicians, across the globe. The fundraising was a total community effort, and WANE-TV was able to provide viewers with a front seat to the performance through its "Dreams of Gold" campaign. The initiative featured interviews, news coverage and a schedule of public service announcements valued at more than $66,000. As a result of WANE-TV’s "Dreams of Gold" campaign, the choir raised enough money to represent Fort Wayne on a global stage and returned home with two gold medals.
The "Mitten Tree," an effort by WCAX-TV in Burlington, Vt.,has helped keep many fingers toasty and warm throughout the winter. During the annual campaign, the station asks its viewers to donate new hats, mittens, scarves and socks to help those less fortunate. The items are then distributed to more than 30 schools, shelters and agencies in the area. In 2007, a new "Mitten Tree" record was set when viewers donated more than 5,000 items. To keep up the momentum of the drive, the station airs promotional announcements throughout the holiday season and features updates during the morning newscast. One segment featured a very special woman, who despite losing almost all of her eyesight, hand-knit more than 100 items to donate and has a goal of making more than 250 items next year. During its four-year history, the "Mitten Tree" has grown exponentially, making it necessary to move its headquarters from the station to an empty storefront this past year.
For a week each summer, children with cancer get to just be kids when funds raised by WKOL-FM in Burlington, Vt., allow them to go to Camp Ta-Kum-Ta. Every morning from 5 – 10 a.m. during the week before Christmas, the station replaces regular programming with a "Camp Ta-Kum-Ta-Thon" fundraiser, where doctors, local television personalities, politicians and sports figures join WKOL staff in asking listeners to help send kids to the all volunteer-run camp. Mark Knight, co-host of the radiothon, travels to the camp each summer to interview children and record their stories for broadcast during the radiothon. Jon Brooks, morning show personality and co-host of the radiothon, is on the camp’s board. Businesses challenge each other to raise the most funds for this true community-wide event, and a group of brave souls jumps into Lake Champlain in exchange for pledges. The radiothon also has inspired listeners to share their time and talents at the summer camp. One year a farmer transported his farm animals and created a Camp Ta-Kum-Ta petting zoo; another listener set up a tethered hot-air balloon ride. The station starts promotional mentions for the five-day event right after Thanksgiving, and calls in anticipation of the event start long before its official kick-off. The camp has room to accommodate 70 children. The $160,000 raised by WKOL during its most recent "Camp Ta-Kum-Ta-Thon" was enough to fund all 70 spots.
To provide children comfort when they need it, WTMJ-AM in Milwaukee, Wis., hosts an annual "Teddy Bear Patrol" campaign. The effort encourages listeners to donate stuffed animals for local police, fire departments and emergency medical services to distribute to children in crisis situations. In 2007, the station organized 84 collection sites and enlisted the help of 77 schools throughout the state, resulting in the collection of more than 6,000 teddy bears. The station supported the "Teddy Bear Patrol" initiative with a multi-tiered marketing campaign, which included live and recorded public service announcements, placement of collection bins, email newsletters sent to 17,000 "Loyal Listener Club" members, newspaper advertisements, Web site promotion, inclusion on WTMJ’s interactive phone line, news releases and a targeted direct mail campaign to schools. Since it began in 1993, WTMJ’s "Teddy Bear Patrol" has collected and distributed more than 70,000 teddy bears. Wisconsin Broadcasters Association awarded WTMJ with Best Support of a Community Event for the Teddy Bear Patrol in 2007.
Clear Channel’s WOAI-AM San Antonio hosted the station’s 16th annual radiothon and silent auction to raise money for San Antonio’s Elf Louise Christmas Project, which provides holiday presents to 20,000 local children. On December 4 and 5, WOAI-AM broadcast live from the North Star Mall and featured appearances from Clear Channel-San Antonio radio personalities, along with District Attorney Susan Reed and Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller. The station successfully raised $152,686. Since 2007, the event has collected more than $700,000. 
David Nelson’s KFJB-AM Marshalltown, Iowa, was proud to hold the station’s 5th annual "Coats for Kids" drive in partnership with Niehouse Cleaners of Marshalltown and the Salvation Army. Coats are dropped off at Niehouse Cleaners, cleaned free of charge and then distributed through the Salvation Army to those in need in Marshalltown.
LIN Media’s WANE-TV, Fort Wayne Ind., recently congratulated its viewers for participating in the "Share the Warmth: Coats for Kids" 11th annual collection. WANE-TV collected 3,017 coats, scarves and mittens, which were distributed to children from 50 area social service agencies, schools and families. Local sports teams the Komets Hockey Team and the Mad Ants Basketball squad also participated in the drive, providing incentives for fans who donated a coat. Since 1999, WANE-TV has collected 27,460 coats for Northeast Indiana’s children.
