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Radiothon supports Children's Hospital
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by Marina Fleming
Public Relations
During a cold week in March, local radio stations and volunteers
provided warmth for the children at MUSC’s Children’s Hospital through
the Cares for Kids Radiothon.
Morning show hosts of WEZL and Y102.5 broadcasted live from the student
library encouraging listeners to call in and pledge money as volunteers
manned the phones. The radiothon is a three-day event to spread
awareness and raise money for the Children’s Hospital.
Amy Gordon, associate director of special events for the Children’s
Hospital Fund, said it’s a chance for listeners to show their support.
“People can either make a one-time donation or sign up to be a Miracle
Maker and pledge to donate $10 a month to help the lives of the
children at MUSC.”
 Volunteers take pledges during the annual Cares for Kids Radiothon.
Previously planned for the end of January, the Radiothon was postponed
because of the tragedy in Haiti. The Radiothon aired during the first
week in March, successfully raising more than $128,000. This total also
includes the more than $27,000 raised from the Children Hospital’s
Change Bandit, a change-collection program.
The Children’s Hospital has hosted the Cares for Kids Radiothon for five years, most recently partnering with WEZL and Y102.5.
“We were lucky enough to partner with the two best radio stations in
the area just over two years ago when we were looking for a new home
for the radiothon,” Gordon said. “The entire staff at Clear Channel has
been a wonderful advocate for the MUSC Children’s Hospital and has
fully embraced our hospital and its mission.”
That is true for the Charleston community as well, with almost $270,000
dollars having been raised during the past two years for the Children’s
Hospital. Gordon said they were especially excited this year after
experiencing such success in 2009. “We were looking forward to this
year’s community response and encouraged all to call in and not only
pledge their support, but share their connection to this wonderful
hospital,” Gordon said.
Another way the community supported the radiothon was by providing
volunteers. While employees and students contributed a large portion of
the volunteer base, help also came from local businesses, grateful
families and College of Charleston students.
In order to generate a sense of camaraderie, the radiothon introduced a
new aspect to the fundraising this year. Throughout one of the drive
time hours, the radiothon had a competition between Clemson and
Carolina fans to see who could raise the most money.
The radiothon proceeds benefit the Children’s Hospital in three ways:
new program development, supplemental grants to the Child Life
department and Social Services, and research funding for the Darby
Children’s Research Institute.
Friday, April 2, 2010
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