West Virginia Stations Raise Over $224,000 for Children’s Hospital
Date Posted: 9/19/2025
The two-day 2025 WVRC Media Cares for Kids Radiothon with WVU Medicine Children’s brought in more than $224,000 from donors and sponsors. Nine WVRC Media stations did live broadcasts from the Morgantown, W.V., hospital. “Our annual WVRC Media Cares for Kids Radiothon, now on it’s third year, hit a record donation goal of $224,208 dollars thanks to the generosity of listeners and businesses around the states of West Virginia and Maryland,” 102 WVAQ Program Director and On Air Radio Personality Matt Kelly said. “This year’s event really focused on even more live interview with patients and their families, plus various staff of the hospital. It’s so amazing to see how this event has grown over the years. I’ve been fortunate to be a part of it in it’s many iterations since joining WVRC media in 2010. The amount of work and love that is poured into this event from all of our radio staff, to the fine folks of WVU Medicine and Children’s Miracle Network…it truly is what this great state is all about. As a native West Virginian, I’m an continually humbled by the efforts all around, including the generosity of all the donors. It truly is something special.”


Cumulus Media’s New Country 96.3 in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, a partnered with Kroger grocery stores to collect 28,471 diapers for Cook Children’s hospital through the New Country 96.3’s 2nd Annual Diaper Drive. “We’re deeply grateful to our listeners for opening their hearts and helping families facing the overwhelming challenges of medical expenses,” said “Hawkeye in the Morning” co-host Michelle Rodriguez. “As new moms, our Midday Host Rachel Ryan and I understand just how meaningful this support is for families at Cook Children’s. These donations will provide real relief and hope for our tiniest Texans. The generosity shown is nothing short of inspiring. This cause is especially close to our hearts after welcoming our own little ones, Diego and Luca, this past year.”
WBKR 92.5 in Owensboro, Ky., raised $366,014.97 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. During the event, Daviess County Sheriff Brad Youngman and Captain Jared Ramsey emphasized the importance of the hospital’s mission while former St. Jude patient Angel Welsh reflected on her visits to St. Jude and the impact of Country Cares in Memphis.
KJEB hosted the 22nd annual Bender’s One Big Give radiothon, raising over $813,400 to support Seattle Children’s Hospital’s Uncompensated Care Fund. “For 22 years, Bender’s One Big Give has been a lifeline of hope and compassion for the Seattle Children’s Hospital community. Bender, alongside Jodi Brothers, has poured his heart into this cause, touching countless lives with his unwavering dedication. Congratulations on an incredible accomplishment; we’re all incredibly proud of your efforts,” said iHeart Washington State Area President Mark Glynn.
The inaugural Cares for Kids radiothon from Beasley Media Group’s Ft. Myers, Fla., stations raised more than $50,000 for Golisano Children’s Hospital. “I am grateful to everyone who made this event a success,” said AJ Lurie, market manager. “We are proud to partner with Children’s Miracle Network and Golisano Children’s Hospital. Thank you to each person who donated and every sponsor who supported our efforts.”
The 35th annual
“Idaho’s Largest Toy Drive” from Cumulus station Newstalk KBOI in Boise, Idaho, collected more than 34,257 donated toys, more than 200 bicycles and raised $63,336 in cash donations for Toys for Tots in its 12th year. First Sergeant Kaleb Wagy, 4th Marine Division, 4th LAR Battalion Company C, said, “This year’s “Idaho’s Largest Toy Drive” accounted for more than half of the toys collected in this year’s campaign. Because of this effort, Charlie Co., was able to help more than 15,000 kids and families in the Treasure Valley. We are already looking forward to next year!”
The 2023
Hubbard Radio’s The New 100.3 in Chicago collected and delivered thousands of handmade Valentine’s Day Cards for La Rabida Children’s Hospital during the 8th annual Valentine’s Day Cards for Kids campaign. Over the past eight years, The New 100.3 and its listeners have hand-crafted and donated over 85,000 cards. “Our patients love receiving these cards. Knowing that so many people from so many places are thinking about them and sending them love has a real impact on every patient’s healing journey. It’s so touching to know that many people in and around Chicago support La Rabida’s mission,” said Kelly Guglielmi, interim CEO, La Rabida Children’s Hospital.
iHeartMedia New York City’s 106.7 Lite FM raised $1,632,000 for the Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone in its sixth
Every holiday season, Hubbard Broadcasting’s WNYT and My4 in Albany, N.Y., team up with Capital Region Toys for Tots to highlight, raise awareness of, and volunteer for the organization. Toys for Tots collects new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distributes those toys as Christmas gifts to children in need.
iHeartMedia station Country 92-5 in Hartford, Conn., raised $313,555 in its 31st annual
The
iHeart Boston’s 101.7 The Bull raised more than $463,000 during its eighth annual
Cumulus Media station 104.1 KRBE in Houston raised $194,000 for Texas Children’s Hospitals through the second annual Houston’s
Host Chet Buchanan of the Chet Buchanan Show on Audacy Las Vegas’ 98.5 KLUC spent twelve days on a scaffold to raise $802,389 and 42 trucks full of toys for HELP of Southern Nevada. The toy drive achieved a new record in its 25th year collecting toys for Nevada kids.
Audacy Los Angeles station KROQ hosted the 32nd annual
Cumulus Media’s Dallas-Fort Worth stations New Country 96.3 and 99.5 The Wolf raised $1,071,096 for Cook Children’s hospital through the 10th
Gray Television’s WBAY in Green Bay, Wisc., collected thousands of toys via the U.S. Marines
Cumulus Media Indianapolis’ 99.5 WZPL and the Smiley Morning Show raised more than $1 million for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana during its Request-A-Thon. The event has raised more than $13 million over 27 years for local children battling critical illnesses.
The 2023 Children’s Miracle Network Radiothon from Marshfield Children’s Hospital and NRG Media’s Y106.5 in Marshfield, Wisc., brought in a record $263,585. “Events like these are the reason we love doing what we do – you see businesses stepping up, and a huge outpouring of community support to help kids in the area,” Y 106.5 Program Director Big Red said. “It doesn’t get more rewarding than that!”
The 21st annual WGN Morning News Drive-Thru Toy Drive in Chicago invited viewers to drive up and drop off toys at WGN-TV studios as well as Jewel-Osco locations. WGN-TV Family Charities, a McCormick Foundation fund, will match at 50 cents on the dollar. The drive is continuing to collect funds through the end of the year and has already collected thousands of toys.
Beasley Media Group’s 92.5 XTU Philadelphia raised $313,691 during their annual St. Jude Cares for Country Kids Radiothon. The station’s on-air personalities broadcasted live from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. both days to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research. In addition, country artists like Jelly Roll, Sam Hunt, Parker McCollum and Cody Johnson called into the station to share their support and thoughts about what St. Jude Children’s Hospital means to them. XTU has raised over one million dollars for St. Jude over the past four years.
iHeartMedia Honolulu’s 92.3 KSSK raised more than $820,000 during the 17th annual Kapi’olani Radiothon For Kids. Funds benefited Kapi’olani Medical Center for Women & Children, Hawaii’s only children’s hospital. Over the past seventeen years, the radiothon has raised more than $4.5 million for Kapi’olani.
WJBR-FM’s 2023 Help Our Kids Radiothon raised $323,278 to benefit Nemours Children’s Hospital in Wilmington, Delaware. “Another successful Help Our Kids Radiothon on Mix 99.5 FM WJBR Wilmington Delaware for Nemours Children’s Hospital,” said station Program Director and Afternoon Drive Personality Eric Jonhson. “Over the past three years our team, loyal clients and listeners have raised over $1,000,000 for the kids.”
As part of Hearst Television’s Project CommUNITY, WVTM 13 in Birmingham, Ala., highlighted a program from a teacher in John S. Jones Elementary School called “Boys 2 Men.” Male faculty at the school gather monthly to teach students practical life skills. "Since I started teaching, I’ve always had a heart for the boys that don’t have fathers, who need a positive role model,” Matthew Lloyd told the station. “My dad passed away in 2009, and I use the values he passed on to me every day."
Michigan radio station Cars 108, owned by Townsquare Media, raised more than $80,000 for Hurley Children’s Hospital with the “Let’s Make Miracles” radiothon. Money raised will go to meal vouchers, child life items, and more. "This is really to help with those things that are above and beyond general medical care," said Cars 108 morning co-host Lisa Marie. “Every dollar really makes a difference.”
Eastern Iowa’s 98.1 KHAK, owned by Townsquare Media, raised $136,270 in a two-day radiothon to benefit University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. Listeners heard stories from the families touched by the hospital’s work and heard about the care they provide. An annual tradition since 1997, the radiothon has raised more than $3.4 million for the children treated by the hospital and their families.
Atlanta, Ga.’s WSB-TV, owned by Cox Media Group, collected nearly 1,600 backpacks of school supplies to help area children start the school year. The 19th annual Stuff the Bus drive benefited the Children’s Restoration Network, which serves 130 foster care and group homes.
