WKLB-FM Raises $2.3 Million for St. Jude

Topic: Youth-Focused Initiatives AUDIO

For 13 years, WKLB-FM in Boston, Mass., has made it clear that "Country Cares for Kids." Each year, the country station produces an annual two-day radiothon to help St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital provide treatment to children suffering from pediatric cancer, pediatric AIDS and other childhood diseases. The $2.3 million raised by WKLB’s "Country Cares for St. Jude Kids" radiothon in the past three years has supported St. Jude in its mission to make sure no child in need of treatment is turned away, regardless of ability to pay. It also has supported research that is shared across the globe and benefits children treated both at St. Jude and in New England. All regular programming is suspended for the event, which the station produces off-site to allow for a special broadcast stage, phone bank and performance stage used for local and national artists. A month-long public service campaign about the hospital and the event leads up to the radiothon. The station also uses its Web site to conduct online auctions to raise additional funds. Items are secured through the music industry and local celebrities. Throughout the year, WKLB personalities are involved with additional fundraising events for St. Jude and are active on the Radio Advisory Board of St. Jude Hospital. In the past 10 years, the station has raised close to $5 million to help ill children receive potentially lifesaving care.

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