Nick Cannon, host of the Rollin’ with Nick Cannon Morning Show on Infinity Broadcasting Group’s WXRK-FM New York, 92.3 NOW, and NBC’s “America’s Got Talent,” brought truckloads of toys to the New York Hospital Queens Mets Care Room. Cannon collected the toys during his attempt to secure the Guinness World Record for the most hugs in one hour. Standing outside Citi Field, Cannon embraced 1,679 fans and missed the record by only 52 hugs. 
Beasley-owned WXKB-FM Cape Coral, Fla. recently delivered two pallets of school supplies to the Collier County School district to kick off the new academic year. The station’s "Big Mama and The Wild Bunch" staff partnered with Pepsi to collect an assortment of supplies including pencils, pens, markers, crayons and notebooks for area students in need. Together WXKB-FM and Pepsi constructed a house made out of soda cans in the parking lot of a local Wal-Mart. The radio crew broadcasted live from inside the house for four-and-a-half days. In total, the "Big Mama and The Wild Bunch" team collected more than $10,000 worth of school supplies. The station also adopted 43 students from the Abuse Council Treatment Center. Each of the 43 kids received a new outfit for their first day of school and supplies for the academic year.
CBS Radio’s WOGL-FM Philadelphia’s 10th annual "
Syndicated Solutions, Inc.’s Rick & Bubba Morning Show’s two-day radiothon raised over $1 million and allowed 825 children in 45 countries to be sponsored through World Vision, a humanitarian organization that focuses on children and families affected by poverty and injustice. Since 2009, Rick & Bubba have raised nearly $3.5 million for World Vision.
Rick Burgess and Bill “Bubba” Bussey commented, “When SSI introduced World Vision and we learned about how impressive an organization they are, we wanted in… The overwhelming response from our listeners and the ability to be part of something so meaningful just blows us away.”
The 13th Annual CBS Radio KLUC-FM’s Chet Buchanan & The Morning Zoo Toy Drive wrapped up with overwhelming numbers: 2,647 bikes, sixteen 50-foot semi-trucks full of toys and $201,012 in gift cards and cash, all of which were gifted to children who may have not otherwise had presents this holiday season. 
WQSB-FM in Albertville, Ala., got behind the microphone to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. During its annual 13-hour radiothon, the station shared the airwaves with its community. Local children receiving treatment told their stories, and community leaders shared their support on the air; the station interviewed volunteers and local high school children who worked to collect donations. Stories of hope continued throughout the marathon broadcast as people stopped by the studio or called in. In related fundraising efforts, WQSB staff took to the streets for a "Baby Bucket" campaign, accepting drive-by donations from multiple locations during the radiothon, and the station recruited hundreds of area students to participate in its "Tie One On for the Kids at St. Jude’s" project, where each student wore a wristband featuring the name of an actual patient for a week. When the combined efforts were totaled, the "WQSB St. Jude Children’s Hospital Radiothon and Fundraiser" had raised more than $112,000 to further research and help the many local children who travel to St. Jude for treatment. Most of the staff at WQSB has toured the St. Jude facility, 100 miles away in Memphis, Tenn., to gain firsthand knowledge of its important work.
For the 25th consecutive year, Citadel Communications’ KCAU-TV Sioux City, Iowa hosted its annual Operation Toys, partnering with a local business to collect new toys for needy families of Sioux City and surrounding communities. Channel 9 KCAU-TV ran a schedule of promotional spots on-air and within their newscasts for the campaign. The station also sent letters to area schools and pre-schools inviting them to host internal toy drives and featured the schools’ successes during evening newscasts. All the toys were donated to the Salvation Army for distribution in the community.
Citadel-owned KXKC-FM Lafayette, La., held its annual Toys for Tots holiday drive last month, focusing the station’s efforts on collecting one of the most requested items, bikes. KXKC-FM’s morning team Ray Robicheaux and Jeni Lane set out to collect 99 bikes within one week. If they were unable to collect their goal, Robicheaux agreed to ride 99 miles on his own bike. Luckily for Robicheaux, the goal was reached. "It’s the most rewarding event I’ve been part of, just to think that gifts that were out of reach in the past [were] delivered to children in our community; it’s truly heart warming," said Robicheaux.
Allbritton’s WSET-TV Lynchburg, Va., continued the station’s "Here to Help Kids" campaign to raise money for an 11-bed Pediatric Center at Lynchburg General Hospital. WSET-TV recently hosted a fundraiser at the ESPNU "Bracket-Buster" basketball game between the Liberty Flames and the Iona Gaels, both members of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, at Liberty University. Five dollars from each ticket sold went to the WSET-TV’s "Here to Help Kids" project. The basketball game netted $3,375 in proceeds for the campaign.
Newport Television’s KSAS-TV and KMTW-TV Wichita, Kan., participated in the annual Big Brothers Big Sisters Media Bowl for Kids’ Sake. Dozens of local radio and television personalities attended the bowling event and competed to raise the most money for Big Brothers Big Sisters, which serves more than 6,500 children across Kansas each year. With more than $1,000 in donations, Team KSAS-TV and KMTW-TV collected the most money and helped the event draw more than $23,000 for the organization.
