Radiothon 2006 raises more than $495,000 for UC Davis Children’s Hospital

The sixth annual Radiothon Sacramento raised more than $495,000 for UC Davis Children's Hospital. Donations will fund the hospital’s research, patient care and education programs and also its life-saving equipment.

Three days of the Children's Miracle Network aired on six Entercom Sacramento radio stations: The Eagle (KSEG 96.9), 98 Rock (KRXQ 98.5), Smooth Jazz (KSSJ 94.7), KWOD (KWOD 106.5), KCTC 1320 AM, and The End (KDND 107.9). In addition to regular programming, the stations featured taped and live segments of patients, families, doctors and nurses connected with UC Davis Children's Hospital, along with appeals for listeners to call and pledge donations. New this year was the 28-hour Rob, Arnie and Dawn-a-thon, which was an enormous success and helped raise awareness about UC Davis Children's Hospital.

The Radiothon is made possible by a collaboration between Entercom and the Children's Miracle Network fund-raising program at UC Davis Children's Hospital. Staff from both organizations plan the event year-round. Kat Maudru, public service director for Entercom Sacramento, said that the Radiothon gives the predominantly entertainment-based radio stations a chance to do something "extremely important to benefit the community."

Sponsors such as Foresters, Wild Bill's Tattoos, Marriott Courtyard, and Elk Grove Auto Mall, as well as local police and firefighters, contributed to the Radiothon with donations and appeals to the community to pledge their support. In the weeks leading up to the Radiothon, community members were encouraged to take part in a supplemental effort called "Coins for Kids" by collecting spare change from co-workers, classmates, families and friends. Coins for Kids raised more than $15,000. Great Clips, as well as Apex Salons, provided a cut-a-thon on-site at the hospital to provide support to the event.

Radiothon donations, combined with money raised by corporate sponsors, such as Northern California Costcos, Wal-Marts and Sam's Clubs, provide year-round funding that supports the Children's Miracle Network at UC Davis Children's Hospital. All funds benefit the sick and injured children treated at UC Davis.

"Radiothon is an amazing partnership that brings communities together to help save lives," said Jacquelyn Kay-Mills, program director for the Children Miracle Network at UC Davis Children's Hospital. "Thanks to everyone who helped make this event possible, and to those who pledged their support.”