Backyard Dreams, a charity from Mid-West Family Broadcasting’s WAYY Sports Talk 105.1 and The Dan Kasper Show, made a $1,000 donation to a local elementary school in Eau Claire, Wis., for playground equipment. Backyard Dreams is an organization to provide and promote opportunities for anyone to have a chance to play and to help raise awareness for those in need. The station raised donations from listeners and events like the Kasper Classic Golf Outing.
A radiothon from Audacy-owned EL ZOL 107.9 in Washington, D.C. raised $246,720 for St. Jude Children’s Hospital. "This is an incredible undertaking for a radiothon day and in this economy, it is a testament to the response our audience shows to our EL ZOL 107.9 brand and our on-air talent,” said Brand Manager Candy Citron. “We are so blessed to have such an amazing audience that surprises us day after day with their love and support.”
The St. Louis area’s 105.7 The Point, owned by Hubbard Radio, set a new record for the Donny Fandango 28-Hour Radiothon during its 12th annual event. The station raised $68,224 for Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis. On-air personality Donny Fandango broadcast for 28 hours straight, playing listener requests to raise funds.
Bold Gold Media’s 11th Annual Thunder 102 and 104.5 Country Cares for St. Jude Kids Radiothon raised $61,729 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in 2022. Over the years, this event has raised over $600,000. “This type of fundraiser is truly what local radio is all about, connecting the community with an amazing cause,” said Dawn Ciorciari, general manager of Bold Gold Media NY Operations.
Townsquare Media-owned KICKS 105 in Lufkin, Texas, raised more than $113,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during its March 2022 radiothon. This is a record for the station, which has raised almost $2 million for St. Jude during 25 years of radiothons.
Cox Media Group Tulsa stations have kicked off the 2022 Tulsa “St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway” fundraiser. The goal of the campaign is the largest ever: to raise $1.45 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Cromwell Media raised more than $128,000 in its annual St. Jude Radiothon in Mattoon, Ill. Over the years, WMCI in Mattoon has raised more than $1.5 million for St. Jude.
The “B100 (WBYT-FM) St. Jude Radiothon” raised $321,425. The Elkhart, Ind., station’s footprint covers Indiana and Michigan. The fundraising effort included an outreach to schools to collect pennies, leading to two million pennies collected. B100 also featured numerous stories about the good work St. Jude has done over the years. This year’s total was a record for the radiothon, bringing the total amount raised to more than $6.3 million over the years.
Beasley Media Group Detroit’s Praise Network set a new fundraising record of $67,250 during its annual St. Jude Radiothon. The daylong fundraiser at the radio station featured music from St. Jude patients and their families, hourly challenges and inspiration with host Randi’s yearly cohost, Pastor Keenann Knox from Impact Church in Detroit.
94.7 WMAS, Audacy-owned station in Springfield, Mass., raised $226,926.50 in its 21st annual “94.7 WMAS Radiothon for Baystate Children’s Hospital.” Over the course of two days, listeners pledged their support for the hospital. Holding fundraisers for local organizations is one of the many ways broadcasters give back to their communities.
Kingsport, Tenn., -based Holston Valley radio raised $515,000 for Niswonger Children’s Hospital. Stations 98.5 WTFM, 959 The Hog, Classic Hits 1027, and ESPN Tri-Cities took part in the event. The two-day radiothon wrapped up with a special live broadcast with the WTFM morning team of Steve Mann and Lynda Fontaine from the hospital in Johnson City, Tenn. This was the 10th year for the Radiothon which has raised almost $4 million in the Johnson City-Kingsport-Bristol TN/VA market.
The Nexstar Media Charitable Foundation and all of the Nexstar Media Inc. television stations serving the state of West Virginia today announced that the Foundation will donate $25,000 to WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital. The donation is part of the WVU Medicine Children’s Mediathon, a day-long fundraising effort, hosted by WBOY-TV (Clarksburg-Weston, WV), WOWK-TV (Charleston-Huntington, WV), WTRF-TV (Wheeling, WV-Steubenville, Ohio), WVNS-TV (Bluefield-Beckley, West Va.,) and WDVM-TV (Hagerstown, Md.).
WDJX’s 13th annual "Radiothon for Norton Children’s Hospital" raised $102,649 over the course of two days. Listeners donated enough funds to purchase transport wagons, important pediatric medical equipment, NICU diapers and specialty iPads. The radiothon also helped fund end-of-chemo parties and provide each child in the hospital a teddy bear and other child life items.
Saga Communications stations in Charleston, S.C., raised more than $131,000 in a two-day radiothon benefiting The Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital. All funds raised will go toward research, equipment, programs and care at the hospital, where no child is turned away regardless of ability to pay.
The people of Mid-Missouri came together to support the 16th annual 93.9 The Eagle Missouri Credit Union "Miracle for Kids Radiothon" in February. The radiothon raised $230,448 for the MU Health Care Children’s Hospital.
Connoisseur Media’s WFRE-FM in Frederick, Md., raised $481,244 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital with its “Free Country Cares for St. Jude Kids Radiothon” in February.
Cumulus-owned Nash-FM (KHKI) and Classic Rocker (KGGO) in Des Moines set a new fundraising record during their recent “Music Gives to St. Jude Radiothon.” For two days, Nash-FM and Classic Rocker shared St. Jude’s mission and encouraged listeners to pledge support. The community responded with $78,580 in donations.
Press Communications’ WKMK-FM in Monmouth-Ocean, NJ, raised over $133,000 during its annual "Country Cares for St. Jude Kids Radiothon," held in the last week of March. Since its inception in 2013, The Thunder 106 St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Radiothon has raised over $954,000 for the research hospital.
Connoisseur Media’s WFRE-FM Frederick, MD raised an impressive $472,991 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during the annual Free Country Cares For St. Jude Kids Radiothon.
Over the month of February, E.W. Scripps Company’s ABC affiliate KNXV-TV Phoenix is partnering with the Arizona Children’s Association to assist children in the state’s foster care system and the good-hearted people who care for them. Launched on February 1, the program is collecting donations to supply "Just For Me" bags, which provide necessary, comfort and personal care items to children entering foster care, and helps provide a sense of normalcy and comfort during a difficult transition.
iHeartMedia’s
WLTW-FM New York City wrapped up its third annual "Hope for the Holidays" Radiothon on December 17 and raised an astounding $1,222,737 to benefit Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone. The fourteen hour radiothon was broadcast from the iHeartRadio Theater with station personalities
Paul "Cubby" Bryant, Christine Nagy, Helen Little, Rich Kaminski,
Nina Del Rio and Jack Kratoville. The group encouraged listeners to donate in support of the hospital and the children undergoing treatment there.
Alpha Media’s KBAY-FM and KEZR-FM San Jose, Calif., held their annual Holiday Toy Drive on the weekend of December 6 to benefit foster children in Santa Clara County and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).
Bobby Bones and iHeartRadio’s "The Bobby Bones Show" raised $2.25 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during its annual two-day radiothon that took place Dec. 3 and 4. Performances from a star-studded lineup included Chris Stapleton, Dierks Bentley, Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Sam Hunt and more.
Cox Media Group’s WSB-AM Atlanta, syndicated station personality Clark Howard and the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services partnered together to play Santa for more than 8,000 children in the state’s foster care system during the annual "Clarks Christmas Kids" event and toy drive. The station ran a special broadcast with Howard and other personalities on December 3 and 4 to educate and encourage listeners to participate.
Beasley Media Group’s Charlotte cluster raised $85,000 during the 9th Annual "Secret Santa Radiothon" on December 3 to benefit children at Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital.
CUMULUS Media’s Shreveport cluster raised $52,000 for stations’ annual radiothon on December 3 and 4 to benefit Shriners’ Hospital for Children. The KMJJ-FM, KQHN-FM and KRMD-FM radiothon is currently in its second year, and encouraged listeners to donate over the two day period. Children from the hospital
TEGNA’s CBS affiliate KHOU-TV Houston, Texas and the TEGNA Foundation have partnered together to provide a grant to a local non-profit, Comp-U-Dopt, to provide tech equipment to students in need. The station also raised an additional $75,000 during its September 3 “Computers for Kids” telethon.
Saga Communications WKLH-FM Milwaukee raised more than $300,000 to benefit Children’s Wisconsin on December 1 during the newly created 12-hour event, "WKLH Giving Tuesday: A Holiday of Miracles."
Entercom’s WEEI-FM Boston raised more than $1.5 million for The Jimmy Fund and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute during the annual "Jimmy Fund Radiothon" on Giving Tuesday. The radio broadcast ran for 16-hours on December 1.
Midwest Communications’ WCJK-FM Nashville collected 748 bikes during the 10th annual "Bikes or Bust" holiday donation drive on November 20–23. Station employees, including station morning personality Moose, partnered with members of the United States Marine Corps to promote and oversee the donation site for all four days. The collected bikes will be distributed to local children by Toys for Tots during the holiday season.
