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Radio fundraiser exceeds expectations
 

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Red Sox centerfielder Johnny Damon hangs with patient Steph Sevigny.

y all measures, it was a huge success: with two days of live radio broadcasts from the Patient Entertainment Center and over 20 on-air patient and family interviews, Children’s first “Mix 98.5 Cares for Kids Radiothon” raised more than $460,000, more than double the event’s original goal. During the 25 hours of live broadcasts on July 25 and 26, callers kept dozens of volunteers busy answering phones and collecting more than 3,500 donations. The Children’s Hospital Trust’s new “Dream Maker” monthly giving program received a boost from the radiothon, as well. Over 1,500 new donors signed up to donate at least $15 per month on an ongoing basis. That’s 500 more members than the Trust expected.

While donations were collected in the PEC, local sports figures visited with patients throughout the hospital. Patients such as Steph Sevigny waited eagerly for a visit from Red Sox centerfielder Johnny Damon, and players from the New England Revolution also lent their support.

Meanwhile, several patients who were listening to the radio at the hospital decided to get involved with the radiothon, volunteering to share their experiences at Children’s with the station’s DJs. “Seeing patients and families volunteer their own time to help that day put a smile on everyone’s face,” said Mary-Ellen Shay, media relations specialist in the Department of Public Affairs. “Being there for the excitement and seeing the patients’ joy made for two of the best days in my time at Children’s.”

Mark Cummings, senior director of Development Operations in the Children’s Hospital Trust, said the event couldn’t have gone any better. “We are so grateful to Mix 98.5 for its wonderful support. The outpouring of callers was just overwhelming and we are thankful to the thousands of listeners who leant their support.”-ZB

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