Topic: Youth-Focused Initiatives
Evan Thompson had a wish very close to the heart of the staff at WGCL-TV in Atlanta, Ga. The child with neuroblastoma wanted his own television show. WGCL lent the use of its studio, and with the help of Make-A-Wish, Thompson’s dream came true. As media sponsor for all local Make-A-Wish events, WGCL has a hand in bringing hope and joy to many young Atlantans. Public service announcements, live remotes, news stories, Web site support and staff participation in Make-A-Wish events are all part of the partnership. The station aids with fundraising by promoting the annual Celebration of Wishes Gala on the air. This past year, anchor Bill Gaines emceed the event, which raised $350,000. During the holiday season, the station participated in the "Stories of Light Wish-A-Thon," a five-day news campaign, which allowed children to tell their wish stories and encouraged viewers to visit the station Web site and donate to the foundation. Money raised goes toward the 400 wishes planned this coming year for local children. "A dedicated and dynamic media partner to Make-A-Wish, WGCL has effectively spread the word about our wish children," said Chandra McLean, communications and marketing manager for Make-A-Wish Foundation of Georgia and Alabama. "We have received numerous emails and phone calls from people in the community who have been motivated to share the power of a wish after tuning in to WGCL and watching children’s dreams become reality."
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