WWIS Radio in Black River Falls found a way to share Halloween spirit in the community by hosting a drive-thru trick-or-treat event.
The station helped prepare goodie bags for the WWIS Radio and Hansen’s IGA Drive Thru Trick or Treat Event on Halloween.
There were also giveaways including gift certificates and coffee mugs.
Alpha Media’s WHBC-FM/AM Canton, Ohio, raised $186,000 during the annual “AultCare Wish-A-Thon” fundraiser on August 13th and 14th. The collected donations benefit Wishes Can Happen, a local charity that provides support and funding to children with life-threatening illnesses.
In order to maintain safe distancing and involve as many of the “wish families” as possible, the stations opted for a simulcast program that took place over 36 hours and did not require in-person participation from children or families.
Cox Media Group’s WSB-AM/WSBB-FM hosted a two day radio event in late July to raise money for the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The 20th annual event raised more than $1.5 million.
In 20 years, the 95.5 WSB Care-a-Thon has raised more than $26 million to benefit research and family support services at the Aflac Cancer Center.
Binnie Media’s WFNK-FM and WTHT-FM Portland, Me., raised more than $383,000 during the annual 15th annual “Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital Radiothon,” held March 12 - 14. Due to the mounting concern of coronavirus, the stations had to move the event from the hospital to the studio. Station staff also ran every aspect of the radiothon, from broadcast to the phone banks, because no outside volunteers were able to enter the building. Despite challenges, the stations raised a record-breaking total.
Beasley Media Group’s WDMK-FM raised more than $66,000 to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during the “National Urban Radio Cares Radiothon” on March 5. During the event, on-air personality Randi Myles shared stories about children and families assisted by St. Jude.
Entercom’s KALC-FM Denver raised $1.4 million for the Children’s Hospital of Colorado during the 19th annual “Alice Cares for Kids Radiothon,” held February 5 - 6.
Entercom’s WWMX-FM Baltimore raised $1.4 Million in its 31st annual radiothon for Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, held February 20 - 21.
Townsquare Media’s
Cromwell Radio Group’s
NRG Media’s
Cox Media Group’s
iHeartMedia’s WKDD-FM Akron, Ohio, raised $386,000 for Akron Children’s Hospital in a radiothon held February 13 – 14. All funds support patient care. The radiothon has raised nearly $12 million in 21 years.
The Nexstar Media Charitable Foundation donated $190,000 to help victims and communities recover following mass shootings and devastating tornadoes. The Foundation and Nexstar’s CW affiliate KDAF-TV Dallas donated $100,000 to the Dallas Education Foundation to benefit several area schools severely damaged by tornadoes that occurred in the late fall of 2019.
Townsquare Media’s WKXW-FM Trenton, N.J., collected over 7,000 stuffed animals during the month-long “Feel Better Bears” campaign, held November 23 - December 20. The New Jersey State Policeman’s Benevolent Association will distribute the stuffed animals to comfort children in emergency situations.
iHeartMedia’s KOST-FM Los Angeles raised over $320,000 to benefit Children’s Hospital Los Angeles during its fourth annual “Giving Tuesday Radiothon,” held on December 3. The 12-hour radiothon, hosted by on-air personality Ellen K, included support from Jamie Lee Curtis, Jonas Brothers, LA Dodgers player Justin Turner, film director and producer Nigel Lythgoe, and Santa Claus. Over the last four years, KOST-FM has helped to raise over $600,000 to benefit CHLA.
iHeartMedia WLTW-FM New York City raised $519,000 during its second annual “Hope for the Holidays” radiothon on December 19 to benefit Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone.
Cumulus’ Shreveport, LA., cluster distributed toys on December 21 to more than 300 children in need through its first-ever “Christmas Wish Toy Drive.” KRMD-AM, KRMD-FM, KQHN-FM, KVMA-FM and KMJJ-FM’s month-long toy drive culminated in a Christmas party for the children at the Cumulus Shreveport studios.
Scripps-owned NBC-affiliate WPTV West Palm Beach, Fla., held its 35th annual “Bill Brooks’ Food for Families Food Drive” from October 14 - November 22 and yielded 177,160 pounds of food donations. The food donated will help families in need in the local area. WPTV also collected 3,000 toys during a drive held on December 13 to benefit the United Way of Palm Beach County.
Entercom’s New York cluster partnered with WhyHunger on November 26 to raise a record-breaking $285,100 as a part of the 34th annual “Hungerthon” donation drive and auction. The all-day broadcast aired on WFAN-FM/AM, WCBS-AM, WINS-AM, WCBS-FM, WNYL-FM, WNEW-FM and WNSH-FM, as well as on their digital platforms. Auction items included a visit to the Entercom New York, an autographed Bruce Springsteen guitar and a VIP concert experience with Billie Eilish.
Cumulus-owned WXMX-FM and WGKX-FM Memphis raised nearly $800,000 for children’s medical care during two holiday season fundraisers.
Hall Communications’ WKOL-FM Burlington, V.T., raised a record-breaking $203,000 during the 21st annual “Camp Ta-Kum-Ta-Thon” fundraiser held December 9 – 13. The total raised will allow 75 children with cancer to attend a specialized summer camp at no cost to their families.
Entercom’s KALV-FM Phoenix, raised over $116,000 for Valleywise Health Foundation during the station’s inaugural “LIVE 101.5 GIVE-A-THON,” held December 16 - 17.
Hubbard’s WTMX-FM Chicago raised $119,140 during “Holiday Hugs for Kids,” a month-long fundraising campaign for Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital held November 30 - December 20.
Hubbard-owned KSTP-FM Minneapolis held on December 13 its 21st annual “KS95 for Kids” radiothon and raised $774,000 to benefit Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare and Children’s Cancer Research Fund.
Cumulus-owned WWWQ-FM and WKHX-FM Atlanta raised $218,000 for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta in the 5th annual “Making Miracles Radiothon,” held December 12, and the New Country Making Miracles concert on December 14. The stations have raised more than $1 million since the event’s inception.
Univision radio stations in 15 markets raised $4.7 million during this year’s “Promesa y Esperanza” radio event, held December 5 – 6 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Univision encouraged thousands of listeners to become Angels of Hope by donating during the two-day radiothon.
Capitol Broadcasting’s WRAL-FM Raleigh, N.C., raised over $604,000 during the 25th annual radiothon for Duke Children’s Hospital on December 17 - 18. The 25-hour broadcast was hosted by morning personalities Kyle Smelser, Bryan Lord and Sarah King. The annual radiothon is the largest fundraiser of the year for the hospital. WRAL-FM has raised over $18 million for the kids at Duke Children’s over the past 25 years.
Beasley Media Group’s six Southwest Florida radio stations partnered with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation of Lee County to host the 2nd annual Beasley Bike Drive on December 10. WXKB-FM, WJPT-FM, WRKX-FM, WWCN-FM, WRXK-HD2 and WJBX-AM collected 947 bikes and $17,750.
Entercom’s WDOK-FM Cleveland raised $250,000 for University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in a radiothon on December 6. WDOK has raised over $3.1 million since 2012.
Beasley Media Group’s WLLD-FM Tampa, Fla., collected more than 830 bicycles, four full storage containers worth of toys and over $42,900 in cash and gift cards to benefit the Children’s Home Network in Tampa on December 6 – 14. Morning show personality Orlando Davis lived on the toy tower, an outdoor platform elevated 30 feet in the air, for eight consecutive days to encourage donations for the annual drive.
Cumulus’ KSCS-FM Dallas raised $178,000 in its 6th annual “Cook Children’s Radiothon” on December 14. In six years, the event has raised $1.2 million to help the families serviced by Cook Children’s.
Beasley’s WMGC-FM Detroit collected $40,000 in new toys during “Gello’s Big Top Toy Drop,” held December 6 – 13. Morning Personalities Gello and Joanna camped out in a tent for seven days to promote the toy drive. Donated items will be distributed at Lady Jane’s Wicked Awesome Wishes and Ronald McDonald House in Detroit.
iHeartMedia’s KAJA-FM San Antonio raised $547,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during its “Cares for Kids Radiothon,” held December 12 – 14. In 11 years, the radiothon has raised $5.8 million.
Cox Media Group in Houston raised nearly $477,000 during its 16th annual radiothon, held December 12 - 13 to benefit Texas Children’s Hospital.
Cumulus-owned WABC-AM New York City raised $205,000 on December 13 in its “Radiothon for the Kids,” which broadcast live from Cohen Children’s Medical Center. The money raised will go directly to Cohen Children’s Medical Center for patient care, equipment and pediatric research. The money will also support the Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Program, which uses technology, play, art therapy, music therapy and pet therapy to reduce stress for children and their families facing hospitalization and illness.
iHeartMedia’s WRIT-FM Milwaukee raised $252,000 during its Wish-A-Thon, held December 12 - 13 to benefit Make-A-Wish Wisconsin. Over the last 11 years, WRIT’s radiothon has raised over $1.7 million.