Freedom Communications’ KTVL-TV Medford, Ore., and Medford’s Kennedy Elementary School celebrated the 25th Anniversary of their School-Business partnership at Medford’s Pear Blossom Festival. Teachers and students from Kennedy joined KTVL staff to create and man a float commemorating this milestone. Over the past quarter of a century, Kennedy and KTVL have been working together for the betterment of the students and staffs, both at the school and the station. Over the years there have been numerous partnership events and activities, including several "TV station vs. Teachers" fundraising basketball games, celebrity guest readers at the school "Read Across America" days, behind-the-scenes TV station tours as a reward for outstanding achievement by students, educational PSAs created by students and broadcasted on KTVL.
Univision Radio listeners raised more than $5.25 million in cash and pledges to battle childhood cancer and other diseases during the annual St. Jude Promesa y Esperanza (Promise and Hope) Radio Event, benefitting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This year, Univision activated 360-degree support of the event via its radio, television, online and social media platforms. A number of Latin celebrities reached out to fans through live interviews, PSAs, call-ins and continuous messages through their social media networks.
In recognition of April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, television stations across Syracuse partnered with the McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Center to raise awareness of physical, sexual and verbal abuse of children. Several television stations collaborated on an hour-long special entitled, "Protecting Our Children," which stations aired on April 25. "We all know that news stations compete," noted one local anchor, Julie Chapman, "but this issue is so important, that we decided to come together to let people know that we all care about our community and of course, our kids, and that there are resources out there where we can all do our part to stop child abuse." Click 
Schurz Communications’ WSBT-TV and WSBT-AM Mishawaka, Ind., recently opened their doors for "Scout Day at WSBT." Boy and Girl Scouts from across the area were invited to come and tour the studios, meet some of the news and weather talent and see the daily operations of TV and radio stations. More than 300 scouts attended the event with their parents and troop leaders. A number of WSBT Radio and TV staff volunteered on Saturday to give the kids the opportunity to learn about the TV master control room, take a look at the news and radio sets and be filmed in front of the Chroma Key wall.
Citadel Communication’s WOI-TV Des Moines, KCAU-TV Sioux City and WHBF-TV Rock Island, Ill. recently held the 38th annual Variety Telethon. Variety, the Children’s Charity, reported $3,020,817 in pledges were raised this year. Variety’s first telethon in 1975 raised $150,000 for one grantee organization, the Blank Children’s Hospital. Now, 38 years later, Variety has raised more than $90 million in donations, which have been granted to agencies serving children across the State of Iowa. Thanks to the cast members, volunteers and donors who support Variety during the telethon and throughout the year, Variety is able to raise much needed funds for Iowa’s children.
Sandusky Radio’s KRWM-FM Seattle’s Teddy Bear Patrol maintains an ongoing partnership with Multimedia Seattle in supporting local youth survivors of domestic violence. “A Bear for Me?” provides Infant and Toddler Arrival Bags to young children entering Domestic Violence Shelters with their mothers. The bags contain necessary personal items for infants and toddlers such as diapers, baby wipes, a soft new baby blanket, a new pacifier and a new teddy bear. The items comfort children during a vulnerable and traumatizing period. For the last two decades, the Teddy Bear Patrol has provided quiet outreach to Seattle’s critical organizations, including Providence Hospice and Home Care of Snohomish County, Multimedia Seattle’s Children’s “A Bear for Me?” program and regional police and fire departments.
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Clear Channel’s WCKT-FM Ft. Meyers, Fla., raised over $287,000 during their 10th annual "Helping Kids with Cancer" radiothon to benefit Children’s Hospital at Lee Memorial Health System. All proceeds from the event’s record-breaking total went to the Barbara’s Friends fund, which helps fill treatment and educational needs so pediatric oncology patients do not have to travel far for care.
Premiere Radio Networks personality Delilah has set a goal this year to help 50,000 children and their families across the nation by providing food and essentials in partnership with hunger relief organization Feed the Children. Delilah asks listeners across more than 200 affiliate stations to donate to Feed the Children’s Americans Feeding Americans Caravan, which has served more than 325,000 American families in the past two years. "If you have spent a single night with me in the studio, you would hear the calls I receive from mothers who struggle to make ends meet and have to make a decision between paying rent or buying food for their family," Delilah said. "The organization will be the arms and legs to help reach families who need our help."
Country music star Carrie Underwood recently joined Greater Media’s WKLB-FM Boston to visit young patients and their families at Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center. Underwood’s visit was part of WKLB-FM’s Country Music Healing Tour, brings leading country music artists to perform and meet with young patients at the hospital. The goal of the program is to lift the spirits and aid in the healing process of children with serious illnesses.