Augusta has been tuning in since Thursday morning to the 24th annual iHeartMedia Cares for Kids Radiothon, a fundraiser over the airwaves benefitting Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia.
The radiothon is broadcasted live on 104.3 WBBQ, 96.3 KISS FM and 105.7 The Bull, featuring touching stories from families who have been impacted by the children’s hospital. Locals can also follow along by watching WRDW News 12 26.
These radio stations air their shows directly from the hospital for the event.
Throughout the event, a dedicated group of volunteers are taking donation calls, bringing in money for the hospital. Final donation numbers will be calculated early Saturday afternoon, when the event will come to a close.
Radiothon impact and volunteers
According to hospital Director of Philanthropy Catherine Stewart, the money raised during Radiothon goes toward everything from equipment and research to program support.
She noted that money raised will also go toward summer camps for medically fragile children.
“These are camps that kids otherwise would not get to typically go to because of their medical illness. Those camps are free of charge to them,” said Stewart.
Stewart said that over the course of three-days. the Radiothon would have about 200 volunteers, plus some nurses and patient families.
“Just having this hospital in our backyard means a lot to me because knock on wood, I have not had to use it, but if it’s here, I know first hand just how top notch this facility and the people that are here to provide for our kids are,” said Stewart.
“It means so much to the families to know that they’re getting the support and that they know that the hospital is getting the things they need to continue to provide that top notch care,” she added.
Broadcasting reach
iHeartRadio’s Ivy Elam, market president, said she’s seen the event evolve largely over the past two decades.
“At first it started, it was like three or four of us, like just our staff and three or four hospital members, and it’s just grown and grown,” said Elam.
In a display of generosity, iHeartRadio dedicated 72 hours of ad-free airtime to the cause.
“Everything is dedicated to this children’s hospital and raising money for it because that’s how important it is to us,” said Elam.
She added that the number of donations have grown over time thanks to iHeartRadio’s reach.
“We’re everywhere our listeners are…so we’re getting donations, not just locally but all across the country,” she said.
Ways to give
The Radiothon will continue until Saturday at 1 p.m., and the phone bank can be called for donations at (866) 412-KIDS (5437).
Donations can be made anytime by calling 706-721-4004 or by texting CHOG to 51555.
Donations are also accepted online at caresforkidsradiothon.com