Howard University’s WHUR-FM Washington, D.C. collected more than 1,200 toys during its 17th annual Toy Drive, held December 14. The toys were distributed to children by non-profits, including the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center, YMCA of Metropolitan Washington, Shepherd’s Cove Shelter, Bright Beginnings, Sisters4Sisters, and the Prince George’s County Family Justice Center. WHUR added Women’s Wing as a recipient after thieves stole thousands of dollars in toys from the organization’s truck.
Cumulus-owned KJJY-FM Des Moines raised more than $140,000 in the “Two Days of Compassion” radiothon on December 11 and 12. Donations benefit Variety’s Compassion Fund to help alleviate the stress and financial burden a family faces while their child is hospitali
On-air personalzed.
The Beasley Media Group cluster in Charlotte raised over $175,000 from its eighth annual Secret Santa Levine Children’s Hospital Radiothon, held December 5. The event was broadcast live from the hospital.
Sinclair-owned Fox affiliate KSAS-TV and MyTV affiliate KMTW-TV Wichita, Kan., co-sponsored the “Polar Xpress” Child literacy fundraiser for Child Start. The event raised $24,000 for children’s literacy and Child Start, a local early childhood development non-profit. Over 200 people attended the “Polar Xpress” dinner and fundraiser, which featured visits with Santa, a holiday item auction and a book drive. The evening was hosted by KSAS anchor Jasmine Haynes.
Spanish Broadcasting System’s KRZZ-FM San Francisco raised over $490,796 during the 11th annual “La Raza Radiothon” on December 6 and 7 for the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital.
Entercom’s KLOL-FM and Telemundo’s KTMD-TV Houston raised $408,000 to benefit Texas Children’s Hospital during its ninth annual Mega Radiothon, held December 5 – 6. The live broadcast was hosted at KLOL’s studio and televised by KTMD-TV. All funds raised benefit Texas Children’s Hospital.
Connoisseur Media-owned WPLR-FM’s New Haven, Conn., popular morning team, Chaz & AJ, raised over $162,000 in toys and cash for local children’s charities during their annual toy drive on December 6.
iHeartMedia Pittsburgh’s WKST-FM collected 70 school buses worth of new unwrapped toys during the 16th annual Stuff-A-Bus toy drive, held December 2 - 6 to benefit the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. On-air personalities Mikey, Bob, Tall Cathy, and Scottro hosted a live broadcast to encourage listeners to donate toys.
Cumulus Media-owned WZPL-FM Indianapolis raised a record-breaking $839,638 during the station’s 23rd annual "Make-A-Wish Request-A-Thon," held December 5 - 6. The station played listeners’ song requests in exchange for a donation to Make-A-Wish Foundation. Over the last 23 years, WZPL has helped raise more than $7.5 million for Make-A-Wish.
iHeartMedia Charleston, S.C.-area stations WEZL-FM, WSCC-FM and WXLY-FM raised over $176,000 in its 12th annual “Cares for Kids Radiothon” to benefit Medical University of South Carolina Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital. The two-day event, held December 5 - 6, featured on-air personalities and more than 40 inspiring stories from MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital patients and their families.
Beasley Media Group’s WYUU-FM Tampa, Fla., raised a record-setting $174,715 during the 10th Annual “Promesa y Esperanza” Radiothon to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital on December 5-6.
Midwest Communications-owned KELO-FM, KRRO-FM, KTWB-FM and KQSF-FM Sioux Falls, S.D., raised $278,000 during the 14th annual “Children’s Miracle Network Radiothon for Kids,” held December 5 - 6 to benefit Sanford Children’s Hospital. The stations broadcast live for 36 hours from the lobby of the hospital.
iHeartMedia’s Boston-area stations WBWL-FM, WTBU-FM and WRNX-FM raised $531,000 for local communities and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital on December 5-6. The iHeart Country Cares for St. Jude Kids Radiothon was broadcast live on all three stations and featured an in-studio performance by Morgan Evans.
iHeartMedia’s WMIL-FM Milwaukee raised over $238,00 during the annual radio for St. Jude Children’s Hospital, held December 5 - 6. On-air personalities encouraged listeners to donate on-air and online throughout the two-day event. Over the last three years, the station has raised almost $700,000 to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
iHeart Media’s WAVW-FM Port St. Lucie, Fla.,, exceeded last year’s total in the “Country Cares for St. Jude Radiothon,” raising more than $43,000 in an event held December 5 - 6.
Bonneville’s KOSI-FM Denver, Colo., raised $294,043 for the Denver Ronald McDonald House during a live 12-hour broadcast on December 5.
Bonneville’s KOIT-FM San Francisco raised $110,783 to assist children in the Bay Area on Giving Tuesday, December 3. The donations collected during the second 2nd annual “Cares For Kids Radiothon” benefit UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals, part of the Children’s Miracle Network.
Entercom’s WOGL-FM Philadelphia raised $257,000 in the 18th annual “Loves Our Kids Radiothon,” held December 3 - 4. The money benefits Children’s Miracle Network patient care programs at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Hubbard Broadcasting’s KNUC-FM Seattle raised more than $260,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in the station’s Country Cares for St. Jude Kids Radiothon event on December 5 – 6. St. Jude initially challenged the station to raise $250,000, which the station exceeded by $10,000. In addition to the money raised, KNUC secured 667 new pledge partnerships for St. Jude.
About 350 radio stations around the country have raised $25 million in the last year for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, according to
Hearst’s NBC affiliate WBAL-TV Baltimore packed 300 backpacks with the Baltimore Ravens for the “Huddle for 100” community service day on September 23. With members of the team, nearly 40 Hearst employees packaged donations for the Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools. The initiative asks participants to dedicate 100 minutes of community service in celebration of the 100th NFL season.
Alpha Media’s WFL-FM Fredericksburg completed its 11th year of their St. Jude radiothon in March. WFLS listeners raised $135,479 in 2 days.With the help of listeners and sponsors, the station broke its previous fundraising records.
Beth Vickers, Market Manager, said, "It’s a privilege to lead a team of individuals who are passionate about helping others. Alpha Media Fredericksburg broke last year’s record and raised over $135,000.00 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. A special thank you to our community and our listeners who were so generous with donations. Results like this make a difference!"
Alpha Media’s WIBW-FM and KTPK-FM Topeka hosted their annual Country Cares Radiothon on February 14 and 15 in support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Thanks to a strong community of devoted local listeners, the stations raised more than $81,000, a record-braking amount.
Market Manager, Larry Riggins siad “St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has a special place in the hearts of our Alpha Media Topeka staff. We have been raising money for St. Jude since the very first Radiothon in the early ’80s and we’ll continue to do so until childhood cancer no longer exists. Thank you to our dedicated staff and our thousands of loyal listeners without whom this would never be possible.”
NRG Media’s KRNY-FM Kearney, NE raised $301,528 through their radiothon for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, held March 28 and 29. This marks the third consecutive year that over $300,000 has been raised in a radio metro market with only 120,000 people 12+.
Cox Media Group’s KWEN-FM Tulsa raised a record $185,850 during a radiothon, held March 7 - 8 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. KWEN highlighted the stories of St. Jude patients and their families during the live broadcast. Sister station KJSR-FM also broadcast the radiothon and Fox affiliate KOKI personalities helped man the phone bank. In six years, they have raised over $500,000.
Entercom’s WWMX-FM Baltimore raised a record $1.3 million in its 30th annual radiothon, held February 21 – 22 to benefit Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. In 30 years, WWMX has now more than $23 million.
Gray’s NBC affiliate KVLY and CBS affiliate KXJB Fargo, N.D., collected more than 500,000 airline miles for Make-A-Wish North Dakota through its “Wishes in Flight” drive on February 28. The airline miles will help the non-profit grant wishes for children diagnosed with critical illnesses. Seventy-five percent of wishes involve travel for the patient and their immediate family.
Entercom’s KALC-FM Denver raised $1.35 million during the “Alice Cares for Kids Radiothon,” held February 13 - 14 to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network at Children’s Hospital Colorado. In 18 years, KALC has raised more than $24 million.
NRG Media’s KFGE-FM Lincoln, Neb., raised $91,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during its 17th annual radiothon held February 7 – 8. The record-breaking event featured inspiring stories from families who never have to pay to receive pediatric cancer treatment.
Zimmer Radio Group’s KTXY-FM, KSSZ-FM, KCLR-FM and KATI-FM Columbia, Mo., raised $253,000 during the 13th annual “Miracles for Kids” radiothon, held February 21 – 22 for MU Women’s and Children’s Hospital. On-air personalities and staffers shared personal stories and spoke with families and hospital staff to encourage listener donations.
Cumulus Media’s WBWN-FM, WJBC-AM, and WBNQ-FM Bloomington, Ill., raised $103,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during the 11th annual “Country Cares for St. Jude” radiothon on February 14 – 15. “This is a tremendous accomplishment for our community and our stations to beat last year’s figure by more than $7,000. Our community looks forward to this event every year,” said Program Director Dan Westhoff.
Saga Communications-owned KDXY-FM in Jonesboro, Ark., partnered with Gray Television’s ABC/NBC affiliate KAIT-TV to raise over $374,000 for Make-A-Wish on February 15th. Saga’s six-station Jonesboro Radio Group cluster encouraged listeners to donate at any of Saga’s 17 designated outdoor roadblocks, give to a school fundraiser, or call in a pledge during the 13-hour event. KDXY has raised over $6 million for Make-A-Wish over the last 21 years.
Capitol Broadcasting’s WRAL-FM Raleigh raised $402,000 during its 24th annual radiothon for Duke Children’s Hospital, held December 12 - 13. In total, WRAL-FM has raised $18.1 million for the hospital.
Alpha Media’s KUPL-FM Portland, Ore., raised $250,000 during a radiothon for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital on December 7-8. Since 2009, KUPL has raised over $1.2 million for St. Jude.
iHeartMedia Milwaukee’s WMIL-FM raised over $225,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in a radiothon held December 6 – 7. “The FM106.1 team is so full of passion and love for the kids of St. Jude and the listeners respond each year in such a big way,” said Market President Colleen Valkoun.
iHeartMedia’s KGB-FM, KHTS-FM, KIOZ-FM, KLSD-AM, KMYI-FM, KOGO-AM, and KSSX-FM San Diego raised $263,000 for Rady Children’s Hospital in a radiothon held December 12 - 13.
Community Broadcasters’ WHWY-FM Fort Walton Beach, Fla., collected a record 2,000 bicycles for Toys for Tots during its eighth annual “Bikes or Bust,” held November 30 – December 3. Afternoon host Bo Reynolds lived on a 30-foot platform for four days, despite heavy rain, to raise awareness. Four hundred bikes went to the area most impacted by Hurricane Michael.
Cox Media Group’s (CMG) KKBQ-FM, KGLK-FM, KHPT-FM and KTHT-FM Houston raised $625,000 during a radiothon held December 13 – 14 for pediatric cancer research, patient care and education at Texas Children’s Hospital.
Faith Communications’ KSOS-FM Las Vegas and Hope for Prisoners held a Christmas party on December 13 for 50 families with an incarcerated parent, knowing that 70 percent of kids with incarcerated parents end up in a similar situation. Each family had its own living room Christmas experience with dinner, gifts, music, and a live, decorated Christmas tree. The Nevada Department of Corrections ensured that incarcerated parents could surprise their kids.
Entercom’s WLZL-FM Washington, D.C. raised $442,000 on December 7 during its annual Children’s National Radiothon. WLZL has raised more than $4 million for the hospital in 11 years.
Entercom’s KLUC-FM Las Vegas collected $500,000 and filled 37 semi-trucks with toys, including 8,757 bikes during the 20th annual “98.5 KLUC Chet Buchanan Show Toy Drive.” Morning host Chet Buchanan lived on a platform 30 feet high from November 29 - December 10 to raise awareness. On the fifth morning, Nick Carter of the Backstreet Boys dressed as St. Nick for the St. Nick Kissing Booth.
WBWL-FM Boston raised $458,000 in the “Country Cares for St. Jude Kids Radiothon” held December 7-8. The event featured interviews with patients, a call from recording artist Russell Dickerson, and an in-studio performance from Tyler Rich. WBWL has raised over $1 million for St. Jude in three years.
Entercom’s WDOK-FM Cleveland raised $224,000 during its Rainbow Radiothon for University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital on December 7. The event has raised over $4 million in 16 years. “I’m thrilled that we are able to showcase how much our community cares for this worthwhile cause.” said Entercom Cleveland Senior Vice President and Market Manager Tom Herschel.
Alpha Media’s WPBG-FM Peoria, Ill., raised $246,450 during the “Drive for Miracles” held December 6 -7 for the OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois. In 18 years, WPBG has raised more than $4 million dollars for the full-service hospital that treats all children, regardless of their ability to pay.
Entercom’s WZPL-FM Indianapolis raised enough money during its 22nd annual “Request-A-Thon,” held December 6-7 to allow the Make-A-Wish Foundation to grant wishes for 90 children.
Entercom’s KFRG-FM Riverside, Calif., raised $321,000 for Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital in its 17th annual “K-FROGGERS 4 Kids Radiothon” on December 5. In total, KFRG has raised $6.7 million to support hospital room improvements, including new beds and sleeper chairs for parents.
Cumulus-owned WNSH-FM New York raised $154,000 for Children’s Miracle Network during its live “Miracle for the Kids” broadcast on December 14.
Cumuls’ KLIF-FM Dallas morning show host Ed Wallace of the “Wheels with Ed Wallace” raised $46,000 during the 30th annual “KLIF Kids Toy Drive,” held December 1. Bikes, toys and monetary donations from this event benefited Charles Nash Elementary in Fort Worth and the MLK Learning Center in Dallas.
Summit Media’s WQNU-FM Louisville and its “Dingo in the Morning” show collected over 2,500 bikes for the Salvation Army and Toys for Tots during its “Bikes or Bust 2018.” To draw attention to the drive, personalities Dingo and Magic Mike lived on scissor lifts 40 feet in the air from November 15-18, despite freezing temperatures. In three years, WQNU has collected over 6,000 bikes.
E.W. Scripps’ ABC affiliate KNXV-TV teamed up with Earnhardt Auto Centers throughout the month of September for the “Recycle Your Bicycle” campaign, which renovates used bikes to donate them, like-new, to Arizona foster children. During a phone bank held September 26, they collected $22,355 for bike supplies like tubes, tires, new seats and cleaning supplies.
Hubbard’s WTMX-FM Chicago, Ill., raised $1 million during its 19th annual radiothon for the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital. During the week of August 20, on air personalities Eric Ferguson, Melissa McGurren and Whip hosted the five-day “MIX Kids for Lurie Children’s,” which culminated with a live broadcast and check presentation in a garden on the 11th floor of the hospital.
Wheeler Broadcasting’s WSLC-FM Roanoke, Va., raised $136,000.
iHeartMeadia’s KSSK-FM Honolulu raised $289,000.
CBS-owned KTVT-TV Dallas / Ft. Worth raised $200,000 for Children’s Cancer Fund during a “Tug of War” event held August 11. During the event, teams including the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers competed in a friendly match up of east vs. west. Read more about the day of family fun
Entercom’s Greenville, S.C., cluster (WYRD-FM, WTPT-FM, WFBC-FM, WFBC-FM, WROQ-FM, WORD-AM WSPA-AM/FM) raised $238,000.
Alpha Media’s WHBC-AM/FM Canton, Ohio, raised $213,000 in the “Wishes Can Happen” radiothon held August 9 – 10. Families with sick children shared how their lives were touched by granted wishes, such as princess birthday parties, meeting celebrities, shopping sprees, room remodels, backyard swing sets, Disney experiences and trips to New York City, the San Diego Zoo, and Arizona dude ranches. Special tributes were made for children that didn’t survive their illnesses.
Bonneville’s KIRO-FM Seattle won a Murrow award for its story “
Rincon Broadcasting’s KIST-FM and KSPE-FM raised almost $96,000 through their eight annual radiothon, held in mid-July. The event surpassed last year’s total by more than 21 percent. The money raised will help Cottage Children’s Health Center to open their renovated and expanded pediatrics hospital with a state-of-the-art design and equipment.
Entercom’s WLZL-FM Washington D.C. has raised a record-breaking $357,000 for St. Jude Children’s Hospital in a radiothon held July 19. In three years, the station has raised more than $800,000. Acting Program Director Candy Cintron praised the team effort from on-air talent, the promotions department and volunteers who answered phones.
The SuperTalk Mississippi radio network
CBS Television Stations’ KYW-TV Philadelphia held their 12th annual Alex Scott Telethon, a 14-hour on-air benefit for the
Sinclair’s Fox affiliate KSAS-TV and MyNetworkTV affiliate KMTW Wichita helped the Child Advocacy Center of Sedgwick County (CACSC) raise over $31,000 in their annual Golf Tournament, held May 7. The event raised almost $10,000 more than last year. The money funds CACSC’s efforts to care for abused children and to increase public awareness about abuse, neglect, and trafficking.
The Johnjay and Rich #LoveUp Foundation presented 100 graduating eighth-grade foster kids with new Chromebook laptop computers. They partnered with an Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) pilot program geared towards closing the technology and education gap that children in foster care face. Nationally, fewer than 70 percent of foster youth graduate from high school. The students will participate in training on how to use the laptops and in the Phoenix Police Department’s Internet Safety program.
Manship Stations’ ABC affiliate WBRZ-TV Baton Rouge raised $1 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during the “
Raycom Media’s Fox affiliate WXIX-TV Cincinnati raised $875,000 during the “St. Jude Research Hospital Dream Home” giveaway on June 8th. WXIX viewers could purchase a ticket to win a brand-new home. All proceeds went to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Families never pay for their child’s treatment at St. Jude and receive assistance with other expenses. WXIX ran a significant amount of on-air and social media promotion during two day-long “Sell-A-Thons” to encourage sales and tell the stories of children at St. Jude’s. In three years, WXIX has raised more than $2.5 million for St. Jude.
Beasley’s WNKS-FM Charlotte morning show took requests in exchange for donations during the seventh annual “Play Anything Day” marathon on May 23 to benefit the Levine Children’s Hospital. In addition to the marathon broadcast, local restaurant Peculiar Rabbit hosted a special “Play Anything Day Happy Hour,” with a portion of food sales benefiting Levine Children’s Hospital.
Beasley Media Group’s WMMR-FM personality Kathy Romano hosted her 11th annual “
Alpha Media’s KDLO-FM and KSDR-FM Watertown, S.D., raised over $115,000 for Children’s Miracle Network in a radiothon held April 12 - 13. The stations broadcast live each day for 12 hours and received promotional support from sister stations KIXX-FM and KWAT-FM.
In the most populated county in the station’s DMA, 4,500 children under the age of three live below the poverty line. Because state and federal assistance cannot be used to buy diapers, many of these children are forced to stay in the same diaper for days at a time. During the “ABC12 Diaper Drive,” the station reported live during the day’s newscasts and broke into programming to show people bringing donations of money and supplies. One of the station’s news anchors helped start the initiative 10 years ago, and eventually became a co-founder of the Flint Diaper Bank, a non-profit organization with no administrative costs. With the help of the initiative, the Flint Diaper Bank now helps deliver one million diapers to families in need each year.
KTXY’s 2017 Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Radiothon marked the 11th year Zimmer Radio and Marketing Group has partnered with CMN and the Missouri University’s Children’s Hospital. In that time, the station has raised more than 2.3 million dollars to help benefit sick children in mid-Missouri. The 2017 Miracles for Kids Radiothon raised over $250,000, and the initiative has won numerous Corporate Awards from the Missouri Broadcasters Association and is considered one of the top local radiothons by Children’s Miracle Network.
Alpha Media’s KYSM-FM and KEEZ-FM Mankato, Minn., held a two-day radiothon in March for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, raising over $77,000. The stations broadcasted live each day for 12 hours. Sister stations KRBI and KMKO also supported with additional promotional activities.
Univision Radio raised $4.3 million in 14 markets for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during the “Promesa y Esperanza” (Promise and Hope) event, held February 1-2. Thanks to events such as this one, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. Univision’s national event has raised more than $65 million for St. Jude over the years. The on-air push coincided with a social media campaign,
Saga Communications’ KDXY-FM, KEGI-FM and KJBX-FM, and Raycom Media’s ABC and NBC affiliate KAIT-TV Jonesboro, Ark., raised a record $421,000 in the annual “Have-A-Heart Wishathon,” held February 16. In the event’s 20-year history, the stations have raised over $5 million for the Make-A- Wish Foundation, which grants wishes to children with critical illnesses. The average wish costs about $8,000. “We’ve made Make-A-Wish a household word in this region,” said Saga’s Jonesboro President and General Manager Trey Stafford.
Neuhoff Media’s WXAJ-FM, WFMB-FM, and WDZQ-FM Springfield, Ill., raised $182,000 in the “St. Jude Cares for Kids Radiothon,” held February 15 - 16. Neuhoff Media has raised approximately $2 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in the last 30 years. Host John Spalding has participated every year.
Alpha Media’s KLLL-FM Lubbock, Tx., raised $97,000 during the “36 Hours of Miracles” radiothon for Children’s Miracle Network, held February 21 - 22. In 20 years, the station has raised $3.9 million. “I am very blessed to have Sean Dillon and Jeff Scott lead our team for a cause in which we are all extremely committed,” said Market Manager Jay Richardson.
Scripps’ KTTS-FM Springfield Mo.. raised $161,000 during its St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Radiothon held March 1 – 2. During the event, listeners heard stories about how St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital impacts countless local families.
Cenla Broadcasting’s KRRV-FM Alexandria, La., raised $105,000 during its annual “Country Cares for St. Jude Radiothon,” held March 8 - 9.
CBS-owned KYW-TV and CBS-owned CW affiliate WPSG-TV Philadelphia raised over $1 million in their ninth annual “Change the Luck of a Child” live telethon benefitting the local Ronald McDonald House Charities on March 27. The event featured on-air personalities from local CBS stations, including KYW-TV, KYW-AM WOGL-FM, WPHT-AM, WXTU-FM, sports talk WIP-FM, and WTDY-FM. Special guests included Eagles Cheerleaders, plus the 76ers Dunk Team, dancers and mascot Swoop. The event has raised more than $7.4 million since 2010.
Townsquare’s KKLS-FM, KMXC-FM, KIKN-FM, KSOO-AM, KYBB-FM Sioux Falls raised a record $329,000 for Sanford Children’s Hospital in the “Cure Kids Cancer” radiothon, held March 22-23. All proceeds benefit Sanford Children’s Hospital in Sioux Falls.
NBC-owned WCAU-TV and Telemundo’s WWSI-TV Philadelphia hosted a live phone bank on March 1 for families interested in providing foster care. During the two-and-a-half hour phone bank, recruitment experts from Philadelphia’s Department of Human Services and its 25 provider agencies answered questions in English and Spanish. “With nearly 6,000 youth in Philadelphia living in foster care at any given time, NBC10 and Telemundo62 are committed to raising awareness about the need for families to provide loving homes for these children,” said General Manager Ric Harris.
Entercom’s KALC-FM Denver raised $1.3 million for the Children’s Hospital Colorado in its 17tt annual “Alice 105.9 Cares for Kids Radiothon,” held February 8–9. In 17 years, KALC has raised more than $23.25 million to fund research and programs for the Children’s Miracle Network.
Midwest Communications’ WNCY-FM Green Bay raised $315,000 in its annual radiothon for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, held February 8-9. In 21 years, WNCY-FM has raised nearly $5 million
Cumulus’ WMAS-FM Springfield, Mass., raised a record $245,367 in its Children’s Miracle Network Radiothon, March 6 – 7. WMAS has raised over $4.5 million since 2002. All proceeds go to the to benefit Baystate Children’s Hospital.
Holston Valley Broadcasting’s WVEK-FM, WTFM-FM, WRZK-FM and WKPT-FM Johnson City, Tenn., raised $395,000 for the only children’s hospital in the region during their sixth annual Niswonger Children’s Hospital Radiothon, held February 26 - 27. Since its inception six years ago, the radiothon has raised more than $1,400,000.
Alpha Media’s KBRJ-FM Anchorage raised $83,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in its 22nd annual radiothon, held January 25-26. Over the past 22 years Alaskans have contributed over $1.9 million dollars to support life-saving research and care.
Alpha Media’s WCEN-FM Hemlock, Mich. raised $75,303 with the 15th Annual Moose Country Cares for St. Jude Kids Radiothon, held January 25-26. In 15 years, the station has raised over $1 million in the radiothon.
iHeartMedia’s KBKS-FM Seattle raised $817,000 in a radiothon held on December 13. In 15 years, “Bender’s One Big KISS for Seattle Children’s Hospital Radiothon” has raised more than $15.7 million.
“This wouldn’t happen without the amazing Bender and Molly on 106.1 KISS FM,” said Michele Smith of the Seattle Children’s Hospital Foundation board of trustees. “They have such passion for Seattle Children’s and I think it really shows in the way their listeners contribute to the hospital every year.”
Entercom Communications Corp.’s WUSN-FM Chicago partnered with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to host a “Country Cares for St. Jude Kids” two-day radiothon. The event raised $723,106 for treatment and elimination of childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases at St. Jude.
Cumulus’s WNSH-FM New York held it’s “Miracle for the Kids” live broadcast fundraising campaign on December 15. The event raised a total of $113,638 benefitting Children’s Miracle Network hospitals.
Alpha Media’s KWHL-FM Anchorage collaborated with the U.S. Marines to host their 25th Annual “Toys for Tots” toy drive. Broadcasting live for the three-day event on December 13-15, the KWHL-FM on-air team collected thousands of toys and raised over $43,000 for Alaskan children.
Beasley Media Group’s WQYK-FM Tampa, Entercom’s WUSN-FM Chicago and Cumulus Media Inc.’s WIVK-FM Knoxville all partnered with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to host “Country Cares for St. Jude Kids” radiothons, raising funds for the treatment and elimination of childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. WQYK-FM raised $300,620; WUSN-FM raised $723,106; and WIVK-FM raised $307,319.
Cumulus Media Inc.’s WIVK-FM Knoxville raised $307,319 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through their two-day “Country Cares for St. Jude Kids” radiothon. Radio professionals from stations WIVK-FM, WNML-FM and WOKI-FM offered support, answering phones and recording donations throughout the radiothon.
Alpha Media’s KIAQ-FM, KXFT-FM, KTLB-FM, KKEZ-FM, KZLB-FM, KWMT-AM and KVFD-AM Fort Dodge held their “Bikes for Tykes” fundraiser November 28 – December 12. This year’s event collected 523 new bicycles to benefit Operation Christmas Church Women United and Upper Des Moines Opportunity. To date, Bikes for Tykes has collected over 3,500 bicycles for less fortunate children in the Fort Dodge area.
“It’s great to be able to receive so many donations so we can help less fortunate kids in our community have a wonderful Christmas,” said Alpha Media, Fort Dodge Market Manager Steve Grgossweiler. “Our staff worked diligently to get the word out and help raise donations of cash and brand-new bicycles. Once again, Bikes for Tykes was a complete success!”
Hearst’s ABC affiliate WCVB-TV Boston partnered with the Home for Little Wanderers to help holiday wishes come true for thousands of children and families through their “Big Wishes” gift drive, December 14-20. The Home for Little Wanderers makes a positive impact on over 7,000 lives each year through a network of services including behavioral health, therapeutic residential and special education, adoption and foster care. As a 25-year media partner of the Home for Little Wanderers, WCVB-TV held a day-long tel-event and aired a PSA to promote the “Big Wishes” gift drive.
Alpha Media’s KUPL-FM Portland, Ore., raised $207,410 with their fourth annual St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital radiothon on December 7 - 8. Numerous families and kids shared their stories during the live broadcast. “It takes teamwork to bring this event to life and through our collective efforts, we are that much closer to stomping out cancer,” said Content Director MoJoe Roberts.
Alpha Media’s WPBG-FM Peoria, Ill., raised $182,000 in its “Drive for Miracles” radiothon, held December 7 – 8. Morning show personalities Riley and Nancy Flagg broadcast live from the hospital. In 16 years, the event has raised nearly $4 million for the Children’s Hospital of Illinois in Peoria, which serves children regardless of their ability to pay. “Several of our team members have personal experience with the Children’s Hospital of Illinois, so this is a genuine passion for all of us,” said Market Manager Mike Wild.
Tribune Broadcasting Company’s WGN-TV Chicago held their 15th annual “Drive-Thru Toy Drive” on December 8. For the first time, WGN-TV partnered with Chance The Rapper’s youth empowerment charity, SocialWorks. The five-hour fundraising campaign collected a record 37,000 toys for children and families throughout Chicago.
Beasley Media Group’s WMGC-FM Detroit launched its “Bikes for Kids” holiday collection with four live broadcasts on November 20. The station’s morning personalities BIGG, Foolish and Shay asked their listeners to donate new bikes to benefit local children this holiday season. With collections held on December 1, 8, 15 and 16, WMGC-FM was able to provide 130 new bikes to children in the community.
“There is nothing like the generosity and big hearts of the people of Detroit,” said WMGC-FM’s Morning Personality BIGG. “That has inspired us to weave our way into it. Giving a bicycle to kids in need for the holidays is a way we love to do it!”
Alpha Media’s WXMA-FM, WDJZ-FM, WGZB-FM, WMJM-FM and WGHL-FM Louisville, Ky., raised $131,000 during a radiothon for Norton Children’s Hospital November 16 – 17. The radiothon helps the hospital purchase equipment, expand care and develop life-saving research for more than 170,000 children yearly. “Norton Children’s Hospital is an integral part of this community and we are proud to partner with them,” said Market Manager Bill Gentry. “The entire Alpha Media staff once again went above and beyond all expectations and helped deliver some outstanding results.”
Raycom’s CBS affiliate WOIO and MyNetworkTV affiliate WUAB Cleveland partnered with local organizations to benefit thousands of children throughout Northeast Ohio. The seventh annual “Share your Holidays” fundraising event, held December 4-8, raised nearly a ton of non-perishable food items, over 2,000 coats and truckloads of new, unwrapped toys.
iHeartMedia’s WKST-FM Pittsburgh collected enough toys to fill 59 buses during the 14th annual “Stuff A Bus” drive, surpassing last year’s total of 57 buses. The new and unwrapped toys will benefit the U.S. Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots program. KISS’ The Morning Freak Show’s on-air personalities Mikey and Bob, along with Tall Cathy and Scottro, broadcast live. Stuff A Bus received toys from individual listeners and their families, as well as local schools, public safety departments, and neighboring businesses.
Cumulus’s KPLX-FM Dallas raised $230,477 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during a series of events, November 30 - December 3. The station raised $215,000 during the annual “99.5 The Wolf’s Hunt for a Cure, Country Cares for St. Jude Kids® Broadcast,” held November 30 - December 1. On-air personalities shared heart-warming stories about the children and families assisted by St. Jude. KPLX raised an additional $15,000 on December 3, when 10 of today’s biggest country artists participated in the annual “10 Man Jam” acoustic guitar event.
Hearst’s ABC affiliate WCVB-TV Boston joined Spaulding Rehab Hospital and the Four Seasons Boston for the annual “Teddy Bear Tea” this December. Guests were invited to donate a teddy bear to be gifted to local Boston organizations that benefit children in need. Each year, the event collects over 5,000 bears for Boston area children, with over 100,000 bears collected to date. WCVB-TV anchor Emily Riemer helped distribute hundreds of bears to the pediatric patients at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston on December 21.
Community Broadcasters’ WBDR-FM and WOTT-FM Watertown, N.Y., raised $103,000 in a radiothon for Children’s Miracle Network, held November 1 - 2. The funds stay local, supporting services at pediatric and neonatal intensive care units. Since 2001, the stations have raised nearly $2 million. Jim Leven, Community President and CEO, said, “I’m so proud of Lance Hale and Johnny Spezzano, who have been hosting the CMN Radiothon for nearly 20 years, for their tireless help. The north country audience is amazingly generous and help us to fulfill our mission as Community Broadcasters.”
Hubbard Radio’s WIL-FM St. Louis exceeded their goal of collecting 10,000 toys in the “Bikes, Balls and Barbies” drive for the local Salvation Army. The 36-hour toy drive, held December 1 - 2, was broadcast live and on Facebook Live. The entire WIL-FM on-air staff participated and welcomed special guests, including Kim Hudson of Tribune’s Fox affiliate KTVI-TV.
“Hubbard Broadcasting continues to be the platinum standard for live, local talent with an unfaltering dedication to our community,” said Program Director Scott Roddy. “Bud and Broadway and the entire New Country 92.3 Home Team worked tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most: kids! I continue to be humbled by our community’s response and so grateful for our generous followers who made this happen.”
Beasley Media Group’s WPBB-FM Tampa morning personalities Chadd & Kristi held their 17th annual "Toys for Tots Toy Drive" on December 1. The all-day live broadcast encouraged donations, collecting tens of thousands of toys to benefit less fortunate families throughout the Tampa Bay community. “We are so excited to be doing our 17th annual marathon Toys for Tots Toy Drive because it is such an amazing day, knowing that through our listeners’ and partners’ help, we are putting smiles on thousands of kids’ faces right here in Tampa Bay,” said Morning Show Host and Program Director Chadd Thomas.
Raycom’s CBS Affiliate WTOC-TV Savannah partnered with the U.S. Marines for a “Toys for Tots” toy drive. More than doubling the number of toys collected by WTOC-TV last year, they collected over 1,200 toys this year. In total the U.S. Marines collected 29,000 toys, books and stocking stuffers across southeast Georgia and the South Carolina Lowcountry this year to make the holidays a happier time for 23,000 kids.
Beasley Media Group’s WSOC-FM, WNKS-FM, WPEG-FM, WBAV-FM, WBCN-AM and WSPK-FM Charlotte partnered with Hendrick Automotive Group and Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina to fill 1,000 backpacks with eight nutritious, easy to prepare and ready to eat non-perishable meals to benefit local children in need. The groups gathered on November 4 at Coyote Joe’s in Charlotte. Nashville Big Machine Artist Brett Young performed at the event.
The TEGNA Foundation announced that its second round of community grants for 2017 will provide funding to 270 nonprofit organizations across Tegna’s 38 markets. Most grants are between $4,000 - $7,000. The grants foster education, economic development, youth programs, environmental conservation and cultural enrichment. They also support programs that promote and celebrate the diversity. “These grants empower and help well-deserving nonprofit organizations address critical hardships in our local communities, assist those in need and help make a difference in many people’s lives,” said President and CEO Dave Lougee. “We are proud to support these organizations and, alongside our stations, look forward to working with them to serve the greater good of our communities.”
CBS-owned KYW-TV and CBS-owned CW affiliate WPSG-TV Philadelphia raised a record $6.5 million on June 8 during the 11th annual "Alex Scott Telethon" to benefit pediatric cancer research. In 11 years, the event has raised nearly $24 million. The live broadcast included personalities from KYW-TV, CBS Radio’s WOGL-FM, WPHT-AM, KYW-AM, WIP-FM, WXTU-FM and WTDY-FM, coaches from St. Joseph’s University and Temple University, plus mascots from the Philadelphia Phillies, Eagles and 76ers.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital recently sent
Beasley Media Group’s WSOC-FM, WNKS-FM, WKQC-FM, WPEG-FM, WBAV-FM, WBCN-FM Charlotte partnered with the Teen Health Connection to host the Youth to Youth Southern States Conference Extreme Skill Workshop on July 18. Krista Stout and Chele Fassig from Beasley Media Charlotte hosted a session entitled “Social Impact of Local Radio on Youth.” The goal of the all-day workshop was to teach the teens how local radio combined with social media has the unique power to enhance and strengthen community participation and create positive messages to help with cyberbullying, self-esteem.
Manship Stations’ ABC affiliate WBRZ-TV Baton Rouge stuffed four buses with nearly $40,000 worth of school supplies they collected during the 10th annual “Stuff the Bus” campaign, held July 12. The drive benefited many students and teachers, including those still recovering from the 2016 flood.
Legend Communications’ KGWY-FM, Gillette, Wyo.; KZMQ-FM, Cody, Wyo.; and KLGT-FM, Buffalo-Sheridan, Wyo., raised over $100,000 during their annual St. Jude Radiothons. In the past 11 years, the stations have raised more than $1.2 million. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is dedicated to saving lives and finding cures for childhood cancers.
Alpha Media’s KGNC-FM Amarillo raised $60,553 for the Amarillo Area Rotary Youth Baseball League in their 24th annual Charity Golf Classic, held June 5. To date, the Charity Golf Classic has raised $908,000.
Forever Communication’s WBVR-FM Bowling Green, Ky. raised $92,000 in its 25th annual Country Cares for St. Jude Kids radiothon, held January 26-27. In the radiothon’s 24-year history, WBVR has raised more than $2,000,000 to fight childhood cancer.
Scripps’ ABC affiliate KNXV-TV Phoenix raised more than $1 million 15th annual "
Quincy’s NBC affiliate KTTC Rochester, Minn. collected a truck full of gifts for Christmas Anonymous on December 3. Gail Sauter, Vice President of Christmas Anonymous, said that the drive served more than 600 families – with about 1,600 children – this holiday season.
Earls Family Broadcasting’s KOMC-AM/FM and KRZK-FM Branson, Mo. aired a news story about the local Salvation Army being $5,000 short on their goals. A listener heard the story and subsequently visited the Salvation Army thrift store with a check for the needed $5,000.
Sinclair’s CBS affiliate KTVL-TV and Opus Radio’s KCNA-FM, KRVC-FM and KROG-FM Medford, Ore. collected 3,500 holiday toys for children and teenagers in the 9th Annual Community Toy Drive, held November 21 – December 19. This included 15 bicycles and helmets and hundreds of gift cards.
Cumulus Media’s Nashville stations WKDF-FM, WGFX-FM, WQQK-FM, WWTN-FM and WSM-FM brought the community together on December 6 to create a "Toy Field" at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium. The stations collected thousands of gifts during the 9th annual event, benefitting The Salvation Army’s “Forgotten Angel” program, which reached almost 9,000 people.
Univision Houston distributed 1,500 toys to local families and children at the Univision Houston Fiestas Navideñas at PlazAmericas, held December 4. The event included activities, a visit with Santa, a tamale contest, magicians and music. Univision Houston also helped 50 children in the community through the Salvation Army’s “Angel Tree Program.”
Tribune’s CW affiliate WGN-TV Chicago collected 15,000 toys during its 14th annual “The WGN Morning News Drive-Thru Toy Drive” on December 22. The five-hour event featured holiday entertainment, Santa Clause and an appearance by Jennifer and Julia Hudson.
Alpha Media’s KWHL-FM Anchorage raised $36,000 for the United States Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots program. The three-day radiothon was held December 7 – 9.
Gray Television’s CBS affiliate WSAW-TV and WZAW-TV Wausau, Wis., shattered records by raising more than $90,000 in its “Share Your Holidays” drive, held December 2 – 22. The campaign benefits the food pantries at The Salvation Army of Wausau and The Neighbors’ Place. The previous record was $63,432. In 14 years, the campaign has raised more than $500,000.
CBS Radio’s KLUC-FM Las Vegas wrapped their annual
Evangel Ministries WEMI-FM Appleton, Wi. collected more than 2,000 Christmas Care shoe box gifts in the 19th annual ‘Christmas Care’ drive, benefitting 35 local crisis programs and emergency rooms. Shelter staff and hospital emergency room workers watch carefully for patients who are in crisis or lack adequate clothing. A staff member at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Green Bay described one event: “A tall, elderly man who had fallen came in for our help and he ended up staying overnight. He was upset with the thought of spending Christmas in the hospital. There was a Christmas Care gift marked ‘for a tall man’, and we gave that to him. He was tearful - and told us it was the only present he had gotten in years - he was delighted by the gift, and said that this made his Christmas. Thank you!”
Fox-owned WTTG-TV Washington, D.C. and Make-A-Wish
iHeartMedia’s WRIT-FM Milwaukee raised a record $293,500 during its eight annual Make-A-Wish® Radio-A-Thon, held December 1 - 2. Make-A-Wish grants wishes to children diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions. “95.7 BIG FM is proud to share stories of hope, courage, and holiday spirit during our Make-A-Wish Radio-A-Thon,” said Vice President of Programming Brett Andrews.
Alpha Media’s KOYE-FM Frankston, Tx. helped raise $92,000 for the Children’s Miracle Network during its fourth annual two-day radiothon. The radiothon was held October 20-21 and all proceeds were donated to local East Texas families needing medical assistance from the Children’s Miracle Network at Trinity Mother Frances hospitals and clinics. “KOYE has a fantastic staff and caring audience. We are proud that our listeners gave from their hearts in such a big way,” remarked KOYE Sales Manager Corinna Ruiz.
TeleSouth Communication’s WLAU-FM Heidelberg, Miss. raised $225,000 for the Palmer Home for Children on June 2 in the fourth annual SuperTalk Mississippi Radiothon. The radiothon nearly doubled last year’s total of $128,000. The donations keep Palmer House operational and able to provide food, education and counseling for more than 100 children who are currently staying at its two facilities.
Cox Media Group’s WHPT-FM Tampa Bay afternoon host Drew Garabo threw a party on June 4 for children battling cancer. At the event, he presented an iPad to 12 of the kids. The party concluded WHPT’s “Apple a Day” program in May. Morning host Mike Calta also helped raise over $13,000 through his show. “Children should have to worry about what video game they want to play, or how to ace a test, not about fighting for their life. I’m hoping that we can help them keep their mind occupied at such a challenging time,” Garabo said.
Gray’s CBS affiliate KOSA-TV Odessa, TX raised $1.1 million in a telethon held April 23-24 for the Permian Basin Rehabilitation Center. The Center provides a variety of multidisciplinary services to children and adults in the community.
Univision Local Media’s annual "Promesa y Esperanza" (Promise and Hope) radio event, held April 7 – 8, raised $4 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Millions of Hispanic listeners tuned in as Univision Radio raised awareness for St. Jude’s life-saving childhood cancer research and treatment. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food.
Cumulus’ WPRO-AM/FM, WWKX-FM and WWLI-FM Providence, RI raised $436,000 for Hasbro Children’s Hospital in its 11th annual radiothon, held April 7. In the past 11 years, the event has brought in more than $7 million.
Morgan Murphy Media’s CBS affiliate WKBT La Crosse, WI launched
E.W. Scripps’ ABC affiliate WKBW-TV Buffalo raised $1 million in the
Media General’s ABC affiliate WBAY-TV Green Bay raised $1.2 million in the 62nd annual
iHeartMedia’s KRYS-FM Corpus Christi, TX
Midwest Communication’s WBFM-FM Sheboygan, Wis. raised $35,000 for St. Jude in a radiothon held March 10-11. St. Jude continues to be on the cutting edge of research into childhood diseases and also provides families with free, on-site housing while their children battle severe illnesses.
Sinclair’s ABC affiliate WTVC Chattanooga raised $1.2 million in the final
Cumulus’ WMAS-FM Springfield, Mass. raised $343,000 for Baystate Children’s Hospital in the 15th annual radiothon held March 3-5. Watch
Midwest Communications’ Wisconsin stations hosted successful radiothons for St. Jude Children’s Research hospital. WNCY-FM Oshkosh raised a
iHeartMedia’s KCCY-FM Colorado Springs raised more than $101,000 in its 10th annual Country Cares for St. Jude Kids radiothon, held February 25-26. During the two-day broadcast, iHeartMedia Country radio talent Bobby Bones and KCCY on-air personality Brian Taylor shared stories of children and families undergoing care at St. Jude. “This is just one more example of the influence that iHeartMedia and Y96.9 has in Southern Colorado and the great work we get to do every day with the power of radio,” said iHeartMedia Denver President Tim Hager.
Bonneville’s KOIT-FM San Francisco raised $110,783 to assist children in the Bay Area on Giving Tuesday, December 3. The donations collected during the second 2nd annual “Cares For Kids Radiothon” to benefit UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals, part of the Children’s Miracle Network.